It’s time for another Weekly Roundup post where we share some of our favorite family-friendly products on the market! We’ve got a big list to share this week including several children’s books, an app, safety gear, two parenting card decks and more!

The products that you see listed below all won a Mom’s Choice Award last week! For more information about a product, click the product image or purchase link.

Hopefully you’ll find some great holiday gift ideas here. Still need more ideas? That’s why we put together our Holiday Showcase! Visit the showcase to view our suggestions by category and age group.

Tummy Shield

The Tummy Shield™ is a pregnancy seat belt that not only makes driving during pregnancy more comfortable for expecting moms but also protects baby in the event of a crash by safely redirecting the seat belt away from the pregnant belly.

Gear & Accessories:
Miscellaneous

Purchase here

The Magic in Clouds
Written by Joan Scala; Illustrated by Max Hergenrother

Have you seen the magic clouds can do? The Magic in Clouds is a unique new addition to children’s books. The book utilizes actual untouched photos of clouds that have morphed and formed into a myriad of recognizable shapes in combination with whimsical illustrations and engaging, lyrical verse. It is intended to fire children’s imagination by opening their minds to the limitless possibilities nature, here in the form of clouds, can provide. The Magic in Clouds transports the reader to a seemingly endless variety of locales in search of new magic being created by the clouds. As the book progresses, children encounter various shapes in the sky formed by the clouds. Some images use untouched cloud photos shot by Ms. Scala, and other clouds have been illustrated to match shapes on the ground below. From a city block to the North Pole to the jungles of Africa, see if you can discover what the clouds have formed in the sky as you let your imagination soar among and with the clouds. The child can take the book outside to uncover new magic and continue to play it with family, friends, or by themselves, anywhere clouds are found gathering. It is great fun to discover your very own Magic in the Clouds.

Children’s Picture Books:
Imagine It!

Purchase here

The Freckle Fairy: Book and Audio CD
Written by Bobbie Hinman; Illustrated by Mark Wayne Adams

The Freckle Fairy is a whimsical little fairy who flies through the sky at night, visiting children while they sleep. She gives each child a kiss or two, or maybe more. Wherever she kisses them a freckle magically appears. This is the fifth in Bobbie Hinman’s series of fairy books. These captivating books were created to give children pure enjoyment and allow them to believe in make-believe. After all, who better to blame it on than a fairy?

This book includes an audio CD of the story narrated by the author. Also featured is an original fairy song. Children will delight in listening to this story and song about the enchanting Freckle Fairy. The tinkling sound of the bell lets children know when it is time to turn the page.

Children’s Picture Books:
Fantasy, Myths & Legends

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Piccadilly and the Waltzing Wind
Written by Lisa Anne Novelline; Illustrated by Nicola Hwang; Edited by Amy Betz

In Piccadilly and the Waltzing Wind (ages 4-8), the second installment in the Piccadilly series, Piccadilly seeks to answer the question: “May one dance with the wind?” Readers are invited to soar with Piccadilly, friends, and the mischievous autumn breeze through an irresistible journey of what may be, then spiral back to the extra special magic awaiting Piccadilly in her own backyard.

The Piccadilly universe is one wherein children can imagine possibilities, experiment with ideas, and dream solutions as rich and diverse as they are. The first installment in this series is Piccadilly and the Fairy Polka.

Children’s Picture Books:
Imagine It!

Purchase here

Onelink by First Alert Environment Monitor

The Onelink by First Alert Environment Monitor features advanced sensing technologies that detect low-level carbon monoxide (CO), which typical CO alarms can’t detect, as well as built-in temperature and humidity sensors. Low-level CO can be a health hazard, especially for infants, children and pregnant women, causing headaches, vomiting, heart issues and more, while unregulated humidity can exacerbate children’s respiratory issues. The micro-designed, Apple HomeKit-enabled Environment Monitor delivers information on indoor atmospheric conditions and emergency notifications via users’ devices, helping them better ensure healthy air quality at home.
Gear & Accessories:
Safety

Purchase here

KidloLand

KidloLand is an app where learning is total play and fun. In KidloLand app, kids (0-5 years) will learn their nursery rhymes, first words, animals, shapes, colors, ABCs, numbers, fruits, vegetables, vehicles and a lot more with hundreds of songs, stories, games and activities. KidloLand is more fun, interactive and educational compared to just watching videos. Here, kids can interact with the characters and things on screen and make thousands of surprises come alive. KidloLand has been recommended by 260+ Mom Bloggers.

Apps & Software:
Toddlers

Purchase here

If It Does Not Grow Say No: Eatable Activities for Kids
Written by Kerry Alison Wekelo; Edited by Starla King

If It Does Not Grow – Just Say No Eatable Activities for Kids Book was created for children of all ages to discover how much fun they can have with fruits and vegetables. They will be entertained for hours as they:

• draw and write about their favorite foods

• learn why fruits and vegetables are so awesome

• try easy recipes for fun foods

• see how brave they are about trying new fruits and veggies

• make food art

• and more!

Whether they ask a friend to join them, or do activities on their own, kids will have a blast on this food adventure. Get your fruits and veggies ready; they’re about to become very popular!

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

Purchase here

Hang In There Parenting Cards: On-the-Guides for Raising Toddlers

From breastfeeding to meltdowns to potty training, parenthood finally comes with instructions via pediatrician & school psychologist tested tips!

After absorbing information on how to raise a baby, you suddenly realize your baby has become a toddler?!  But where’s the instruction manual now for every day toddler uh-ohs?

A brilliant concept from Dr. Gina and Dr. Pat (who admirably raised their own five children!) is a palm-sized deck of cards aptly called Hang in There. They understand what you’re going through, and have developed a range of thoughtful parenting resources, in the form of on-the-go card decks.

Their handy decks cover dozens of must-know topics, such as meltdowns & temper tantrums, breastfeeding, newborn development, sleep, CPR & choking, and much more!

No matter the hour, these portable cards are loaded with well-tested tips, because who has time to read a parenting book during a temper tantrum?

Educational Products:
Adults

Purchase here

Hang In There Parenting Cards: On-the-Guides for Raising Infants & Newborns

This is similar to the deck above but this one is catered towards parents of infants & newborns! It’s full of wonderful parenting tips, tricks, and advice.

Educational Products:
Adults

Purchase here

Freeda The Frog Gets A Divorce
Written by Nadine Haruni; Illustrated by Tina Modugno; Edited by Mascot Books

Freeda and her family are about to go through a difficult time. Follow along and learn how Freeda, Fred, Frannie, and Frank cope with the subject of divorce and learn that they’re not alone. Divorces can be scary and confusing, but Freeda’s story helps make the subject more approachable for families of all species.

Children’s Picture Books:
Family Life

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Every Ornament Has its Place
Written by Vincent Verrico; Illustrated by Marcus Williams; Edited by Kelly Nightingale

Every Ornament Has it’s Place tells the story of a young boy, Matt, that cannot find his favorite ornament just as his family begins to decorate the Christmas tree on Thanksgiving night. Follow the story as Matt’s family, including their dogs, join in the hunt to uncover the whereabouts of his favorite “mouse in a rocket ship” ornament. Children will enjoy the special help Matt gets in searching for his favorite ornament during this special family Christmas tradition. With wonderful holiday lessons embedded throughout, you can expect this book to be a holiday hit with you and yours for years to come!

Children’s Picture Books:
Seasonal, Holidays & Festivals

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Dear Marguerite and Me
Written by Carol Bland Dolson; Illustrated by Elaine Hearn Rabon

Dear Marguerite and Me celebrates both the should-probably-be-revived art of letter writing – yes, pen and stationery used for a communication process – and the special connection that can exist between people and their extended-family members. In this new offering by award-winning children’s-book author Carol Bland Dolson, we watch a little girl and her aunt plan a trip together. They make their plan through a series of letters, written in verse. As is not uncommon with this sort of communication, the letters ultimately reveal the characters’ personalities and, due to the subject matter, they also take us to exotic places. From Kokomo and Kalamazoo to Singapore and Serengeti, the people and places of the world take center stage. At the same time, the full-color illustrations by Elaine Hearn Rabon also give the reader a firm and pleasant grounding in the child’s surroundings, even as she and her aunt dream up their itinerary. An excellent read-together book for parents and children as well as an early read-alone book, it might also make the perfect gift for an extended-family member. Who knows? It could be the beginning of an enjoyable correspondence – or a grand world tour.

Children’s Picture Books:
Peoples, Places & Cultures

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Colors of the Sun and Moon: Colores del Sol y de La Luna
Written by Talia Aikens-Nunez; Illustrated by Amy Caringella; Edited by Jennifer L Myers

An inquisitive young girl questions her grandmother about the science behind the colors of the sun and moon. With a forward by Spencer Christian. Colors of the Sun and Moon is the second book from the new multicultural, multilingual children’s press, SundanceKid Press. The mission of SundanceKid Press is to promote cultural, ethnic/racial and linguistic diversity in children’s literature. Each page includes the English text along with the Spanish translation. A free audio recording is available for download on the SundanceKid Press website and the audio CD is included with the purchase.

Children’s Picture Books:
Science & Technology

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Circuit Scribe Maker Kit

The Circuit Scribe Maker kit is a fun and educational toy that teaches anyone about circuitry. The makers use an innovative, silver based ink that conducts electricity on paper. The ink is also particle free and non-toxic which is why it is ideal for kids. When the pen is paired with the shock-proof magnetic modules & included steel sheet kids can learn about lighting LEDs, powering up the electricity through transistors and more by working through the engaging workbook.

Educational Products:
Ages 9 to 12

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Bowl and Straw

Bowl and Straw is a unique, patented design that makes it easier and more fun for kids to drink/eat soup or cereal. Bonus snack insert transforms bowl into on the go snack older. BPA, Phthalates and PVC free.

Gear & Accessories:
Feeding

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Apollo the Misguided Missile
Written by G. W. Wilkinds; Illustrated by Michelle Rich Williams

Apollo the Misguided Missile offers young readers ideas and tools for communication, problem-solving and non-violent conflict resolution, even with the most unlikely of opponents.  Bullying among children is on the rise and it is more important than ever for parents and teachers to provide children with tools for dealing with this increasing problem. Apollo the Misguided Missile demonstrates the power of using group discussion for problem-solving, the value of listening to every group member and the effectiveness of using communication to engender a shared perspective and craft a solution, no matter how unlikely the outcome might seem. More than a fun and fascinating children’s tale, Apollo the Misguided Missile is a story that teaches its young readers that the largest and most overwhelming of problems can have a surprising and positive ending.

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

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Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day!
Written by Alysson Foti Bourque; Illustrated by Chiara Civati

When Alycat’s daydreaming causes her to miss out on Dessert Day at school, she will need to rely on her imagination to satisfy her sweet tooth! With the help of her best friend Spotty, she discovers that trying new things can lead to fun adventures and tasty inventions!

The Alycat series encourages readers to celebrate the joy, innocence, and fearlessness of being a kid, while learning a valuable lesson in the end. Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day is the first book of the Alycat Series.

Children’s Picture Books:
Imagine It!

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Alana Banana

Explore, Play and Learn with Alana Banana in this fun musical app for young kids.

Welcome to a magical island of music, dance and fun – This is the official app for The Alana Banana Show!

The Alana Banana Show features themes children can learn from and relate to in an engaging and educational way. Designed for kids ages 2 to 5, this musically-themed app will whisk them away to an island full of imagination and creativity through original music, videos, interactive games and a super fun keyboard!
Apps & Software:
Preschoolers

Purchase here