This week’s roundup of Mom’s Choice Award winners features award-winning E-Books, Podcasts, Baby Gear, Children’s Books + 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 July 19, 2020 to July 25, 2020.

Every week companies, inventors, and publishers from around the world send us their products for evaluation. Only the best earn our designation.

Who Is My Best Friend?
Written by Carol Creager

Every day is an adventure. Live and enjoy it. I love my life with my best friend, the most wonderful person, Nick.
Seeley

Children’s Picture Books:
Animal Kingdom

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What Is A Tamandua?
Written by Carol Creager

I am a tamandua or lesser anteater. I search trees for termites and ants, which I catch with my long, sticky tongue. That benefits YOU! I greet my friends when they visit Observatory Lodge in Costa Rica. Carol has photographed me and written my story & my hopes. Why? She is a dedicated wildlife photographer and writer of wildlife stories for children & adults who like our humor & photos, mostly of Costa Rica. She has spent 30 years searching for and photographing every species she can find in my country. – Tammy Tamandua

Children’s Picture Books:
Animal Kingdom

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What Is A Squirrel Monkey?
Written by Carol Creager

I am both rare and endangered. I live with my friends and family along the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, a tropical area. When Carol, a superb photographer and writer, offered to tell you about me, I was delighted. Carol travels with the noted driver-guide Luis Barrantes (LUBARO). I am happy to share my life and questions with you so that we can become friends too. I hope that you will read my story and help to respect and protect my species and my habitat.
~ Jumper, the squirrel monkey

Children’s Picture Books:
Animal Kingdom

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The Sky Belongs to the Dreamers
Written by J.P. Hostetler; Illustrated by Clara Cabrera; Edited by Atmosphere Press

Dreams allow us to achieve the impossible. But sometimes, whether because of the pressures from others or doubt in ourselves, we do not trust ourselves to follow those dreams.

As children we are especially impressionable, letting our dreams but also our fears run free. Kids need to know that it’s okay to reach for the impossible just as Caterpillar does in the story. They need to know that there are characters like Spider out there in the world who will look to surpress their dreams. And just like in the story, they need to learn that hope does not come from somewhere outside of them, but from within.

This story was born to remind readers of what they already know but are scared to realize. It is to remind them that even in the most dire situations an optimistic outlook and calm mind can set you free.

Children’s Picture Books:
Bedtime Stories

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The Sensationally Super Sandy
Written by Jamiyl Samuels, Tracy-Ann Samuels; Illustrated by Nidhom; Edited by Jamiyl Samuels

Sandy Taylor thinks her brother Amani is weird because he doesn’t talk. After Mommy and Daddy explain why he doesn’t speak, Sandy realizes how important it is to be nice to someone who appears to be different.

When Sandy sees a girl at her school being bullied for being different from the other kids, she has a big decision to make. Will she ignore it, or will she step in and save her?

W.R.E.a.C Havoc Heroes presents the story of a girl who learns to accept people as they are. This is a tale about UNDERSTANDING and a willingness to show compassion to others.

Children’s Picture Books:
Adventure, Adventurers & Heroes

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The Learning Ally Audiobook Solution

LEARNING ALLY is a leading nonprofit education organization. The Learning Ally Audiobook Solution is an award-winning product designed with teachers and families in mind to ensure students with reading differences receive an equitable and fun reading experience in and out of the classroom.

The product consists of a quality reading accommodation (app) and access to the largest library of “human-read” audiobooks, including curriculum-aligned textbooks, literature, and popular and diverse titles.

An educator portal provides professional learning resources to implement the program with fidelity and to manage student progress with reading data. Several reading competitions spark students’ reading interests to improve skills in comprehension, vocabulary, and decoding. In support of distance learning during Covid19, the organization has made its audiobook solution free to U.S. schools.

Online Resources (Websites, eMagazines and Blogs):
Teens / Young Adult

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The Amazingly Awesome Amani Takes On JITTERS & FEAR
Written by Jamiyl Samuels, Tracy-Ann Samuels; Illustrated by Nidhom; Edited by Jamiyl Samuels

It’s the first day at a new school for Amani and he is a bundle of nerves. Not only is he meeting a new principal, new teacher, and new friends, he must deal with JITTERS and FEAR following him around everywhere he goes. Will Amani summon up the strength to conquer these ghastly emotions, or will they overcome him? W.R.E.a.C Havoc Heroes series presents the story of a boy who is faced with the challenge of adapting to a new environment and finding the courage to deal with his feelings head-on. This is a tale about CHANGE and how it affects the mind of an amazing boy.

Children’s Picture Books:
Adventure, Adventurers & Heroes

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The Amazingly Awesome Amani
Written by Jamiyl Samuels, Tracy-Ann Samuels; Illustrated by Nidhom; Edited by Jamiyl Samuels

Amani Taylor is a boy of few words until he falls asleep. When night falls, he becomes AWESOME AMANI crime-fighting superhero and defender of all that is good. W.R.E.a.C Havoc Heroes series presents the story of a boy who takes on life’s challenges by day, but is a perfectly normal avenger in his dreams. This is a tale of PERSEVERANCE and the power of a great imagination.

Children’s Picture Books:
Adventure, Adventurers & Heroes

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SMITCO Exfoliating Gloves – Body Exfoliator, 4 pairs

SMITCO exfoliating gloves keep skin looking silky smooth and soft while providing additional health benefits. It eliminates dry, flaking, or dead skin cells, helps for ingrown hairs, itchy, bumpy, and dry skin, increases blood circulation, and removes harmful toxins from your body.

The gloves are not only excellent for getting rid of dead skin cells to improve the look and feel of your skin, but it may also improve your health because using it increases blood circulation which in turn will remove toxins from your body faster.

Suitable for all skin types: dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin.

More than 1000 x 4.5-star reviews on Amazon

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

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SMITCO Air Dry Modeling Clay for Kids – 36 Colors Fun Preschool Learning Craft Kits and Sensory Toys Activities

Unleash your child’s creativity and imagination.

Kids will spend many hours playing and creating with SMITCO modeling clay set.

Our modeling clay does not crumble like others, and unlike any other clay set, ours comes in 36 different bright fun colors that are packed separately in 20-gram bags which is enough for a whole classroom to play with.

• 36 colors packed separately in 20-gram bags
• 2 mold sets with various shapes
• 1 toolset
• 36 ziplock baggies to prevent the clay from drying out
• Sturdy and handy storage box

Studies have shown that play dough can make fantastic learning and play aid for children it is also beneficial in so many ways:

• Fine motor development
• Imagination and creativity
• Calming and soothing
• Socioemotional skills

Arts, Crafts & Hobbies:
Preschoolers

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Sloths Are Stubborn
Written by Carol Creager

As a slow-moving, slow-thinking, slow-acting sloth, I have to decide what is worth my limited energy. Once I have decided what I plan to do, I do it. When I am determined, I act. Neither Carol nor anyone else can stop me. Carol could not stop me from trying to cross a busy highway. Why was I so stubborn? How did I survive? This is my story. Stubby Sloth

Children’s Picture Books:
Animal Kingdom

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Rescued By A Boy
Written by Carol Creager

Mischief, McGuffy and Nolan visit the Talamanca Nature Reserve.

We are so thankful to the good friends we made while we were exploring the extensive gardens of Talamanca Nature Reserve. Young Jérico heroically climbed the tree where we were stranded and brought each of us safely down, where Abuela (Grandma) comforted us until we were over our fear of falling. Nolan was so happy because she & Noé liked him so much.

Muchas gracias a los buenos amigos del Hotel Talamanca. Jérico subió el árbol donde estábamos y nos llevó al suelo, donde Abuela nos consoló y nos abrazó. Nolan estaba tan alegre porque ella y Noé lo querían tanto.

Mischief, McGuffey, and Nolan

Children’s Picture Books:
Animal Kingdom

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Quest For Brightland, Book 1: The Blessing Ball
Written by Angeleah Donahue, Ashley Bell; Illustrated by Angeleah Donahue , Ashley Bell; Edited by Anjali Alban

Journey with Catalinabright and her fairy family, through the vibrant world of Brightland, as she learns the power of a thankful heart.

Your story time will be filled with joy as you frolic through Picklewood Forest, and Rainbow Falls, with Butterpillars, and Quffles. Your imagination will be captivated by Flying Fire Lions, Songriders, and Sparklebugs. Oh my!

By counting your blessings with your child every night you are actually wiring their mind to look for blessings every day, and count them every night. For their lifetime!
The Blessing Ball book, is the easiest way build the incredibly valuable necessity of counting your blessings, into an automatic habit.

Children’s Picture Books:
Inspirational / Motivational

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Parenting with Sanity and Joy: 101 Simple Strategies
Written by Susan G. Groner; Illustrated by Sanna; Edited by Amy Treadwell

What if, every time you found yourself confused or unsure of how to handle a situation with your child, there were someone you could turn to. Someone who would provide clear, easy instructions about how to handle yourself and remind you what’s truly important? Parenting with Sanity and Joy  does just that. In this collection of readily actionable tips for parents of toddlers to teens, parenting mentor Sue Groner, distills all the best parenting wisdom into one easy-to-read book, providing simple, fun, effective guidance. Explore topics including Parenting Golden Rules, Life Skills, Family Time, Perspective and Judgement, Food and Dining, Gratitude and Attitude, Rules and Respect, and Forbidden Phrases. This book will help parents feel more confident in one of the most important roles and exciting journeys they will ever take on.

Adult Books:
Parenting – General

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Mischief and McGuffey in Ireland with Paul Byrom
Written by Carol Creager

We were so excited about traveling through Ireland with our favorite singer. What fun! Ireland has so many diverse places to see and explore: Belleek pottery, Waterford glass, & wool factories, dogs herding sheep; the Cliffs of Moher; historic sites, such as bridges & castles; castle hotels; thatched cottages; the National Stud with its famous horses; flowers everywhere; so much to see & do. We hope you will enjoy our adventures as much as we did, in green Ireland.
~ Mischief & McGuffey

Children’s Picture Books:
Animal Kingdom

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MELLA Ready to Rise Children’s Sleep Trainer, Alarm Clock, Night Light Sleep Sounds Machine

MELLA is the #1 most backed kid’s clock and all-in-one Ready to Rise children’s sleep trainer designed to keep your kid in bed longer. MELLA is a sleep trainer, alarm clock, sleep sounds machine, night light and nap timer rolled into one adorable package.

Studies show that children do not fully understand the concept of time until around 8 years old. MELLA uses colors and facial expressions to teach your kid when it’s time for bed and when it’s okay to wake up. With MELLA, your kid can learn to stay in bed longer, giving you more sleep!

Set the desired sleep time and every night, MELLA will go to sleep with your kid. MELLA sleeps through the night so your kid knows to stay in bed. Set an optional night light to help your child fall asleep peacefully! Up to half an hour before the wake time, MELLA will display a playful expression and glow a yellow light. Teach your kid to play quietly until the light turns green! Set the desired wake time and MELLA will greet your kid with a smile and glow green. It’s time to start the day! MELLA’s green light will stay illuminated for one hour in case your child sleeps in!

Gear & Accessories:
Media, Electronics & Accessories

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Mama and Me: A Young Sloth’s Adventure
Written by Carol Creager

I am so pleased that my Serafina is the heroine of this book about how my daughter became more independent as she was growing up. She worked to develop her ability to make her way along a tree branch to prepare for her future. “Mama “ Sloth

Children’s Picture Books:
Animal Kingdom

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Making Me Happen
Written by Taayoo Murray; Illustrated by Tackees Bruen

Making Me Happen is an interactive workbook that takes tweens/teens through systematic methods of understanding themselves, creating a winning image, and charting a path to lasting success using conscious goal setting.

Young Adult Books:
Inspirational / Motivational

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Kinzoo

Kinzoo is a free private messenger app that the whole family uses together. Designed for all ages and COPPA certified, it’s a safer, better way to share with those who matter most. Your data is never used for advertising, profiles are private and you only chat with approved contacts.
—
AGE-INCLUSIVE DESIGN

• Safer self-expression: free from the pressures of likes, comments and follower counts
• Text, emoji, picture, audio and video: many ways to communicate for all ages
• No phone number or data plan necessary: all that’s required is a device and WiFi connection

SAFE AND PRIVATE

• Your data belongs to you: Kinzoo is not an advertising engine and will never sell your data
• Control family contacts: parents approve all connections before anyone can exchange messages
• Unique invitation system: profiles are not publicly searchable, keeping information private

MADE FOR FAMILIES

• Works on iPhone and other smartphones: include family and friends on different devices
• No scheduling required: easily share one-on-one or group messages at your convenience
• Easy-to-use interface: made for the whole family—cousins, aunts, uncles and great-grandparents!

Apps & Software:
Ages 5 to 8

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IT’S ME, PIPPA!: Sixth in the Hetty Series
Written and illustrated by Martha Sears West

IT’S ME, PIPPA!
Sixth in the Hetty Series

Ignatz, a reformed petty criminal, acts as Pippa’s surrogate father while her parents are away. Nine-year-old Pippa arranges a romance between her handicapped teacher and Ignatz, but will her good intentions compensate for her bungling? Though Pippa tackles dangers and grown-up problems with courage and imagination, can she escape the cruelty of the school bully?

Young Adult Books:
Humor

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ITz…really is: The Amazing Encounter
Written and illustrated by Eva Heather Kerr & Suzanne Dawson

A classic tale about two little friends
and their encounter with a young boy from another planet, a boy in search of friends…

This very funny, gentle story, it’s a book for children, but hopefully also will be appreciated and enjoyed by an older audience. The language and themes are simple, so the young, as well as older readers can relate to it. LOVE and DEDICATION to ANIMALS & ALL LIFE.

Fun and Gentle life’s philosophy of most memorable, vivid moments of childhood.

The most amazing friendship tales are light and funny, but still tap into regular childhood experiences like compromise, imaginings, friendship, emotional pain.

(We Know That Some People experience childhoods that are far more traumatic and much more challenging than others, but if we actually recognise, that no one has a “normal” childhood, and that everyone’s childhood is unique, we better our chances to understand each individual and to be more tolerant of differences. Understanding and valuing each person’s individual experience has more to offer than the false promise of an imagined normality).

Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Fiction – General

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Hanging By My Toes
Written by Carol Creager

A true story of a baby slot rescued from the ground. He was being cared for until he was old enough to live in the wild.

Children’s Picture Books:
Animal Kingdom

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Green Rank: Save Our Oceans

Did you know that 14 billion pounds of trash are dumped into the ocean every year? But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

Our interactive eBook – recipient of the prestigious Gold Mom’s Choice Award – teaches kids about our beautiful oceans, while developing their cognitive, motor, and emotional skills. Through fun games and lessons, we can teach kids to save our oceans and give them a brighter, better future.

Because, we believe, playing is when learning happens, our mission is to inspire and educate kids to save and protect our planet, in a fun and playful way, that helps in their development.

Educational Products:
Preschoolers

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Green Rank: Green Our Home

Did you know that, if every American recycled just one-tenth of their newspapers, we would save around 25,000,000 trees each year? Small actions around the house can lead to a big impact on the planet.

That’s where we come in. Our interactive eBook – recipient of the prestigious Gold Mom’s Choice Awards – helps kids learn about the importance of recycling at home, while developing their cognitive, motor, and emotional skills.

Because, we believe, playing is when learning happens, our mission is to inspire and educate kids to save and protect our planet, in a fun and playful way, that helps in their development.

Educational Products:
Preschoolers

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Feed Me! No, Feed Me! No, Me!: DAME COMIDA1 NO, DAMELA! NO, ME!
Written by Carol Creager; Illustrated by Carol Creager, photographer; Edited by Carol Creager

We three young mangrove swallows wait and hope our parents will bring us juicy insects to eat so that we will grow up fast. Then we will have to feed ourselves. We are old enough to fly, but we cannot fly well enough to catch flying insects. Carol watches and photographs us from a boat in the river.

Children’s Picture Books:
Animal Kingdom

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Bridgeway Academy

Bridgeway Academy is a fully accredited homeschool academy offering virtual and textbook programs that meet the highest levels of accreditation. The academy customizes learning options for each Bridgeway student based on their unique learning style and needs, all the while considering how much hands-on instruction the parents want to provide.

Founded in 1989, our passion is helping families experience homeschooling success through flexible, customized programs that match student’s learning style and academic needs with the right curriculum, support, and engaging supplementals.

Educational Products:
Ages 9 to 12

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6-in-1 Here I Grow Play Yard

The 6-in-1 Here I Grow Activity Play Yard offers parents all of the needed sleep modes for baby while also providing a safe and secure space during both sleep and waking hours. There are 6 modes of use, 3 ways to play, and 3 ways to care for your baby. Baby is cared for, entertained and secure, in a unique product designed with your child’s development in mind.

Gear & Accessories:

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2 Girls Talking Podcast

Veteran news journalists and entrepreneurs Ashley Bernardi and Anna Davalos launched the podcast “2 Girls Talking” to address the dizzying world of entrepreneurship, raising families, and attempting to stay sane as mothers, wives, and business owners.

As friends, former journalists, and working moms, Ashley and Anna started their businesses at the same time, and together maneuvered the world of entrepreneurship, all while managing households, kids, and marriage. Season one of 2 Girls Talking addresses issues that Ashley and Anna believe many women, mothers, and business owners face on a daily basis – including boundaries, rejection, self-care, social media, and business mistakes. A new episode is released once every two weeks.

2 Girls Talking is available on iTunes, Tunein, Google Play, and Podbean. Look for the “2 Girls Talking” logo, leave a review, and subscribe. The podcast is accepting guest recommendations.

Audio Experiences:
Adults

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Maggie Believed
Written by Ann Biese; Illustrated by Colleen Sgroi; Edited by Ann Biese

Meet Maggie, a stray dog who dreams of a loving family to call her own. Even though her life is difficult, she continues to believe in happily ever after for herself.

Children’s Picture Books:
Inspirational / Motivational

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Ronnie’s Reach: My Story, by a Red-eyed Tree Frog
Written by Carol Creager

I reach for the sky and the stars, just as Carol does. I climb every flower, leaf, and stick, hoping one will take me high enough. Dreams are so important. Ronnie Frog

Frogs need clean air and water to survive.

Las ranas necesitan aire y agua limpios para vivir. Carol

Children’s Picture Books:
Animal Kingdom

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