This week’s Roundup of Mom’s Choice Award winners is extra special because it features an entire month of award-winners! There’s tons of award-winning, family-friendly products and services for everyone ranging from toys, adult and children’s books and items for new moms! This might be our biggest one yet, so be sure to scroll through the entire list so you don’t miss any of our new award-winners! All the items you see below won a Mom’s Choice Award during November 4, 2018 to December 1, 2018.
Every week companies, inventors, and publishers from around the world send us their products for evaluation. Only the best earn our designation.
Whack & Learn Mole
An interactive and educational light-up toy for the little one. Stimulate your child to a whole new way of developing hand and eye co-ordination skills with a simple whack to learn about the alphabet, numbers, colors, and play lovely songs and music!
Educational Products:
Toddlers
Tripi Visits France: The Amazing Adventures of Tripi The Fly
Written by Lori London; Illustrated by Heather Bonnstetter; Edited by Jim Riley
Tripi Visits France is an exceptionally inspirational tale that will ignite the imagination of young readers everywhere! Written in a unique rhyming style and including important lessons about remaining positive in the face of challenges, embracing your differences, and never giving up on your dreams, it’s destined to become one of your book lovers favorites!
This is a delightful story about a fly who can’t fly, but who longs for adventure! Tripi is unique in his ability to look at the bright side of things. He doesn’t let his flightless condition get him down. Tripi is different and special you see; he can talk, read, and write — he can even dance and sing! In the first installment Tripi Takes Flight, he meets The Great Book at the library.
Children’s Picture Books:
Imagine It!
The Grouchy Mom
Written by Rebecca Ventre; Illustrated by Darya Shchegoleva; Edited by Kat Penna
In this sweet short story, a little girl is having an extra grouchy day… but, she’s convinced her mom is the one with the attitude! Enjoy this lovable, completely relatable tale of a “Grouchy Mom” just trying to hold it all together!
Children’s Picture Books:
Imagine It!
Skittely Scat Halloween Cat
Written by Rachelle Wilfong; Illustrated by Ashley Teets
A cat named Halloween is not happy with his Halloween job of scaring people. He wants a new job and “trys on” several new occupations in this beautifully illustrated book.
Children’s Picture Books:
Seasonal, Holidays & Festivals
Skadoosie LLC
The new kind of onesie! What’s different about the Skadoosie besides being made in the U.S.A.?
* NO SNAPS, 100% Breathable All Natural USA Cotton, Allergy Free, No Arm and Overhead Struggling, Baby Soft Hook & Loop Fastener, Travel Easy with Diaper Check Slot, Dad and Arthritic Friendly, Eco Friendly Packaging, Comes Gift Ready for that last minute Baby Shower Gift and A % of each sale is donated to Mesothelioma Research Foundation in memory of owner Janet’s late husband to find a cure for Asbestos Cancer.
Gear & Accessories:
Clothing
Secret Hidden Pictures Puzzles
Written by Highlights™
This Hidden Pictures® puzzle-novelty book features an easy-to-store magic lens made of sturdy paper and plastic to locate over 500 hidden objects and discover amazing scenes. Every red-on-blue puzzle is a mystery until the lens reveals the curiosities underneath, such as jet-skiing starfish, a robot workshop, and astronauts in a faraway galaxy. Children ages 6-9 can become Hidden Pictures® detectives by using the clues to help locate the hidden objects and uncovering new surprises every time.
Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Activities, Crafts & Hobbies ( Includes Puzzles & Games)
Raina’s (Un) Happy Birthday
Written by Britta Stromeyer Esmail and Illustrated by Joanna Cooke; Illustrated by Joanna Cooke
In Raina’s (Un) Happy Birthday, a young girl discovers how to gently respond to unwanted affection from her extended family, while expressing her love for them on her own terms.
Raina, a little girl with a loving family, dreads her birthdays. Though she looks forward to cake and presents, she dislikes the pressure on her to hug and kiss relatives. She is annoyed when she is greeted by family members in ways that seem innocuous to them, not considering how their expressions of affection make Raina feel. A faithful friend, her toy bunny Lola, helps Raina discover new ways of expressing affection and birthday joy.
An excellent book for sensitive young readers. –Kirkus Reviews
Children’s Picture Books:
Developing Social Skills
Preemie: Lessons in Love, Life and Motherhood
Written by Kasey Mathews
In her early thirties, Kasey Mathews had it all: a loving husband, a beautiful two-year-old son, and a second baby on the way. But what seemed a perfect life was shattered when she went into labor four months early, delivering her one-pound, eleven-ounce daughter, Andie.
The first time Kasey was wheeled into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), nothing prepared her for what she saw: a tiny, fragile baby in a tangle of tubes and wires. All at once, Kasey was confronted with a new and terrifying reality that would test the limits of love, family, and motherhood. In this riveting and honest memoir, Preemie chronicles the journey of one tiny baby’s tenacious struggle to hold on to life and the mother who ultimately grew with her.
Adult Books:
Biographies & Memoirs
Photo Puzzlemania™
Written by Highlights™
Puzzle fans of all ages will be wowed by this stylish, exquisitely crafted and truly unique offering of brand-new puzzles from the experts at Highlights. Every puzzle is created from beautiful, intricate, full-color photographs that have been manipulated to produce a challenging and exciting experience for both kids and adults. The book includes the all-time favorite Hidden Pictures® puzzles in addition to Matching, Check and Double Check and Hidden in Plain Sight puzzles. This is a book you’ll want out on your coffee table and a perfect gift for all ages.
Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Activities, Crafts & Hobbies ( Includes Puzzles & Games)
My Spin & Learn Steering Wheel
An interactive early light-up educational toy engage your little one to learn about colors, shapes, feelings, and play songs and music with a simple touch or spin. Let’s spin and learn! An interactive and educational toy intended for babies, infants, toddlers and early learners. My Spin & Learn Steering Wheel is ideal for early learners and teaches colors, shapes and emotions while promoting hand-eye coordination and language development! 360° spinning wheel with the slip-proof pad on the bottom.
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Babies
My Sneaky Parents
Written by Rebecca Ventre; Illustrated by Darya Shchegoleva; Edited by Kat Penna
Your child’s imagination will run wild as you both enjoy this short story! The story takes the reader from a child’s perspective of the fun things parents might do after bedtime! In the end the child is encouraged to stay in bed, and let their parents have well deserved fun!
Children’s Picture Books:
Imagine It!
My Community
Written by Raven Howell; Illustrated by Yeng Yang; Edited by Tannya Derby
“Using gentle rhyme to enliven a child’s day, this picture book weaves us together on a journey leading to our community. We see and meet the host of people with varied names, colors, and kinds, embracing the storyteller, offering hope for children to move into a place where harmony trumps fear.” – Jonathan Kruk, Master Storyteller
Children’s Picture Books:
Peoples, Places & Cultures
Lumin Empire: Lumin Finds the Lighthouse
Written by Leandri Geldenhuys, Dr. Zandre Botha; Illustrated by Dr. Zandre Botha; Edited by Sandra Valente
Waking up under a tree, Lumin discovers that she does not know who she is or where she belongs. With the help of Timmy the sea turtle, she travels towards the Lighthouse who can give her the answers she needs. On her journey they learn that if you see with your heart and not your eyes, the beauty of life will always be with you, and that help will always be available to those who ask for it. Being lost is only the start at finding yourself.
Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Inspirational / Motivational
Love Big
Written by Kat Kronenberg
Set in the heart of the African Savanna, Love Big follows moody Baboon as he discovers another powerful secret.
The once lush, thriving, African savanna has turned dry and desolate. Hungry, miserable, and mean animals seek only their own interests. Baboon watches as, one by one, Rhinoceros destroys Termite’s castle in his race to find food, Hare chooses not to share food with her family, and Lion steals food from his pride.
Love Big takes place generations after the magic in Kat Kronenberg’s best-selling book, Dream Big. This new book’s beautiful message makes it a wonderful gift for those who want to build a loving WE community—from home to school, neighborhoods, church, or travel. If people can begin to encourage one another to pursue their passions—with kindness, sharing, listening, and care—we can overcome anything and achieve extraordinary dreams together.
Children’s Picture Books:
Inspirational / Motivational
littleBits Base Inventor Kit
The introductory Base Inventor Kit from littleBits includes everything creative kids need to turn their ideas into inventions! With a range of Bits that move, light up, and make noise, kids gain STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) skills by learning how technology is built. Over 12 activities in the free Inventor App guide kids through building fun inventions, like a voice-activated robotic gripper arm or a room-protecting intruder alarm.
Educational Products:
Ages 9 to 12
Lions, Leopards, and Storms, Oh My!: A Thunderstorm Safety Book
Written by Heather L. Beal; Illustrated by Jubayda Sagor
Lily and Niko Rabbit are at childcare when the weather changes and a thunderstorm strikes. One of the children’s parents is a meteorologist and he talks with the children about thunderstorms. They learn about severe weather events like thunderstorms and what conditions these events can bring, like lightning, hail, and winds. They also learn what to do to stay safe. Reading this book is a great way for parents, childcare providers, and caregivers, to talk to toddlers and preschool children about thunderstorms in a non-scary way. Children can easily relate with these characters and their story gives children the tools and information they need to help stay safe should a thunderstorm happen.
Children’s Picture Books:
Nature & Weather
Learning Friends 100 Words Book
Join animal friends Turtle, Tiger and Monkey as they explore new vocabulary in the Learning Friends 100 Words Book™. Explore the colorful pages and touch each picture to hear the animals say toddler-appropriate words along with exciting facts and sound effects. For an immersive language experience, slide the language switch to hear the words, songs and instructions in Spanish. Touch the pictures to hear silly sound effects in Fun Sounds mode or press the light-up star button to hear two learning songs. Discover new vocabulary with cute learning friends!
Educational Products:
Toddlers
KING of GLORY Illustrated Study Guide: A Companion Tool for the KING of GLORY Movie & Book
Written by P. D. Bramsen, J. Hodgins; Illustrated by Arminda San Martín, Cole Phail, Andrew Harmon; Edited by P. D. Bramsen, J. Hodgins
The KING OF GLORY ILLUSTRATED STUDY GUIDE is a companion tool for the multi-language KING of GLORY 15-episode chronological Bible movie and the KING of GLORY 70-scene chronological picture book. Its thought-provoking questions combined with its stunning illustrations winningly reinforces the big-picture truths about God, mankind, sin, and salvation, embedded in the best story ever told. In combination with the movie, this curriculum makes the gospel’s foundation and the Bible’s framework powerfully and refreshingly clear.
This study guide/workbook/curriculum is used in small group studies, family devotions, personal study, kids’ clubs, schools, home schools, Sunday schools, summer programs, retirement centers, prisons, ESL classes, refugee and immigrant contexts, international projects, camps, retreats, and wherever there are people who want to come into a clear understanding of what the Bible is all about—from Genesis to Revelation, from creation to Christ to new creation.
Young Adult Books:
Juan Castell and Aunt Sofia’s Giant Book of Please, Thank You, Welcome
Written by Ian Sadler; Illustrated by Adrienne Brown
The earth is soon to have visitors from far away galaxies and everyone is getting ready to greet them as politely as they possibly can. Each country is working hard to help their people prepare. But time is running out. Will they be able to say Please, Thank You and Welcome in all the earthly languages to the new visitors? How will Juan and his aunt save the day!
Offers an easy-to-learn introduction to basic words in French, Spanish, Indian and Chinese. A “First Language Dictionary” As with all books in this series, provides activity pages to extend the learning of key messages.
Children’s Picture Books:
Peoples, Places & Cultures
Jeff’s Homemade Game Show
Jeff’s Homemade Game Show turns a visit to anyone’s home into a fun TV game show opportunity for families of all sizes. The host, award-winning Chicago actor and Second City Alum, Jeff Rogers is invited to a home where an instant game show ensues with all the family members. The family has the opportunity to win money and prizes during Jeff’s visit through challenges using common on-site household objects, locations and activities.
Jeff’s Homemade Game Show celebrates the family and promotes the importance of spending time together, playing together and working together. Studies show that family time helps build self esteem in children, strengthens family bonds, develops positive behaviors, creates happy memories and helps parents and children reconnect.
Viewing (Television/DVD/Blu-Ray ):
Family Viewing
Howl Like a Wolf!: Learn to Think, Move, and Act Like 15 Amazing Animals
Written by Kathleen Yale; Illustrated by Kaley McKean
What does it feel like to “see” with your ears like a bat or go through a full body transformation like a frog? Can you wriggle in and out of tight places like an octopus, camouflage yourself like a leopard, or do a waggle dance like a honeybee? This creative and beautifully illustrated interactive guide makes learning about animals fun for children ages 6 and up. Fifteen animals explain their amazing feats and invite kids to enter their world by mimicking their behavior — an imaginative approach to learning that fosters curiosity, empathy, and dramatic play.
Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Activities, Crafts & Hobbies ( Includes Puzzles & Games)
Hopping to America: A Rabbit’s Tale of A Wedding
Written by Diana Pishner Walker; Illustrated by Ashley Teets
Hopping to America A Rabbit’s Tale of A Wedding tells the story of love across the ocean. Cousin Dominic longs to be with his childhood sweetheart, Sara. It is a story of two families coming together in a new world to share their dreams, their futures, and love for one another. Join the “Riepule” families on this new and exciting adventure from Italy to the United States.
Children’s Picture Books:
Peoples, Places & Cultures
HOME
Written by Adam Leitman Bailey
Home takes children on a journey using their own eyes to visit many different places to live while providing a touching story about the importance of family over all else. It is the story about a young boy from a small apartment in a big city who dreams about other types of homes. The boy goes out on a colorful adventure to visit many different homes – from a large house in the suburbs to an igloo to a farmhouse – and meets families wherever he goes. The boy enjoys visiting each residence, but at the conclusion of his trip, he comes to a realization… This is a story about the importance of love and family over all else. Home was recently featured in the New York Post and is the winner of the 2018 Literary Classics International Book Picture Book / Early Reader Silver Award.
Children’s Picture Books:
Bedtime Stories
Growing up in Alaska: A Baby Arctic Tern
Written by Constance Taylor; Illustrated by Constance Taylor, Ben O’Brien
A baby Arctic Tern hatches in Alaska. He has much to learn: how to eat, how to swim, how to bathe. But his greatest wish … is to FLY!
This is the story of an Alaskan Arctic Tern as he grows up in Alaska’s Potter Marsh near Anchorage. You follow him as he learns to eat, swim and care for his feathers. After many days of practice, trial and failure, he gains the joy of flying with his parents.
A story of learning, growing and spreading your wings.
Children’s Picture Books:
Animal Kingdom
Grandma’s Precious Memories
Written by Katharine Yusuf; Illustrated by Marilyn Martin Jean Bates
Author Dr. Kathrine Yusuf brings to light the difficulty children and adults face when handling memory loss in loved ones. With captivating, comforting text plus vibrant illustrations, this children’s book helps families, teachers, and counselors open discussion.
It offers opportunity to share in simple language what we can do when a family member or friend is diagnosed or lives with dementia and memory loss. Valuable ‘Question & Activity’ pages extend the learning for home or classroom use. They help the child participate as they learn what they can do and expect. This story is based on a real family’s experiences helping a small child understand and cope with a grandparent with dementia.
Children’s Picture Books:
Crossing Generations
Freemie Liberty
The Freemie Liberty Mobile Breast Pump delivers true mobility with hospital-power suction and includes the Next Generation Freemie Closed System Collection Cups with an internal barrier that prevents milk in the tubing. Very small and very quiet – the most versatile and discreet breast pump system in the world. Milk collects in the Freemie Cups in your bra, underneath your clothing, safely and hygienically separated from the electronic pump motor. After pumping, remove the Cups and transfer your milk to storage. Can be charged from a computer, car USB port, etc.
Gear & Accessories:
Feeding
Fly Possum Fly
Written by Grant Maloy Smith
Possums to the rescue! A sick reindeer can’t finish the Christmas Eve deliveries with Santa so possums step up to save the day.
Fly Possum Fly is singer/songwriter Grant Maloy Smith’s first children’s book. Illustrated by the author from his new song, “Fly Possum Fly” recorded with EmiSunshine, he has elevated the lowly possum to literary importance with a major save on Christmas Eve. Perfect for the classroom or living room, included are Possum Facts about this amazing animal!
Children’s Picture Books:
Seasonal, Holidays & Festivals
Do You Promise?
Do You Promise uses a pretend face time style phone call message to encourage children to make positive achievements through the commitment of a promise over a period of time. The app utilises character animation and progress charts to encourage the child throughout the process and also prompts parents to reward the child when the promise has been achieved.
Apps & Software:
Preschoolers
Crayola Crayon Melter
With the Crayola Crayon Melter, kids can create liquefied crayon designs on a variety of unique surfaces including chalkboards, wood, glass, canvas and more using classic Crayola crayons. Using three simple steps, kids can create amazing art in less than a minute. Simply, insert a crayon, plug in and start embellishing virtually any surface. The sleek, compact design is safe, easy to use and has a low-heat tip for worry-free creativity. Discover a whole new way to embellish your designs with Crayola crayons.
Arts, Crafts & Hobbies:
Ages 9 to 12
Corolle Gaby Goes to Nursery School
Corolle’s newest doll set will help little ones adjust to pre-school! Gaby Goes to Nursery School has everything she needs for a great day at school: a lovie, pacifier, juice box, cookie and bag to keep all her accessories in one place. Gaby measures 14 inches (36cm) and her size fits perfectly in children’s arms. The doll’s face, arms and legs are made of soft vinyl with a soft body and sleeping eyes. Gaby is part of the mon grand poupon Corolle collection of dolls, accessories and nursery items for children ages 2 and up.
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Preschoolers
Clicker the Cat: Online Children’s Book about Internet Safety
Written by Kyla Cullinane
No one loves his screen time more than Clicker the Cat! Tablets, computers and cell phones, he loves them all! Will Clicker ever learn to put down his devices?
Follow Clicker as he learns practical, research-based tips to manage his screen time. This is the first book of the Clicker the Cat series, which is designed to help parents start the discussion about responsible technology use with fun, educational and engaging stories.
Collect all of the Clicker the Cat series today! Visit www.clickerthecat.com .
Children’s Picture Books:
Growing Up / Personal Growth
Benjamin Birdie and the Tree Dwellers
Written by Michael Dotsikas; Illustrated by Morgan Spicer; Edited by Dina Dotsikas
Benjamin Birdie and the Tree Dwellers is book #2 in the Benjamin Birdie Book Series, and sequel to Benjamin Birdie’s First Flight.
After his unsuccessful first flight, Benjamin Birdie is still anxious to fly like all the other birds. Join Benjamin Birdie and his tree-dwelling friends as they learn to believe in themselves, all while seeing just how important it is to be there for a friend when they’re not feeling sure of themselves. Sometimes a friend is all you need to find confidence and courage to soar to new, spectacular heights!
Children’s Picture Books:
Animal Kingdom
Backpack Explorer: On the Nature Trail
Written by Editors of Storey Publishing
Jump-start curiosity with this take-along field guide for children ages 4 and up. From worms, birds, and spiders to trees, flowers, and clouds, young explorers learn what to look and listen for wherever they are — whether in a nature preserve, an urban park, or a suburban backyard. Seek-and-find lists, on-the-trail art projects, and discovery games get kids engaged in hands-on learning about nature, and a real pull-out magnifying glass helps them get a close-up glimpse of leaf veins, seed pods, and tiny insects. Filled with activities, checklists, and stickers, this interactive nature guide belongs in every kid’s backpack.
Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Activities, Crafts & Hobbies ( Includes Puzzles & Games)
A Mom’s Guide to Creating a Magical Life: 8 Steps to Feel Happier, Inspired and More Relaxed
Written by Kasey Mathews
Written for the overwhelmed Mom who’s looking for more joy, playfulness and serenity in her life, A Mom’s Guide to Creating a Magical Life is like a GPS for your soul. This book is full of simple and easy to use tools to help you feel more grounded within yourself, and more patient and present with your family and everyone else you meet throughout your days. It’s also invitation to come back home to yourself and remember all the things you used to love before becoming so busy taking care of everyone else.
Beyond a manicure, pedicure or even a massage, A Mom’s Guide to Creating a Magical Life encourages self-care for the soul, teaching and empowering Moms to learn and know that we really do have the ability to create the life of our dreams.
Adult Books:
Body, Mind & Spirit
2 Comments on “Weekly Roundup: A Full Month of Award-Winning Products & Services 11/4 – 12/1”
This is super helpful, as it introduces me to new books for my granddaughters.
I’m looking forward getting the My Sneaky Parents