Just a reminder for those fans who haven't already, to go to Build-A-Bear to create a 20th Anniversary Pikachu and dress him in a Poké Ball hoodie while supplies last (includes BAB exclusive trading card). Meanwhile, Target is slowly resetting shelves around town (we've got about a dozen in my city, some are done, others are still struggling to get new merch in/out to sales floor!) and Pokémon Center plush is randomly showing up either near the TCG aisle or on gaming endcaps around the toy department. So far I've seen a varied assortment heavy on Megas and legendaries, a bit different than the selection Toys 'R' Us carried around the holidays. I've spotted two Hoopa forms, Mega Mewtwo form, Pancham, Darkrai, Victini, et al., ranging in price from $9.99-$39.99 depending on size. I've enclosed a picture of the Diancie which I purchased, what a cutie and the colors make me think of Valentine's Day, which is right around the corner if you go by the heavily stocked chocolate aisles at Target. Why is Diancie posing with a pile of koalas? Well, as we all know, most of our beloved Pokémon are based on real life animals (remembering those Pojo 'zine articles!) and it's interesting Pokémon has yet to create a koala Pokémon. Currently, koalas are in big trouble in Australia and The Australian Koala Foundation is working very hard to protect this world beloved Australian icon. Deforestation, automobile accidents and domestic pet attacks plague the koala along with the current drought and resulting bushfires. I think it's important to remember the real life animals that inspire Pokémon and try to preserve their existence for generations to come. You can get cute koala plush via the AKF's website www.savethekoala.com (the foundation is the principal non-profit, non-government funded organization in Australia that supports koala conservation); Lola is directly to Diancie's right and she has the AKF logo on her lower hind paw, while Chewy, holding her joey, is just to the right of Lola--both available on the website! Let's hope Pokémon sees this report and thinks about creating a koala Pokémon and let's not forget all the other endangered animals that need our help when we enjoy playing our Pokémon games!

  
 
Happy 20th, Pikachu! Will you be Buneary's Valentine?
 
Loretta