This week’s Roundup of Mom’s Choice Award winners features a TON of self-help books for adults, educational books for the kids, toys and more! 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 10, 2019 to November 16, 2019.
Every week companies, inventors, and publishers from around the world send us their products for evaluation. Only the best earn our designation.
Yellow Lotus Flower: How One Lonesome Seed Rose Up from the Muck
Written by Jen Myzel; Illustrated by Hillary Mendoza; Edited by Andrew Nance
Yellow Lotus Flower is a stunning children’s sing-a-long book about grief and resilience. At sunset on a pristine mountain valley pond, a lotus seed and a grieving young girl begin their journey from the murky depths of the pond, in search of the courage to break through their shells, release their tears, send their roots deep into the Earth and bloom into the beautiful and wise beings they are meant to be. Combining watercolor visuals with an angelic folk song, Yellow Lotus Flower cracks open the hearts of children and adults alike. In these times of environmental and political turmoil, this book provides a pertinent message that the darkness is a natural and necessary part of our transformation. Elder and Author, Joanna Macy, praises Yellow Lotus Flower as “a story for our times”.
Children’s Picture Books:
Inspirational / Motivational
Wilmer the Whale Goes to the Beach
Written by Lindsey Dodge Wyman
Join Wilmer the Whale as he overcomes his fears to discover exciting places and fun new friends.
Wilmer the Whale is the happiest whale you’ll ever meet. He’s a favorite with all his sea creature friends but he’s ready to explore a bit farther from home. His adventures take him all the way to the shore. It’s scary at the beach with all the waves and the people but brave Wilmer soon learns that new experiences can mean new friends, lots of fun and that your family are always there when you get home. A charming, reassuring picture book about new experiences and independence. Perfect for kids going on vacation or starting kindergarten and preschool.
Children’s Picture Books:
Growing Up / Personal Growth
The School Choice Roadmap: 7 Steps to Finding the Right School for Your Child
Written by Andrew R. Campanella; Illustrated by Mark Karis (cover design and interior layout); Edited by Megan Trank
Across the country, many parents today have more choices for their children’s education than ever before. For parents starting the process of finding their child’s first school—or for parents who want to choose a new learning environment for their child—The School Choice Roadmap book is designed to be a practical, jargon-free resource. The book offers an overview of school choice policies, from public school open enrollment to private school scholarships and more.
The School Choice Roadmap offers a seven-step process that will help parents harness the power of their intuition to find schools and learning environments that meet their children’s needs.
Adult Books:
Resources
THE GINGERBREAD COWBOY
Written by Janet Squires; Illustrated by Holly Berry
The Gingerbread Cowboy — can run from the rancher’s wife, he can dash past the javalinas and he can giddyup right by the cattle grazing on the mesa. But what happens when he meets a coyote sleeping in the sun?
Children’s Picture Books:
Fantasy, Myths & Legends
The Case of the Pinched Stradivarius
Written by Elaine Loeser; Illustrated by Greg Aarvanitakis
From their aquarium in the window of an apartment in a New York high rise, two bickering turtles manage to solve a very real crime without ever leaving their tank. they are pets, limited to swimming and fighting over the right to sit on the one rock in their tank. One day, while looking out the window, they see a crime committed: a little girl’s violin is stolen by a bad man…
(The author, a writer for the long running NBC drama, Law and Order, doesn’t disappoint!)
Children’s Picture Books:
Domestic Animals & Pets
The Adventures of SuperCaptainBraveMan, Book 4: Down on Safari!
Written by Leah Lodevico, Paul Norman; Illustrated by Victor Lodevico; Edited by Jennifer Norman
Kyle is a boy like any other boy his age, only he has a rare condition that hinders his day-to-day physical abilities. It is when Kyle dreams that he transforms into his alter ego, SuperCaptainBraveMan!
SuperCaptainBraveMan is a friend to all kids, helping them discover their own courage and strength to overcome daily challenges.
In Book 4: Down on Safari!, SuperCaptainBraveMan helps a girl with Down Syndrome find her brother.
Children’s Picture Books:
Specialized Concepts / Differently Abled
Stack & Learn
Educational Baby’s first musical learning tower! An interactive early light-up educational toy engage your little one to learn! Learn about the Colors, Animals, Orchestra, and play lovely songs and music in 3 modes of fun. By stacking your choice of rings on the tower, it will play music and other fun stuff in all the modes. Be creative!
Skills learned include colors, animals, orchestra, creativity and imagination, music, logical thinking, motor functions and dexterity.
Educational Products:
Babies
Silicone Chewtensils™
We designed Chewtensils for Stage 1 of baby-led weaning – introducing babies to the concept of holding a utensil and feeding themselves. Made from soft, textured, food-grade silicone that’s easy to grip and gentle on tender gums, with bendable heads for safety. The back of the spoon head has sensory bumps to stimulate gums. They’re perfect for dipping into puréed foods in the early part of baby-led weaning. Chewtensils can be chewed on by younger babies before they’re ready to transition to silverware. They’re safe to use – made from 100% food-safe silicone.
Chewtensils are intended for babies before they have a firm grasp on self-feeding (best for dipping and scooping, not yet spearing solid foods).
Gear & Accessories:
Feeding
Samsung Kids
Samsung Kids is an all-inclusive subscription content service that offers parents and children a library of expertly curated, engaging educational games and books mapped to U.S. Common Core standards with an emphasis on STEM education. New content is added monthly for a renewed experience. The service allows children to experience their favorite characters, games, and content in a parental-controlled environment where parents can identify specific subject areas for their child to focus and control the amount of time they are using the app. There are no ads, so parents may rest assured that kids are only engaging with content they trust.
The Samsung Kids library of game, TV, movie and book titles focuses on reading, math, STEM and creativity, but always with a focus on fun. You child will play with brands like Scholastic, Sesame Street, LEGO, Toca Boca, Dr. Seuss and Crayola, featuring favorite characters like Chuggington, Kung Fu Panda, Peppa Pig, Thomas the Tank Engine, Cat in the Hat, Peanuts, My Little Pony, Transformers and more!
Apps & Software:
Preschoolers
Patty-Cake: Nursery Rhymes
Written by Cali’s Books; Illustrated by Clara Spinassi
Patty-Cake, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and other favorite nursery songs feature in this musical board book for children from the youngest ages.
In this musical board book, babies and young children discover Patty-Cake and other nursery favorites. Little fingers can press a musical note to hear songs including Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Itsy Bitsy Spider. They can also clap along to If You’re Happy and You Know It. With its charming illustrations and pleasing songs, the book is fun for the whole family.
Children’s Picture Books:
Music & Performing Arts
Older
Written and illustrated by Emmanuella Macri
Older is a story about a young girl named Lily. The book takes readers through Lily’s daydreams about being older and follows Lily as she grows up. The story culminates in Lily becoming an adult and realizing all she missed out on while constantly wishing to be older.
Lily is a character that anyone can relate to. This rhyming story and colorful pictures will draw children into Lily’s world, and her meaningful message will resonate with both kids and their parents.
Children’s Picture Books:
Growing Up / Personal Growth
My First Workout®
My First Workout® is an award winning, mom-founded company on a mission to build stronger family connections and instill a habit of fitness from the earliest age possible in every child. The key to a healthier tomorrow is getting kids involved today. This super smart kids-fitness program focuses on fun and ease of use making it the most innovative and critically essential new products to hit the market in 2019!
The My First Workout® program is packaged neatly in a kit that comes with 8 pieces of exercise equipment that are kid size and age appropriate to complete a child’s very own home gym. All the equipment needed to complete the poster of program 1 demonstrating 13 of the very best exercises for children to enhance performance in their sport, help prevent injuries and strengthen all the major muscle groups of the body in addition to improving coordination, balance, flexibility and stamina are included.
Whatever body a child was born with, whatever interests they have in life, exercise simply improves individual quality of life for a lifetime. Let’s take a few moments out of everyday to get kids UNPLUGGED and STRONGER inside and out!
Educational Products:
Ages 5 to 8
Little Passports Science Expeditions
Explore the world of science with this monthly subscription for kids! Each month, kids can dive into a new scientific theme like Forensics, Solar Power or Aerodynamics. They’ll learn through experiments and hands-on STEM activities – all while having fun!
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 9 to 12
Joy from Fear: Create the Life of Your Dreams by Making Fear Your Friend
Written by Carla Marie Manly, PhD; Edited by Katharine Hale, Sarah Echard, and Brooke Jorden
If you find yourself running away from fear, you’re running in the wrong direction. Fear demands that we move toward it, face it, and hear its messages. When we fail to do this, the price is high–chronic anxiety, sleeplessness, damaged relationships, skyrocketing pharmaceutical use, and more. In her enlightening book Joy from Fear, clinical psychologist Dr. Carla Marie Manly explains that fear is not the enemy we thought it was; fear, when faced with awareness, is the powerful ally and best friend we all need.
Adult Books:
Self-Improvement
i-Poster My United Kingdom Interactive Map
Educational Interactive STEM Talking United Kingdom Map for Kid – Touch and Discover over 300 facts about the UK. Perfect Learning Toy Present For Childrens Boys & Girls Aged 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 years old. The ideal Birthday gifts or Christmas presents for any young teen boy or girl who is eager to learn.
Educational Products:
Ages 5 to 8
i-Poster My Europe Interactive Map
Educational Interactive STEM Talking My Europe Interactive Map for Kids – Touch and Discover a variety of interactive learning modes which include Countries, Capital Cities, Flags, Languages, Landmarks, Fun Facts and Quiz. Over 500 different facts can be found about the different countries of Europe. Perfect Learning Toy Present For Boys & Girls Aged 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. The ideal Birthday gifts or Christmas presents for any young boy or girl who is eager to learn.
Educational Products:
Ages 5 to 8
Georgette’s Day in the Country
Written by Monica McGue; Illustrated by toby cowan
Ben, the rooster, crows “cock-a-doodle-doo” waking the farm animals, while Belle, the donkey, greets Georgette at her window. It is a beautiful day at the farm and there are many chores to accomplish throughout the day, and of course, some play time too! Georgette heads to the barn to see all of her friends. Smokey, the rocking horse, is in the tack room along with old Sam. The horses, Lance and Olivia, are in their stalls, and Cheddar the mouse is ready to work! Harvesting lemons is work but the animals find time to play a game of “hide and seek.” Jelly Bean, the goat, cannot be found. Crash, bang! What could that be? Georgette and friends discover Jelly Bean in the country store. Oops! One of the jelly bean jars is empty! Jelly Bean has lived up to his name eating a jar of jelly beans, only to discover his tummy does not feel very good. Dr. Chew Boney to the rescue, and all is better!
Children’s Picture Books:
Domestic Animals & Pets
Georgette’s Day in the City
Written by Monica McGue; Illustrated by toby cowan
It’s a beautiful day in the city! Follow Georgette as she readies for the day. Choosing her “bow of the day,” Georgette excitingly heads to the city park to meet her friends. Georgette passes by her favorite store, The Pet Shop, and stops by Sunshine Market. Ms. Baker always leaves treats for all! At the city park, Georgette and friends agree it is a great day for a game of “nose ball.” Dashing for the ball, Wheels takes the lead! Cleo the cat calls, “goal!” Georgette’s world inspires kindness and friendship.
Children’s Picture Books:
Domestic Animals & Pets
Frog’s Rainy-Day Stories and Other Fables
Written by Michael James Dowling; Illustrated by Sarah Buell Dowling
Teaches life-giving biblical values to the next generation. Through eight imaginative and thought-provoking tales, this captivating book delivers a catalyst for honest family conversation teaching important truths about God’s word. The lively characters become fast friends and everyday teachers of sound values including integrity and honesty. A creative glossary helps younger children learn the more challenging words. Downloadable “Burrowing Deeper” offers a free study-guide for children, youth, adults and families. 72-page hard cover book is enriched with 50 colorful illustrations. Created by husband and wife team eager to share this message through a children’s book that is beneficial to all generations at home, in the church and in schools. Strong endorsements have been received across all segments in the Christian and secular communities.
Children’s Picture Books:
Religion & Spirituality
Emerge: The Opeing of the Human Heart to the Power of Love
Written by Susan Omilian JD
Inspired by a true event, the second in this three-book The Best Revenge Series by Susan Omilian offers readers an opportunity to learn more about the impact of violence and abuse on women’s lives and how living well is the best revenge. With fast-paced plots and characters that come alive for the readers, the stories show how the warning signs of abuse work in an intimate partner relationship and how the journey from survivor to thriver can spark a new start in life.
A great teaching tool, Susan’s novels illustrate the many types of abuse a woman can experience and its long-term impact on their lives without listing them like in a domestic violence pamphlet. The stories also emphasize the importance for women of having self-respect, of finding their true worth and of being motivated to reach new heights by freeing themselves from their past and breaking the cycle of violence in their lives.
Mental health and victim services professionals can use these page-turning stories to give new hope and encouragement to victims—that they CAN heal after abuse. Living well is their best revenge!
Adult Books:
Women’s Issues
Ecokins
Ecokins made from 100% recycled materials (16 recycled water bottles are used to make one 12″ plush animal). Nose and eyes are embroidered. Recycled paper tag with cotton string instead of plastic taggers. We are making a promise to the planet by reducing the amount of waste plastics affecting our environment. Wild republic will be releasing 27 new styles in 12″ and 8″ plush.
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Babies
DANI and the Day the Bully Changed Everything
Written by Donna DiMaio Rooney; Illustrated by Sally Taylor
When Dani witnesses the bullying of a popular boy on the school playground, her world is turned upside down. Through a dream her beloved farm animals are presented with a similar problem when a new bull arrives on the farm. For the first time the animals find themselves witnesses to a vicious attack that drastically changes the farm’s loving climate as well as each of their personalities. The animals wrestle with how they can end the bullying and take back their farm—without becoming the next victim.
This heart- warming story gently acknowledges children’s fears, while encouraging them to do the right thing. The main characters and surprise ending will stay in the heart and mind of the reader long after the story is told. “If all children learn to celebrate their uniqueness while being empathic toward others, imagine how the world could be transformed,” says Rooney. She has dedicated the book to all the children, for they truly have the power to change the world.
Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Fiction – General
Código 7: Descifrando el código para una vida épica
Written by Bryan R. Johnson; Edited by Cynthea Liu
Life at Flint Hill Elementary School may seem normal, but seven friends find themselves on a path to crack the code for an epic life. Whether they’re chasing their dreams on stage, searching for an elusive monster fish, or running a makeshift business out of a tree house, can these heroes find a way to work together to change their community?
Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Fiction – General
Aging Joyfully: A Woman’s Guide to Optimal Health, Relationships, and Fulfillment for Her 50s and Beyond
Written by Carla Marie Manly, PhD; Edited by Laurie Duersch, Brooke Jorden, Peg Sandkam
How does a woman embrace the later stages of life with joy and strength as her body, relationships, and roles are transitioning?
Aging Joyfully is a road map for a gratitude-filled journey of aging—one that leads to greater awareness and appreciation of the joys and opportunities awaiting within each day. Psychologist and holistic wellness expert Dr. Carla Marie Manly provides an important and celebratory examination of the meaning of womanhood for those approaching 40, 50 and beyond. Aging Joyfully touches the sensitive reality of the transition from a life filled with new beginnings to the graceful process of embracing the joys and challenges of one’s later years. With a focus on making each day matter, Aging Joyfully guides the reader into creating a beautiful awareness and appreciation of the aging process. Aging Joyfully is a loving, supportive guide for a woman’s individual aging journey, yet it also lends itself to communal discovery within women’s workshops, book clubs, and support groups.
Adult Books:
Women’s Issues
