After a long 4th of July weekend, we’re back with another Weekly Roundup post where we highlight some of the best products on the market. The items listed here all earned a Mom’s Choice Award last week between June 26 and July 2, 2016. It was a huge week and there are so many wonderful products to tell you about! You’ll find some truly excellent toys, baby feeding gear, nursing products, bras, baby carriers, books, apps, and more in the list below! Plus, there are some exciting products below for Harry Potter and Star Wars fans alike!

As our regular visitors already know, every week companies, publishers, developers, and inventors from around the world send us products for evaluation. We pair each product with 5 evaluators and only the best products earn a Mom’s Choice Award. Our evaluators are parents, families, and educators just like you! So they know what you’re looking for in a quality product.

For more information about a product, click the product image or purchase link.

Jet Lee Dragon Warrior
Written by Pamela K Witte; Illustrated by Laurie Tisdale

Born in the year, month, day and hour of the dragon, JET LEE DRAGON WARRIOR, is destined for karate-kicking greatness. Too bad he’s such a loser. Bullied on a daily basis and working in the Wu’s fish shop to earn his allowance, twelve-year-old Jet thinks things can’t get worse. He learns how wrong he is, when a beast-man attacks his mom and vows to take over New York City.
Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Fiction – General

Purchase here

Woven TREK Chimparoo baby carrier

Designed by mothers and health professionnal. An ergonomic baby carrier made with Chimparoo 100% organic cotton woven wrap fabric. It can be worn from birth to early childhood on the front, hip or back. It has a built-in infant seat for the newborn, a head support and a foot straps device to keep the legs in a more comfortable position. It is soft and enveloping like a wrap while providing the ease and safety of a more structured carrier.

Gear & Accessories:
Totes, Diaper Bags & Slings

Purchase here

What Do You Do With a Problem?
Written by Kobi Yamada; Illustrated by Mae Besom

From the same author and illustrator as the #1 nationally best-selling What Do You Do With an Idea? comes a new book to encourage you to look closely at problems and discover the possibilities they can hold.

This is the story of a persistent problem and the child who isn’t so sure what to make of it. The longer the problem is avoided, the bigger it seems to get. But when the child finally musters up the courage to face it, the problem turns out to be something quite different than it appeared.
Children’s Picture Books:
Inspirational / Motivational

Purchase here

The Smart Breastfeeding Meter

Momsense, The Smart Breastfeeding Meter, is a revolutionary wearable device designed to monitor and measure a baby’s milk intake while breastfeeding. The Smart Breastfeeding Meter consists of a user friendly smartphone app and earphone set containing an embedded baby safe sensor for mothers to listen to their baby’s swallowing sounds. The app tracks and reports the nursing patterns overtime and records the baby’s swallowing sounds to share with loved ones.

Apps & Software:
Adults

Purchase here

The QB Mentor: Words of Wisdom from an NFL Veteran for an Injured Quarterback That Can Improve Your Life and Career
Written by Scott Stankavage; Edited by Robert Irvin

Former NFL and college quarterback Scott Stankavage tells a heartwarming story of trusting God while overcoming life’s challenges. When his star quarterback son has to battle back after a potentially career-ending injury, Scott finds the mentor he seeks when reunited with former Broncos teammate, Steve Wilson, a Hall of Fame and college coach of the year.

Fans will love stories about John Elway, Bill Walsh and Roger Staubach. Parents raising sons will be inspired, and all can learn from the mentor’s wisdom about life.

Adult Books:
Inspirational / Motivational

Purchase here

The King of Average
Written by Gary Schwartz; Illustrated by Nicole Armitage

James isn’t the world’s greatest kid, but he’s not the worst, either: He’s average! When he decides to become the most average kid in the entire world, James is transported to another world where he meets Mayor Culpa, a well-dressed talking scapegoat who recruits him to become the new King of Average.
Joined on his quest by a professional Optimist and his grouchy companion, an equally professional Pessimist called Kiljoy, James sets out on a journey of self-discovery that leads him all the way from Lake Inferior to Mount Impossible, the highest peak in the Unattainable Mountains. When he stumbles upon a Shangri-la called Epiphany, James uncovers the secret about who he really is.
Join James on his hilarious, adventure-packed journey to find self-worth in this heartfelt middle grade novel The King of Average by Gary Schwartz.

Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Fantasy, Myths & Legends

Purchase here

THE IMPROBABLE WONDERS OF MOOJIE LITTLEMAN
Written by Robin Gregory; Edited by Editorial Services of Los Angeles; Karen Kibler

Moojie Littleman is not just another orphan with extraterrestrial friends, he is not just a kid who falls into a series of magical, mystical adventures involving love and family and watermelons. He is, above all, the most unlikely and powerful hero ever known.
Multiple award-winning moral allegory, magical realism, and lyrical prose, The Improbable Wonders of Moojie Littleman tells the story of a disabled boy who is sent to St. Isidore’s Fainting Goat Dairy, where determination to “belong” stirs up trouble and leads to a surprising destiny—if only he can survive one last terrifying trial.

Young Adult Books:
Fantasy, Myths & Legends

Purchase here

Sweet Bunny

Sweet Bunny is not only adorable, but also packed full with features that will keep a child entertained all day and into the night!

• Play music through a Hi-Fi speaker.
• Listen to stories with amazing clarity.
• Illuminate bedtime with soft LED Ears.
• Made from virtually indestructible ABS construction.
• Simple and soft buttons make Sweet Bunny easy use.
• USB charging and connectivity make customizing playlists a breeze.
• With the 4 GB of storage, kids can record themselves or add their own content.
• Comes pre-loaded with classic songs and stories.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Toddlers

Purchase here

Star Wars: TIE Fighter Deluxe Book and Model Set
Written by Michael Kogge

This exciting Star Wars deluxe book and wooden model set brings to life one of the Galactic Empire’s most deadliest weapons: the TIE Fighter. The full-color, hardcover book includes everything you need to know about the TIE Fighter, from basic flight and weapons capabilities to pilot training, notable battles, and the wide variety of TIE Fighter models, such as the TIE Interceptor and TIE Bomber. The wooden model is easy to assemble and snaps together to form a dynamic, displayable 3D version of this fan-favorite Star Wars spacecraft.

Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Activities, Crafts & Hobbies ( Includes Puzzles & Games)

Purchase here

Harry Potter: Quidditch Deluxe Book and Model Set
Written by Jodi Revenson

Quidditch is beloved by witches and wizards all over the wizarding world. With this deluxe book and model set, get a behind-the-scenes look at how Quidditch was imagined and brought to life for the Harry Potter films—complete with insights from the actors, filmmaking secrets, and thrilling artwork. This must-have package also includes everything you need to create your own customizable Golden Snitch wood model.

Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Activities, Crafts & Hobbies ( Includes Puzzles & Games)

Purchase here

Shop and Learn Cash Register

Kids love to role play and the Shop and Learn Cash Register gives them the opportunity to play grown up shoppers! Three play modes encourage kids to shop, count, identify food and determine values. This electronic talking register guides children through learning with encouraging words, amusing sounds and fun games. Kids will have a great time scanning food, entering coins, sliding the credit card and opening the cash drawer. Shop and Learn Cash Register will quickly become a favorite! Requires two “AA” batteries (included). Recommended for ages 2+ years.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Toddlers

Purchase here

PTBoard

Do you wish it was easier to keep track of paperwork or school activities and functions? PTBoard is an all-in-one green online solution that saves parents, teachers, and administration time and puts all that they need to know onto one platform. Created by two busy parents, this online bulletin board has features such as announcements, reminders, sales, course registration, volunteer sign-ups, calendars, forms (that you can fill out), discussion & class notes and more in one easy-to-use place!

Online Resources (Websites, eMagazines and Blogs):
Family/Parenting

Purchase here

OlaSprout Baby Spoon

OlaSprout baby spoon is the spoon of choice when introducing solid foods to babies. Our baby spoon is a true reflection of nature. It is fun like a toy, looks like a plant and is great as a teether. It is made of 100% food grade silicone and free of BPA, PVC and phthalate. Whether it is spoon feeding, self-feeding or baby-led weaning, the soft silicone tip will protect babies from bruising their gums. It is an unique infant spoon that is perfect as a training spoon for self-feeding toddlers and perfect gift for any baby showers!

Gear & Accessories:
Feeding

Purchase here

Ocean Depths: A Darkness
Written and illustrated by C. L. Sherman

Southern California girl, Callista discovers love within a whole sub-culture of others, none of them human that are living within the sea as they care for Earth and humanity. Magic, intrigue, and murderous plots collide as humans, ghosts, mermen, river nymphs and witches become embroiled in a traitorous scheme that threatens to drag them all into the mysterious world of the Ocean Depths.

Young Adult Books:
Fantasy, Myths & Legends

Purchase here

Milkies Softies Nursing Pads

The super soft, absorbent, and reusable nursing pad – 3 pairs per box!

Milkies Softies Contoured Nursing Pads have a unique 3-layer design that guards against leaks without adding bulk or puffiness to your bra. A plush natural fiber layer rests lightly against your skin, and wicks moisture away quickly. The inner microfiber layer is ultra-absorbent and the outer layer is microbe and leak resistant. Best of all, Softies are contoured in shape to provide a better and more comfortable fit. Designed by nursing moms for nursing moms, Softies keep breastfeeding moms dry and comfortable.

Personal Use Products (Skin Care, Health Care, etc.):
Babies

Purchase here

Milkies Nipple Nurture Balm

Breastfeeding is the most natural way to nourish your baby but it can lead to sore nipples and discomfort for Mom. For some it may just be uncomfortable, for others it may actually keep them from successfully nursing their baby. This all-natural, organic nipple balm is designed to soothe, protect, and heal sore or cracked nipples.

Recommended by lactation professionals, Milkies Nipple Nurture Balm is safe for both mother and baby. Organic herbal ingredients are combined with natural moisturizers to help provide soothing relief, heal affected areas, and even prevent cracks from reappearing. Milkies Nipple Nurture Balm is lanolin-free, is not tested on animals, and contains no artificial colors, preservatives or animal products. Milkies Nipple Nurture Balm alleviates the discomfort often associated with breastfeeding so it can be a joyous and special time for you to connect with your baby.

Personal Use Products (Skin Care, Health Care, etc.):
Babies

Purchase here

Milkies Milk Tray

Let’s face it – pumping and storing breast milk takes effort. It is a labor of love, of course, but hard work nonetheless. But, if pumping and storing your breast milk helps you reach your breastfeeding goals and allows your child to have your breast milk for as long as possible, it is worth every bit of effort, right? Milk Trays, a breast milk freezing system, can help to make this chore easier. At first glance, Milk Trays look similar to typical ice cube trays. But, take a closer look and you will see that Milk Trays are much, much more. Unlike ice cube trays, Milk Trays are specifically designed for expressed milk. Most importantly, Milk Trays are made from PET plastic, a food-safe plastic that contains no bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, or dyes. Milk Trays freeze your milk in 1-ounce “Milk Sticks” that fit through ALL bottle openings and allow you to thaw just the right amount of milk for each feeding – so that not a drop of your “liquid gold” goes to waste. Milk Trays have fitted lids that protect your milk while it freezes and allow for space-saving stacking in the freezer, and the trays are flexible enough to allow the Milk Sticks to be removed easily. And, last but not least, Milk Trays are reusable – making them the most economical and environmentally-friendly choice for freezing your breast milk.

Personal Use Products (Skin Care, Health Care, etc.):
Babies

Purchase here

Milkies Breast Pad Ever

The Breast Pad Ever represents an entirely new concept in nursing pads, providing you with unrivaled leak protection, maximum comfort, ultimate convenience, and perhaps most surprising – flattering lift and support.

Unlike some of the thinner reusable nursing pads available that only absorb a tiny amount of breast milk before becoming saturated, the Breast Pad Ever is thick and sturdy, providing you with the ultimate in protection for even your leakiest moments. The Breast Pad Ever has a contoured design, and is thickest at the bottom where most of your leaked milk will pool, thereby providing maximum absorption, as well as some gentle support and lift. It has three layers – a spongy, absorbent inner core; a thin, durable waterproof outer layer; and a smooth bamboo rayon layer that touches your skin. And if you are out and about when your Breast Pad Ever nursing pads finally become full – no problem! Just remove the pads from your bra, squeeze them out, and then slip them back into your bra. The pads will continue to absorb milk and you won’t need to carry around extra pads or worry about leaking on to your clothes. And, when you get home, you can hand wash and air dry your pads, or throw them in the machine washer and dryer. Who says great leak protection can’t be comfortable, convenient, supportive, AND provide subtle lift?

Personal Use Products (Skin Care, Health Care, etc.):
Babies

Purchase here

Maggie The One-Eyed Peregrine Falcon: A True Story of Rescue and Rehabilitation
Written by Christie Gove-Berg

Maggie the One-Eyed Peregrine Falcon is a true story told in collaboration with the Wildlife Center of Virginia, an animal hospital that supplied photographs of the actual bird.

Maggie has just learned to fly when she crashes into the side of a building. She falls to the ground, alone and injured. Who will help her? This true story explains how wildlife hospitals rescue and treat injured animals. Their goal is to release the animals back into the wild. Sometimes, this isn’t possible—but there can still be a happy ending. Maggie’s story is just such a success, and she is now an educational bird at the Wildlife Center of Virginia.

Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Non-Fiction – General

Purchase here

Lingokids

Lingokids is the most effective English learning course for kids aged 2-6 – now featuring content from Oxford University Press.
Encourage and help your child get on the fast track to literacy!
KEY FEATURES
– Includes content from Oxford University Press
– Designed by teachers and experts in language learning.
– Offline mode to learn on the go!
– No prior English knowledge is necessary :)
– Weekly reports for parents.
– More than 3,000 words to learn!
– 100% Kid’s Safe: **Following COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection) regulations
– Designed specifically for preschoolers and young children (2 to 6 years old.)
– Adaptive learning system adjusts the level of difficulty, creating personalized lessons and a unique learning experience for each child.

SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT
It’s scientifically proven that a child’s brain is especially apt to learn different languages before a cognitive process called “neuronal pruning” begins in later childhood. The more a child is exposed to various languages, the more easily they can become bilingual. With our platform children learn without realizing it, thanks to our playful and fun approach.

Recent studies show that with Lingokids, children learn twice as much vocabulary than with the traditional method used in languages classes (and have more fun, too!)

Apps & Software:
Preschoolers

Purchase here

Kadho English – Language Immersion for Children

Kadho English is a program developed by a team of scientists, educators, and language learning experts to help children build the foundation of English. The intent of this program is to build the English sound structures and connections that are needed to fully hear and produce all 30+ million English words. The software was developed as both an independent self-study program as well as classroom supplement. The software was tested to address a key need in China; the correct auditory developed of correct English sounds for children without access to a fully immersive native English environment. This has great benefit for non-native English teachers, who are fully capable of teaching English with the only limitation of not being able to produce native speech.
Educational Products:
Preschoolers

Purchase here

In the Line of Fire: Raising Kids in a Violent World
Written by Jan Arnow
Foreword by Maryum Ali

What can we do to provide a safer, saner world for our kids?
Our children are growing up in a violent world, filled with bullying, school shootings, hate crimes, bloody TV shows and video games, and domestic violence.

In the Line of Fire: Raising Kids in a Violent World includes sobering statistics, anecdotes, and stories that paint a clear picture of the violent world in which we now live.

Every day in the United States:
• Four children are killed by abuse or neglect
• Seven children or teenagers are killed by firearms
• 187 children are arrested for violent crimes
• 1,837 children are identified as abused or neglected, and
• 2,857 high school students drop out
But beyond just portraying the violence, this eye-opening and well-researched book also offers more than 400 commonsense solutions and action steps to stop it, including strategies for law enforcement, school administrators, counselors, psychologists, churches, parents, and others.

For every person who has imagined living in a peaceful world free from hatred, bigotry, bullying, violence, and all other dysfunctional social ills that ruin communities and nations, In the Line of Fire: Raising Kids in a Violent World is an essential and meaningful guide.

Adult Books:
Parenting – Contemporary Families

Purchase here

Fabulous Faith in Meet My Worry Monster
Written by Melissa Webster; Illustrated by Lili Lapellegrina; Edited by Sarah at Sleeping Cat Books

Faith has a worry monster she named Stan and he tries to keep her from having fun at school. Faith realizes she has a super power in her that can defeat Stan. Its the power to control her own thoughts and its in the form of a sparkly kitty cat. Stan is not happy about this super power and he tries to overcome but in the end Faith wins.

Children’s Picture Books:
Inspirational / Motivational

Purchase here

Buckleitner’s Guide to Using Tablets with Young Children
Written by Warren Buckleitner, PhD; Edited by Terrey Hatcher

Children’s technology guru Warren Buckleitner offers educators and families his expert advice in this valuable guide to making smart choices about technology and young children. Buckleitner’s Guide to Using Tablets with Young Children simplifies the shopping process, describes which apps are age appropriate, clarifies how to find educational apps on particular subjects, such as cars, geography, and music, and illustrates how the technology can be used in classroom settings. By reading this practical book, you’ll get answers to some important questions:

– Which features should I consider when buying a device for children?
– What is the best way to protect a tablet against a drop on the floor?
– What are the best apps to help a child become a reader, scientist, or artist?
– How do I protect children against inappropriate content and ads?
– How can I keep children engaged in developing digital skills?

Whether at home, in care environments, or at school, using digital tablets with interactive apps can open children’s minds to their own capabilities and worlds of fun!

Adult Books:
Parenting – General

Purchase here

Breaking The Silence
Written by Diamante Lavendar; Edited by Brittiany Koren of Written Dreams

Joan Eastman was born like any other girl. However her life would prove to be a life of great pain… Growing up, she was treated differently by family members, powerless to defend herself against their sexual and psychological abuse. Feeling she had been dealt a wicked hand by the “powers that be,” she spiraled into substance abuse and troubled relationships. She became a victim of addiction and self-hatred. Not giving up, she becomes aware of a greater spiritual being that protects her and she begins to heal. Then she finds herself pregnant. She learns to understand nothing is hopeless; that with a changed view and self discovery, there is real hope in every situation, no matter how difficult. As she and her husband look forward to the birth of their child, she writes in her diary as a way of expelling all of the evil memories. On bed rest for the duration of her pregnancy, she endures tests and tribulations that at first she couldn’t begin to understand. But no matter how high the hurdles in Joan’s life are, she doesn’t look back, and pulls the pieces of her life together…for herself and her unborn child. This inspirational story speaks of Joan’s gradual self acceptance and healing of her body, mind and spirit. It speaks of the possibilities of the future and the fulfillment of the dream of love and family. And it speaks of jumping the hurdles in life without looking back, no matter how high those hurdles may be.

Adult Books:
Inspirational / Motivational

Purchase here

Body Silk Seamless Yoga Nursing Bra

The Body Silk Seamless Yoga Nursing Bra is over-the-top comfy from yoga mat to play mat, perfect for moms’ everyday active lifestyle. It’s ideal for low impact activities – yoga, Pilates, walking, keeping up with baby or simply to wear as an everyday bra.

– Silver Breeze™ technology prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria, keeping your bra fresh and odor-free
– Must-have criss-cross straps and cool sporty heather look
– Luxuriously soft, seamless and wire-free for added comfort
– 4-way stretch fabric that molds to your changing shape, great for pregnancy or nursing
– Removable foam inserts provide full nipple coverage for a smooth look under clothing
– Certified in accordance with OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, which means it has been tested and verified as free from harmful levels of more than 300 substances

Gear & Accessories:
Feeding

Purchase here

Banish Boredom: Activities to Do with Kids That You’ll Actually Enjoy
Written by Rebecca Green; Illustrated by n/a; Edited by Terrey Hatcher

Based on her popular blog, Not-So-SAHM , Rebecca Green takes readers on an inspiring journey using beautiful color photos that she took of her children doing activities she describes in the book. Taking a lighthearted approach to the serious business of parenting, Banish Boredom helps parents find activities that they enjoy, while their children learn and have fun. Green suggests ways for parents to maintain their own identities and pursue their own interests while raising children who are creative, confident, and independent thinkers. Although it offers valuable tips to parents, this book is not a parenting book. Rather, it’s a source of inspiration and new ideas for parents who are looking for fun and educational activities that they can do with their kids, but that are also fun and interesting for the parents themselves. The book emphasizes adapting activities to suit the particular interests of each child, while also taking into account the personality of the parent.

Adult Books:
Parenting – General

Purchase here

3-in- 1 potty

The Ubbi 3-in- 1 potty combines functionality and design providing parents with the convenience of a single product throughout all the phases of potty training and beyond: 1) potty 2) toilet trainer 3) step stool. The potty has a built-in splashguard and a deep inner bowl that is easy to clean and remove. Ergonomically designed for comfort, the toilet trainer has integrated handles for an added sense of stability and security with a non-skid edge that is contoured to safely hold the child in place when on the potty or on the toilet. The potty rests on a colorful and contemporary bottom that keeps firmly on the floor without sliding around, converting into a practical stand-alone step stool.

Miscellaneous:

Purchase here