BECKY SHER | Hype A journal with retro attraction

We can identify only one possible problem with the impossibly cool Wooly Willy journal: There's a very real chance that you'll be so distracted by the book's cover that you'll never write anything inside.
After all, the journal is a brand-new version of an old favorite -- the toy with the "magnetic personality." Remember? You use a magnetic wand to attract metal shavings and create funny facial hair and wacky hairdos on Willy's smiling face. It was a mega-popular plaything when your parents were kids, and it's making a comeback on journals, desk calendars and key chains. And for good reason -- Wooly Willy is just good, old-fashioned fun.
Pick up the journal (Andrews McMeel Publishing, $14.95) at bookstores or look for other Wooly Willy trinkets online at www.amazon.com or www.fridgedoor.com.
Doggie yoga
Your puppy pal could put you on the path toward inner tranquility. At least, that's the theory behind "Doga: Yoga for Dogs" (Chronicle Books, $14.95). Before you write it off as completely absurd (we admit, we almost did), get a load of the book's kooky concept: Cute "dogis" (yes, that's dog yogis) demonstrate some basic yoga poses by pretty much doing what they do best -- panting, shaking, rolling and basically just being dogs. You're supposed to follow their example as a way to relax. (There are step-by-step instructions and breathing exercises included, so you're not just relying on a bunch of photos of dogs.)
True, it's a little wacky, but the "dogis" are just so darn cute that it's hard to resist this book. Grab Fido and share a moment as you both try to master downward dog. (Give him a treat if he gets close.) Or give "Doga" to the dog- or yoga-lover in your life -- it will spark a smile in just about anyone.
Pick up "Doga" this fall at bookstores, online booksellers or www.chroniclebooks.com.
XBecky Sher writes Hype for Knight Ridder Tribune News Service. You can write to her at bsher@krtinfo.com.