This week’s roundup of Mom’s Choice Award winners features TWO weeks of Honorees! We’ve got everything from podcasts, children’s books, toys + 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 December 13, 2020 to December 26, 2020.
Every week companies, inventors, and publishers from around the world send us their products for evaluation. Only the best earn our designation.
Zuggy the Rescue Pug – Bellyache Blues
Written by Jean Marie Alfieri; Illustrated by Alexandra Ruiz
Zuggy the Pug wants his best pal, Poppy, to feel better, but no matter what he tries, she feels tired, sad, and alone in her fight against her illness. Others have abandoned Poppy, but Zuggy won’t give up their friendship. When she gets sick again, Zuggy rallies Poppy’s pack of friends to be by her side. To cheer her up, they do their doggie best to deliver get-well gifts. But when they arrive at her house, they discover she’s not there. How can they get to Poppy, let alone help her now?
Children’s Picture Books:
Family Life
Zuggy the Rescue Pug – Adoption Day
Written by Jean Marie Alfieri; Illustrated by Alexandra Ruiz; Edited by Jean Alfieri
Why did Zuggy the Pug need to be rescued? How did he end up in a shelter? Why did the Veterinarian put his adoption on hold?
Told in first-dog (Zuggy’s own words), these questions and more are answered in this exciting origin story.
Discover the truth about the humble beginnings of everyone’s favorite Rescue Pug. And find out why Zuggy will be fur-ever grateful to the shelter staff and volunteers.
Children’s Picture Books:
Warrior Kids Podcast
Warrior Kids Podcast is a podcast designed for kids, families and teachers to celebrate everything Indigenous. Each week we share interesting facts about Indigenous languages, cultures, traditions and values from different Indigenous Nations all over Turtle Island (Canada and the United States). Our goal is to inspire kids of all backgrounds and abilities to become compassionate warriors for social justice and earth justice, in order to make the world a better place for all peoples.
This is a podcast for kids of all backgrounds! Our goal is to help educate Indigenous and non-Indigenous kids together, so they can help make the world a better place for everyone.
Our primary focus is on education for action! That means we take what we learn and put it into action to protect all living things on Turtle Island including humans, plants, animals, fish, birds and even creepy crawly insects!!
Online Resources (Websites, eMagazines and Blogs):
Children
TACTBIT- Toddlers STEM toy, Baby shower gift, Electronic Magnetic cubes.
Tactbit Electronic cubes, lab safety tested and designed for 1-year-old toddlers and up. Each cube lights up magically as the magnets draw them together. Electricity & circuitry studies can’t be any simpler to observe by toddlers. Uniquely different recording, music, wheels cubes add sound and motion to this educational STEM toy.
It ignites children’s creative minds at a very young age. The cubes promote children’s hand-eye coordination, graphic & colors recognition, spatial concepts, logical and multi-level thinking, cultivate children’s concentration and endurance. Stimulate children’s imagination and creativity. Simple and easy to make contact to Light up , twist to change colors. Children love easy to construct yet colorful cubes with music and voice. Toddlers won’t get discouraged but eager to learn more at the starting line.
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Smithsonian Jellyfish Tank
Watch a bloom of “jellyfish” elegantly “swim,” as you learn more about these amazing and unusual ancient animals. Learn about
different species, how big they grow, what they eat, how they sting and more! This LED-lit tank is a colorful, mesmerizing and educational addition to any room. Requires 3 “AA” batteries (not included). Ages 10+.
Educational Products:
Ages 9 to 12
Santa’s Smelly Socks!
Written and illustrated by Len Foley
T’was the night before Christmas… and all through the TOWN were smelly socks and putrid pants that made Ol’ Santa FROWN!!
Children’s Picture Books:
Humor
Protectors of the Rainbow: an Enchanted Unicorn Kids Game and Nightlight
As everyone knows, Unicorns protect the skies. What people don’t know is that Leprechauns are greedy, mischievous creatures – and now they’re at it again! They’ve stolen all the colors of the rainbow and now it’s up to the Unicorns to make things right again.
Kids will love the quest of searching for the glowing gems and working together to find them…over and over again! Designed for kids ages 4-10, 2-7 players.
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 5 to 8
Mom’ s Turn: A journal for the first year of motherhood and stories to stay empowered
Written and illustrated by Jennika Ingram
Jennika Ingram hopes to educate, empower, and encourage new moms.
Mom’s Turn is a unique journal for mothers to record their private experience during the first year, separately from their baby book. Ingram interviewed more than 100 mothers ages 21 to 47 about what they wish they knew and shared their collective wisdom and expertise. Mom’s Turn shares information, insights, and humor to provide tips and helpful guidance for moms during those challenging first months.
Adult Books:
Parenting – General
Momma May I Be Me
Written by Dr. Tamecca S. Rogers, Keith Ross; Illustrated by K-Shaniece M. Smith; Edited by JoAnne First Editing
Momma May I Be Me? is a fantastic parent and child book written by Dr. Tamecca S. Rogers and Keith Ross. Illustrated by K-Shaniece M. Smith, it is visual and easy to read. This book is a creative work emphasizing the importance of mental independence. A boy decided that he didn’t want to look like every other male, nor his father or his siblings. He wanted to have his hair in dreadlocks and told his mom about it. His mom’s response and subsequent action will shape him into the man that he’ll grow up to be. The little boy will either be mentally independent or subdued, while his mom will hit a new learning curve in parenting.
Children’s Picture Books:
Developing Social Skills
M.C. Plays Hide & Seek
Written by Eva Grayzel
M.C. is a cancer cell who shares just enough information about the nature of the disease to promote dialogue and minimize fear. The scary part of cancer is the unknown. Learn about doctors who look for cancer. Understand feelings children experience and learn ways to cope. Empower children with knowledge and how to make a difference. M.C. Plays Hide & Seek strengthens communication and builds emotional health.
Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Fiction – General
Little Thoughts for Big Days: Photographic Reflections
Written by kay jantzi; Illustrated by Karen McDiarmid as Graphic Artist; Edited by Word Alive Press
Enjoy this collection of Little Thoughts, accented with nature, to reflect on when days loom large and obstacles overwhelm. When the many hats you wear seem not enough and the journey ahead impossible, this collection will lift and encourage, refresh and strengthen your weary, worn self. It’s a Gift Book designed to lift you into God’s presence through His astounding creation and His Word. It’s dedicated to women everywhere because life is fragile, and we are so needy for grace. It’s dedicated to you, right where you are and to your children and to your children’s children
Adult Books:
Inspirational / Motivational
Little Ruffle and The World Beyond
Written by Jodie Jackson; Illustrated by Sarah-Leigh Wills
Little Ruffle and The World Beyond
Whilst the elders are looking for problems, Little Ruffle goes looking for solutions!
Little Ruffle and The World Beyond is an illustrated children’s book about a little bird who can’t see out of her nest, so listens to stories about the world from her elders. As a result, she becomes afraid to fly the nest because it sounds like a bad and scary place. But Little Ruffle soon learns through a heart-warming adventure that the world is filled with beauty, kindness, courage and brilliance – we just have to know where to look.
“If we want a different story,
We must take a different view,
Climb on my little darling,
I’ve got something to show to you…”
Little Ruffle and The World beyond is a touching tale of kindness, courage and triumph.
Children’s Picture Books:
Values & Life Lessons
Jenga® Throw ‘n Go!™
Now enjoy classic Jenga® brand game fun with a colorful twist! Players roll the die to determine which block they have to remove from the Jenga® Throw ‘n Go!™ tower. Will it be the purple block on the end that you’re able to slide out with ease and pop back on top of the tower… or the orange block in the middle that you have to try to inch out very s-l-o-w-l-y? When the tower gets “tippy” you could luck out and roll a “Reverse” to send play back to the last player. Things could get tricky fast if you roll “Any Two” because you’ll need to remove two blocks AND carefully stack them BOTH on top of the tower before your turn ends.
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 9 to 12
Jenga® GIANT™ JS6™
Anticipation builds to a crashing climax! All the fun of the Classic Jenga® brand game, but GIANT! Can stack to over 4 feet high! Get ready for bigger build-ups and bigger crashes, whether you’re in your own backyard, at a park, or in your home. 54 Jenga® GIANT™ precision-crafted, premium hardwood blocks (6” x 2” x 1.2”) over 8 times the size of classic Jenga® game blocks! Jenga® GIANT™ JS6™ is fun for people of all ages…from kids through adults. Be the Champion: The unofficial record for the highest Jenga® GIANT™ tower is 44 levels! Think you can beat that?
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Young Adults
iLuvBamboo Bamboo Muslin Burp Cloths – 5 PACK
*WHY CHOOSE MUSLIN OVER OTHER MATERIALS? It is an open-weave material that allows air to flow through reducing the risk of overheating. This quality makes it a breathable, quick dry & absorbent material suitable for babies. Our machine washable burp bibs come with a free washbag as an added protection during wash.
- YOUR MUSLIN BURP CLOTH SHRANK TO HALF ITS SIZE? When you get ours, it has been prewashed so shrinkage is minimal. The high-quality stitching ensures these infant washcloths do not fray like others in the market.
- LONG LASTING DURABILITY & SOFTNESS – Made from premium 70% bamboo & 30% cotton, it’s the perfect mix for comfort and durability. When you use it, you will notice the gentle softness of bamboo on your newborn’s delicate skin; while the cotton enhances the strength of these towels.
- BABY’S SPIT UP WENT STRAIGHT THRU YOUR BURP RAGS? With 6 layers of super absorbent layers, our multipurpose towel can be used for spit up, teething drool, sneezes, messes or even as a face washcloth. Sized generously at approx. 21” x 10” large, it provides maximum shoulder coverage.
- 100% RISK FREE – Buying the iLuvBamboo products means buying with confidence. If you’re not completely satisfied, we’ll make it right or your money back. Get extras for family, friends and for baby shower gifts too!
Gear & Accessories:
Feeding
iLuvBamboo Bamboo Crib Mattress Protector
WASTING MONEY ON TERRY MATERIAL THAT SNAGS EASILY? No longer! Our long lasting mattress topper is made from premium bamboo jacquard material that does not snag easily.
- PERFECT FIT & EASY ON EASY OFF – Sized at 52” x 28” and a deep 9” pocket, it fits snugly and securely on a standard crib mattress. It is machine washable and dryer friendly too!
- SILKY SMOOTH, SOFT & QUIET – So luxuriously soft & comfy! You’ll be glad you got it for your baby! Our crib mattress cover has no crinkly sound. Bye bye sleepless nights! Hello well rested baby!
- HIGHLY ABSORBENT, WATERPROOF & BREATHABLE – Bamboo is often quoted as 40% more absorbent than cotton. The breathable TPU waterproof backing protects your crib mattress from spills and leaks. Due to the microstructure of the rayon from bamboo fibers, it’s a highly breathable fabric. It draws moisture away from the skin keeping baby cool during summer. During winter, it acts as a good insulator keeping baby warm.
- 100% RISK-FREE – Buying the iLuvBamboo products means buying with confidence. If you’re not completely satisfied, we’ll make it right or your money back. Don’t forget to get extras for family, friends and for baby shower gifts too!
Gear & Accessories:
Bedding & Room Decor
iLuvBamboo Bamboo Changing Pad Liners – 3 PACK
LINERS TOO SMALL & NOT LONG LASTING? Sized at 14” x 27” our liners are much thicker, wider and longer than the rest. When you get it, you’ll see how durable our liners are.
- REUSABLE & PORTABLE – Withstanding more than 300+ washes, it is machine washable & dryer friendly. Keep some on the change table or on-the-go diaper bag.
- OH SO SOFT FOR BABY! Pamper your infant with silky softness during change time! Bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic and does not irritate baby with sensitive skin. The breathable & waterproof layer is made from nontoxic tpu and vinyl free.
- LINERS NOT PROVIDING PROTECTION? Our liners are highly absorbent with 4 layers of protection to catch those unwanted messes. It stays put and does not bunch up. How easy changing will be now! Can be used as protection on car seats, high chairs, bouncers and rockers too.
- 100% RISK-FREE – Buying the iLuvBamboo products means buying with confidence. If you’re not completely satisfied, we’ll make it right or your money back. Don’t forget getting extras for family, friends and for baby shower gifts too!
Gear & Accessories:
Bath & Potty (Includes Diaper Pails)
I have the power,,, to enjoy school!
Written by Toni McAree, Stephanie Hope
Perfect for school related anxiety or worry.
The creators of YouTubes ‘Mindful Kids Channel’ bring you the first release in the ‘I have the power’ series
Does your child feel anxious about school?
Do you experience tearful angry mornings?
This book will help change their mindset by providing valuable tips in the form of rhyming poems, each accompanied with a powerful affirmation. Delivered in a way that children will understand, to help them feel powerful and in control of their day at school.
“Kid friendly, bright and uplifting poems”
“Will reassure children that school can be a safe and fun place to be and to look at school in a comforting way”
Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Inspirational / Motivational
How the Candy Cane Got Its Stripes: A Christmas Tale
Written by Kevin Brougher; Illustrated by Lisa M. Santa Cruz
The candy cane is a wonderful Christmas treat that Santa, and his elves, created many years ago in his North Pole kitchen. It was winter-white and delicious. But, after years of plain white, Santa was ready for a new look. Santa’s art contest would determine the design that would be placed on the canes. Everyone in the North Pole village wanted to enter. Whose design would win?
The candy cane, for many years,
was white like winter snow.
But, one year dear old Santa said,
“Plain white has got to go!”
So, open up and start to read
and by the end you’ll see
why stripes are put on candy canes
and how it came to be!
Children’s Picture Books:
Seasonal, Holidays & Festivals
Holi Colors!
Written and illustrated by Deven Jatkar
It is the day before India’s Festival of Colors, Holi!
Maya is looking forward to splashing and spraying colors with her loved ones. She falls on her head and wakes up in a black and white world with a chaos of colors. Will Maya be able to play Holi tomorrow? Maya heads out to explore this confusing world.
Children’s Picture Books:
Imagine It!
GROOVY WUBBLE
It looks like a bubble and plays like a ball. Now it’s taking a walk on the wild side! Groovy Wubble is the Super Wubble bubble ball with a funkadelic tie-dye design. Kick it, whack it, throw it, bounce it – even sit on it! Made from squishy, squashy, super soft and lightweight XpandiumTM, Groovy Wubble can be inflated to gnarly proportions (24-30 inches is best) and inflates in just minutes with the enclosed pump. Enjoy lots of bouncy fun year-round. And dig this: No two Groovy Wubbles are exactly alike! Recommended for ages 6+. Pump requires 4 “AA” size (1.5V) batteries (not included). Balls are also sold separately, without a pump. Patch kit included.
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 5 to 8
Grandpa Kevin’s…The Three Little Pigs
Written by Kevin Brougher; Illustrated by Jessica Warrick
Author, Kevin Brougher (Grandpa Kevin), updates the classic story of three little pigs and one persistent wolf. The triple rhyme format brings bounce and fun to the wonderful illustrations by Jessica Warrick.
This well known story
is no longer gory.
The wolf is NOT boiled and eaten.
But, he’s still in despair
and he thinks it’s not fair
that he’s clearly (by PIGS!) been beaten.
Upgraded to rhyme,
the children will chime,
“Oh, read it! Oh, read it again!”
They’ll listen with glee,
and you’ll clearly see
that their love of this book – won’t end!
Children’s Picture Books:
Fantasy, Myths & Legends
Galaxy Kids – A fun language school in your pocket
Galaxy Kids is an English language learning platform with a focus on speaking designed by language learning experts, psychologists, and leading software engineers.
What will you learn?
With 7 levels of content containing more than 400 lessons and 2000 interactive activities, you will learn to converse in a natural environment about real-life situations, including:
- 1000+ words grouped by categories such as ‘Family”, “School”, “Toys”, “Colors”
- 50+ sentence frames
- Proper pronunciation of English vocabulary
Features :
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology that enables you to practice speaking skills with our animated characters
- A variety of learning styles to promote memory and language retention
- A step-by-step learning path with 400+ lessons and 2000+ activities
- Practical “real-world” scenarios such as meeting friends, going to school, or shopping at the market
- Interactive games to make learning English addictive and fun
- Native English speaking teachers who model correct pronunciation
- Real-time corrective feedback to improve language skills
- Each account allows up to 3 unique users
- Synchronization of learning progress across devices
- 100+ English learning songs and interactive books
Subscription details :
Galaxy Kids is a subscription-based service that offers full, unlimited access to the platform’s videos, activities, songs, storybooks, and always updates.
Apps & Software:
Preschoolers
Boxing Battle
Get in shape with this competitive boxing game that keeps score! Be the first to punch out all your opponent’s LED target lights in Boxing Mode. Practice for a match in Training Mode, or hit the lights as they appear in Advanced Mode – they don’t stay lit for long! Includes 2 Boxing Battle vests and 2 pairs of boxing gloves that fit most kids and teens (larger gloves sold separately). In-game soundtracks and realistic sound effects get everyone pumped and ready for the next round. Just pop in 3x AA batteries per vest to get the game going!
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 9 to 12
Beyond Words: A Child’s Journey Through Apraxia
Written by Dana L Hall; Illustrated by Shruti Prabhu; Edited by Camilla Fellas Arnold
Not every child communicates in spoken words; however, that hardly means they have nothing to say.
Now more than ever, we are leaning toward a changing landscape. Our world must focus more on kindness, inclusion, and acceptance. Because our daily life has shifted in so many ways—in how we socialize, educate our children, and work, it’s so important to be kind, and to show our kindness in ways that don’t always require words. BEYOND WORDS takes us on a journey that showcases the power of friendship, connection, and imagination.
BEYOND WORDS is a must-have resource will compliment any home library, school, speech-language program, or classroom. Through beautiful illustrations and thoughtful text, we come to understand the inner world of children that have differences others can’t always see.
Children’s Picture Books:
Specialized Concepts / Differently Abled
Balloons for Tiger
Written by Lori Orlinsky; Illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre
How can children begin to heal after losing a pet? Balloons for Tiger takes an imaginative look at this tough topic as colorful balloons travel from the hands of children to their beloved cat who has passed on. This book lets children open up their hearts and imaginations for a magical journey to the farthest corners of the world, where they’ll meet skydivers, astronauts, superheroes, and everything in between. As they watch the balloons’ voyage to the other side of the rainbow bridge, they learn to positively process their grief. Balloons for Tiger is a great tool for any child who has experienced the loss of a pet—or any other loved one, too.
Children’s Picture Books:
Values & Life Lessons
A Papillon Christmas Tale
Written by Kevin Brougher; Illustrated by Jessica Warrick
Two papillon pups, Habanero and Jalapeño, are willing and eager to help Santa and the elves catch up and get ready for the big night. It all starts well but, it seems Jalapeño gets a little distracted. Habanero steps in and helps with his sister’s bad habits.
With the world population
at 8 billion and 2,
Santa was stressed.
What was he to do?
He needed some help.
Could 2 papillons be…
the help that was needed?
Start reading! You’ll see.
Children’s Picture Books:
Seasonal, Holidays & Festivals
