Is it too early to start shopping for the Holidays?! No way! This week’s roundup of Mom’s Choice Award winners features tons of award-winning apps, toys, picture 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 October 18, 2020 to October 24, 2020.

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

Wow in the World

Wow in the world is the #1 podcast for kids and families. Produced by Tinkercast and distributed by NPR, hosts Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas weave a character driven, humor heavy story around a new scientific discovery happening in the world right now. Teachers, parents and kids can extend the “wow” with hundreds of hands-on science, STEAM, ESL and ELA activities that get kids thinking and tinkering. Eyes Up. screens Down. Jaws Dropped. Find out more at Tinkercast.com.

Online Resources (Websites, eMagazines and Blogs):
Children

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Wondershare FamiSafe

FamiSafe is the Most Reliable Parental Control app with features like kids’ location tracking, screen time limiting, website filtering, game & porn blocking, suspicious photos detecting and suspicious text detecting on social media app like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and more. Link family devices, keep your family safe.

Kids are growing up in the digital age, we should help them cultivate healthy digital habits. FamiSafe Parental Control app makes it easier.
✓ Kids like to stay up all night for online chatting or gaming and easily getting poor eye vision. FamiSafe parental control app with screen time and activity report feature would help you.
✓ When kids secretly leave school and skip classes without permission or get brought to dangerous places, you could use FamiSafe parental control app with location tracker feature;
✓ Kids are easier exposed to gamble or porn site, or even post and share sexually explicit photos in social media apps. You would receive instant alerts from FamiSafe and keep your kids away from online danger.

Apps & Software:
Ages 9 to 12

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To Be Or Knot To Be
Written and illustrated by Melanie Burgess

This is a humorous tale of two flamingos who face the dilemma of becoming tied in a knot.

This sends them on a quest through the Florida Everglades, searching for someone to help. The story is filled with fun facts about the habitats in the Everglades. There are additional Everglade facts at the end of the book, along with a habitat hunt. The story, told in rhyme, makes it suitable for bedtime reading out loud-the rhyme structure will also help children to remember the storyline and to learn to read it themselves.

Children’s Picture Books:
Bedtime Stories

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The Power of Kindness and Treats!
Written by Patricia A. Brill, PhD; Illustrated by Curt Walstead

The Power of Kindness and Treats! offers parents an opportunity to show their children there is nothing more rewarding than the feeling of doing a good deed for someone else. Real happiness comes from not what you get but what you give. This book shows the importance of being kind to others and “Paying it Forward”.

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

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The Magical Guide to Bliss: Daily Keys to Unlock Your Dreams, Spirit & Inner Bliss
Written by Meg Nocero, author
Dr. Michael Anthony Nocero Jr., foreword

Embark on an unforgettable adventure of wonder, magic, and miracles as you discover the keys that will lead you to experience more bliss in your life.

Adult Books:
Inspirational / Motivational

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Super Duper Digital Library

The Super Duper Digital Library currently provides hundreds of standards-based learning resources with thousands of activities for parents and educators to use during distance and hybrid/blended learning with children ages 3-12.

These educational materials include a host of unique, engaging instructional games, cards, and worksheets. Each item targets a specific skill, such as basic concepts, literacy, grammar, social-emotional skills, critical thinking, sequencing, autism, listening, early skills, articulation, phonemic awareness, memory, fine and gross motor skills, sensory integration, phonics, reading, and more.

The Digital Library is particularly ideal for parents looking for materials that their children can use during at-home learning to build their literacy skills. The resources are also good to help children who have speech and language delays, developmental/learning disabilities or autism.

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

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Slam Cup

Match the cups then slam them down fast! Slam Cup is an intensely fast speed matching game. Match the color on the inside of your cup to the color on the outside of the top cup on the stack. Then slam your cup on top as fast as you can, before someone beats you to it! The first player to stack all their cups is the winner!

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 5 to 8

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Scribble Scrubbie Pets Grooming Truck

Building on the popularity of the Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets line, Crayola introduces a new way to play with the Scribble Scrubbie Pets Grooming Truck! This life-like environment features a real working spray pump that easily allows kids to wash their pet; just like they would in a real grooming truck. It also doubles as a storage solution that’s easy to pack up and store for later use. The Scribble Scrubbie Pets Grooming Truck includes 3 Ultra-Clean Washable Markers, scrub brush, 1 small scrub tub, spray pump and 2 pets that are easy to color and clean.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Toddlers

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Sasha and his Red Leash
Written by Yossi Lapid; Illustrated by Joanna Pasek

Sasha is a lucky pup! He takes a long walk each morning, he gets a healthy treat when he comes back, and “Big Boss Bob”, his loving owner, plays ball with him every day

Sasha’s life would be perfect were it not for that horrible red leash that he is made to wear!

Bob insists however that the leash is needed to keep everybody safe.

Will Bob and Sasha find a solution to Sasha’s troubled relationship with his leash?

Read this funny and gorgeously illustrated rhyming picture book to find out!

Children’s Picture Books:
Domestic Animals & Pets

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Santa Mails A Letter

This Christmas season, we are celebrating all that is joy and magic. We’ve curated personalized letters from the big guy (Santa) and hand-picked treasures, sure to surprise and delight all of the little ones in your life. Christmas is going to be very different this year, especially for young families where the traditional visit with Santa may not be possible. Instead, why not bring the magic of Santa Claus right to your mailbox? Parents choose from one of eight customizable letters, including this year, one where Santa writes reassuringly about living through the COVID pandemic. Other letters include: Baby’s First Christmas, Christian, Older Child, Birthday and more. For those who still believe. http://www.santamailsaletter.com.

Miscellaneous:
Gift Items, Gift Books & Ornaments

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Plant-Based Dinnerware Set in Lagoon

Made from natural, renewable and sustainable materials, our bamboo children’s dishes are non-toxic to people and planet alike. We’ve created a range of bright, minimalistic dinnerware options that can be used and enjoyed by all members of the family. Better yet, all of our products come in trendy, thoughtfully designed packaging, making them the perfect gift for modern mamas and papas alike!

Gear & Accessories:
Feeding

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Pick Up Pete

STACK THE CHAIRS WHILE PETE GOES AROUND – Whoever can stack the most chairs is eligible for a grand prize! The current record is 48 chairs TAKE TURNS STACKING – Stack your chairs in the back of Pete as he drives around in a circle, and whoever stacks all of their chairs first wins!!! FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY – Pick Up Pete is the perfect game for game night, it is perfect for 1-4 players! HOURS OF PLAY – Pick Up Pete runs off of 2 AA batteries with a full 24 hour run time. INCLUDES – Motorized Pick Up Pete and 24 colored chairs (4 different colors).

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 5 to 8

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Pick Up & Count Vacuum™

Count on picking up learning with the Pick Up & Count Vacuum™! This smart vacuum toy picks up ten play dust pieces as kids roll the vacuum over them, encouraging motor skills as they easily maneuver the pretend vacuum around the room. As the vacuum picks up the dust pieces, it recognizes each color and helps children with color recognition. Bouncing balls inside the spinning vacuum canister add excitement to pretend tidying. Three play modes teach colors, numbers and counting with six learning games. Five light-up panels illuminate to match the color of the piece the vacuum picks up, and the vacuum says the color name and counts the piece to reinforce learning. The tiltable handle adjusts to multiple heights, allowing this toy to grow with your child. A dust bin on the back collects and stores all ten dust pieces. Clean up on learning!

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Toddlers

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Paper Maker

Introducing Crayola’s Maker Series – a line of DIY Makers that allows kids to create their own custom art materials including Paper, Crayola Markers and Erasers. With the Paper Maker, kids can mix, pour and press 20 sheets of their own 5”x 8” usable paper, ideal for cards, décor or notes. Customizable sheets are colored using the inks provided and with parents’ help can be dried quickly in the oven. It also includes 3 ink colors (red, blue and yellow), beaker for mixing, spatula and paper press.

Arts, Crafts & Hobbies:
Ages 9 to 12

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Paper Flower Science Lab Kit

The Paper Flower Science Lab Kit is one of three new Crayola STEAM lab kits that is not only educational but fun. With the Paper Flower Science Lab Kit, kids can watch color bloom before their very eyes. Using the magic of physics and capillary action, this hands-on educational toy lets kids learn about the science of water “wicking” as they create colorful paper flowers. It Includes 12 flowers that can “re-wick” color over and over to change their look and design. Additional kits include the Liquid Science Lab Kit and the Space Science Lab Kit.

Arts, Crafts & Hobbies:
Ages 5 to 8

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Off Target: The Path You Choose-#1
Written by Jill Ammon Vanderwood; Illustrated by Kerah Diez and Trevor Brown; Edited by Katherine Jones

Off Target: The Path You Choose # 1:
What would you do if your friend showed you a gun?

You are new in town and it’s your first day at a new school. Your neighbor, Trevor introduces you to a new group of three boys and two girls. Right away you notice that Eric, one of the guys in the group, is being bullied at school. When you go to Eric’s house with your new group of friends, he shows the group a fully loaded handgun that is left in his mother’s nightstand. You are faced with some hard choices when someone suggests that Eric should take the gun to school.
What should you do? It’s time to choose a path.

Off Target is the first book in The Path You Choose series. You, the reader, determine the outcome by the choices you make. Once you read one story, go back and choose a different story. There are thirteen possible endings in this book. What Path Will You Choose?

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

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My Hair Went On Vacation
Written by Paula Quinn; Illustrated by Chiara Civati

This story is about Rosie, who lives in Chicago. Within three weeks she lost all of her hair and asked, “Where did it go?”
Rosie loved to rock the bald, without even skipping a beat. She happily wore sunscreen -not even a hat!- in the summer heat.
At bedtime, Rosie would tell her own stories with a smile on her face. She’d imagine her hair going on magical adventures all over the place. From a young age, Rosie loved herself and was not phased by her look, so her mother decided to share her spirit to teach others through this book.

Children’s Picture Books:
Specialized Concepts / Differently Abled

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LeapStart® Preschool Success

Experience the magic of the LeapStart® Preschool Success interactive learning system. This system grows with your child and gets them excited about learning with interactive touch-and-talk pages. Touch-and-talk activities that include games, puzzles and creative challenges enhance learning to help kids build math, reading, problem-solving skills and more.

Scout & Friends Math With Problem-Solving and an additional activity book are included. The expansive LeapStart® library of books (sold separately) covers a variety of preschool through first-grade subjects for 2-7-year-olds with more than 30 activities in every book.

Many replayable activities have two levels with 50+ key skills per grade level, so kids can play and learn at the right level and move up when they’re ready. Included books are preloaded. The easy-to-hold stylus is comfortable for kids of all ages and promotes proper writing grip. A computer with an internet connection is required to download additional books onto the LeapStart® system.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Preschoolers

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Imagination Art Set

The portable art studio features plenty of tools you can take anywhere! This inspiring art set contains 115 pieces in a colorful carrying case including 14 Super Tips Markers, 15 Short Colored Pencils, 14 Pip Squeaks Skinnies Markers, 56 Crayons, 15 Large Sheets of Paper. Also built into the case are 3 Rubbing Plates to create cool textured effects.

Arts, Crafts & Hobbies:
Ages 5 to 8

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Helping Heroes Fire Station™

Calling all helpers! It’s time to jump into action with the Helping Heroes Fire Station ™. Firefighters Fiona and Frankie sleep, relax and work out in the multi-level fire station. Get ready for a rescue by checking the equipment and learning how to be a firefighter. When it’s time for action, drop Fiona or Frankie through the opening and into the mini rescue vehicle. Transform the fire station into a fire truck and head out to be a hero. There’s a kitten stuck in a tree—put up the extension ladder! Place firefighters Frankie and Fiona on the Talking Point location to hear sound effects, music and phrases about their roles as firefighters. Music & Sounds, Explore & Train and Rescue Mission play modes combine with three action buttons to create an imaginative and learning-packed play experience for little firefighters.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Toddlers

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Go! Go! Smart Wheels® Ultimate Corkscrew Tower™

Race into three feet of fun with the two-in-one Go! Go! Smart Wheels® Ultimate Corkscrew Tower™! This versatile playset features two exciting track configurations. Stack tracks one atop the other to form an impressive corkscrew track over three feet high for dizzy downhill fun, or set up the tracks side by side for a dual-track racing experience. Place Rocky the Race Car on the launcher, then push the trophy to send the car zipping down the tracks on a fast-paced ride. The dual-track structure features off-road adventure with diversions down a secret path with a bumpy road, a switch track, trap doors and off-road hazards that will leave opponents stuck. Listen to three songs and six melodies and learn the letter “R” as you play. Get ready to race! Additional SmartPoint® cars are sold separately.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Toddlers

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Forever Friends: A Yoga Storytelling Adventure
Written by Melanie Moyer, Kathe Hudson; Illustrated by Mailys Pitcher

This Yoga Storytelling Adventure takes us on a delightful journey to India, the birth place of yoga. Although intended for ages 3-8, all ages will revel in this story where an unlikely friendship develops between a royal elephant and a homeless dog. In this timeless tale that illuminates kindness, honestly and friendship, kids will learn about the power of love. This is our version of an ancient folktale called “Elephant and Dog”, which derived from a series of Indian stories called the Jataka. It is furthermore inspired by the true story of Tara and Bella, the elephant and dog that became friends at an elephant sanctuary in Tennessee. The author’s include a Hindi word guide to help develop appreciation of a different language. Best of all, both parents and kids can take advantage of the full description of yoga poses which encourages interaction within this adventurous tale.

Children’s Picture Books:
Body, Mind & Spirit

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Fish Club

Fish Club is a classic two player abstract strategy game with a modern twist. Two families of fish are going head to head for the best spot in the new aquarium! On your turn, choose one of your fish pieces and drop it. Be careful as pieces bounce in unexpected directions and sea creatures try to block the fish from forming a group! The first player to connect 5 of their fish in the aquarium wins the game.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:

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Easy-Clean Finger Paint Set

Crayola Mess Free Finger Paint Station allows young children to be creative with finger paint without all the mess. Little artists can finger paint on top of the flexible covering which allows kids to experience the tactile feel of finger painting while the paint and paper are contained under the locked lid. The included Crayola Washable Paint colors include bold hues of Red, Blue and Yellow. The set includes 5 paint bottles, 10 sheets and the paint unit.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Toddlers

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Duolingo ABC

Duolingo ABC is the fun, hands-on way for your child to learn to read! Created by the team behind Duolingo, the world’s #1 education app, Duolingo ABC helps kids have fun while they practice reading and writing in English, with more languages coming soon!

• Learning kids love*: Activities like letter tracing and interactive stories are fun for even the youngest learners. And it’s a blast learning with Duolingo ABC’s cast of characters!
• For kids, by experts*: Duolingo ABC is designed by literacy and early-education experts to develop children’s skills in phonics, sight words, reading comprehension, and more.
• Kid-safe and ad-free*: Rest easy, parents: There are no ads or in-app purchases to worry about.
• Offline learning*: On a plane? At a restaurant? Duolingo ABC works offline so kids can learn wherever you go.
• New and updated content*: There’s always something new for your child to discover, so they’ll want to return to the app and keep learning!

Apps & Software:
Preschoolers

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Dough Parlour Deluxe “Build Your Box” Gift Set

Dough Parlour handcrafts delightfully scented, 100% non-toxic modelling dough.. One of our bestsellers, the Deluxe (Build-Your-Own) Gift Set allows you to choose up to 6 scents/colors, a set of premium cutters of your choice, and a rolling pin! All packaged in our signature turquoise gift box and wrapped in our signature raspberry-striped ribbon, our Deluxe Gift Set is gifting-ready, and can be directly mailed to or received for that special little one in your life!

Arts, Crafts & Hobbies:
Preschoolers

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Bee Heartful: Spread Loving-Kindness
Written by Frank Sileo; Illustrated by Claire Keay

When compassionate Bentley sends loving-kindness thoughts to himself and others, he can feel his heart growing:

May you be happy. May you be healthy. May you be safe. May you be peaceful.

When Willie Wasp steals Bentley’s favorite red scarf, it really stings! Bentley has the whole garden buzzing as he works through the situation.

This sweet story shows the power of strong, positive, and loving thoughts.

Children’s Picture Books:
Body, Mind & Spirit

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100 Animals Book™

Hold 100 animals in your hands with the touch-sensitive pages of the 100 Animals Book™! Six double-sided, interactive pages feature animals from 12 habitats and environments. Kids have a natural curiosity about animals, and this book provides lots of opportunities for exploration with illustrations and photographs of animals from the desert, savanna, rain forest and more. Three modes teach about animal names, animal sounds and fun facts on each page. Switch the language setting to hear about the animals and listen to songs in either English or Spanish. Fun facts about animals promote early science awareness, making this book a must-have addition to every little learner’s library.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Toddlers

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Sharoo: Teen Queen
Written by W.W. Rowe

In this sequel to the award-winning Eedoo Trilogy, Sharoo is nearly 16 and two years into her so-far peaceful reign as Queen of Broan. More attuned than ever to her guardian spirit Eedoo, she suddenly faces to major challenges: how to find the source of a powerful darm magic starting to ruin the kingdom, and how to handle her personal relationship with Clyde, her co-ruler.

Young Adult Books

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