This week’s roundup of Mom’s Choice Award winners features books, books and more books just in time for National Reading Month! Adult Books, Picture Books and even a little stool so your kiddos can reach all those books! 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 February 7, 2021 to February 13, 2021.
Every week companies, inventors, and publishers from around the world send us their products for evaluation. Only the best earn our designation.
You’ve Got Gifts!
Written by Kristin A. Sherry; Illustrated by Mel Schroeder; Edited by Beth Crosby
Katarina the fairy spies young Evelyn crying. Evelyn is sad she’s not good at anything. Join Katarina as she guides Evelyn to discover her talents using her magic fairy dust.
Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Willie: A Super Friend
Written by Barry Kienzle
Special needs book about making friends. Willie and his classmates find out that understanding can build a bridge to friendship.
Willie has suffered from cerebral his entire life. When he was young he was challenged with being accepted by other children as their equal because they either didn’t understand his disability or were afraid he would get hurt playing with them. He learned to cope, mostly by showing them in many ways he was their equal on the playground.
Children’s Picture Books:
Specialized Concepts / Differently Abled
Wide+ 2 Step Stool for Kids
SAFE / STURDY: This upgraded WIDE 2 step stool is 3 inches wider and 1 inch deeper than competing models to give children EXTRA TURNING space – and uses 4x extra thick slip-resistant rubber feet for floor grip – unlike other stools which use thin plastic feet inserts (see photo comparison). Our gray soft grip rubber now fully covers BOTH step surfaces for an extra level of safety, comfort, and secure footing for your child. This item is 1 stool.
PERFECT FOR GROWING KIDS: Our dual height design with extra-wide steps help toddlers step their way up to independence as they transition from toilet potty training to washing hands and brushing teeth at the sink, to finally reaching countertops and cabinets in your home and kitchen. The stool feet perform best on clean, dry, oil-free floors.
DURABLE / LIGHTWEIGHT: iLove WIDE two step stools are portable, stackable, and built to last with a reinforced plastic base that can hold up to 190 lbs. The dimensions of each stool in inches are 10.5 High x 15.5 Wide x 15.1 Deep. The 1st step is 5.6 High and 5.9 Deep. These versatile, multipurpose stools can be used everywhere in the house and will give your toddlers and children that extra boost they need for many years to come.
CLEAN / STYLISH: We only use materials that are non-BPA, non-PVC, and environmentally friendly. Our stain resistant design is easy to wipe down and clean. Our stools are not only incredibly useful, but stylish as well – and designed to match any house decor with a clean white / gray color scheme, tasteful logo in the upper right corner, and product label unobtrusively placed out of view – unlike other stool brands that advertise front and center.
LIFETIME GUARANTEE: iLove stools are factory tested and backed by our no questions asked guarantee, only available from the authorized seller iLove. Your customer happiness is our top priority. Should you have any issues, contact us immediately and we will take care of you.
Gear & Accessories:
Bath & Potty (Includes Diaper Pails)
The Princess and the Valley Man: Luna and Solis’s Adventures in Death Valley
Written by Dorota Kluza
Evan Williams; Illustrated by Malgorzata Barcikowska-Nazarczuk
The Princess and the Valley Man, is a children’s adventure story, which revolved around the characters Solis and Luna. Solis is a resident of a community who lives in a location known as Death Valley. Solis lives a relatively simple life and gains a lot of enjoyment out of helping tourists who visit his home. Luna is a princess, who visits the valley on a holiday.
Solis’s and Luna’s lives interconnect when Luna visits Solis’s cabin, where they befriend each other. After getting to know each other over the New Year’s celebration, Solis invites Luna to accompany him on a great adventure, to which Luna agrees.
The remainder of the story follows the two protagonists’ journey across the Sea of Sand, where they encounter a mysterious ghost town. Inside the town, an old man warns them of the dangers they face, and advises them on a path they should take to get back to Death Valley Palace.
After barely escaping the ghost town in time, Solis and Luna follow the old man’s advice and head to the Land of Moving Rocks, cross an ancient lake, traverse the Panamint Mountains, travel through the Canyon of Marble, travel through a tunnel/cave to the Meadow of Gold, which they barely manage to cross with their lives.
Danger and the possibility of death meet them in every region, and it is only by sheer luck and determination that they escape all the challenges that face them on their journey. Along the way, Solis and Luna meet a new friend named Kiko, a talking roadrunner, who helps them find their way home to Death Valley.
The adventure ends, when the three heroes make it safely home. Here Solis and Luna embrace their love for each other, and agree to go on many more adventures.
Luna and Solis will see many National Parks and learn about the unique features of each place they visit. Children can follow along in the book and visit the same places as in the books on their own journey through our National Parks. They will have boundless adventures, make some new friends, and learn about wildlife, ecology, and history of the National Parks with a twist of fantasy mixed in on their mystic journeys.
Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Fiction – General
The Adventures of Forkman – Two Book Set:: A Children’s Book of Etiquette & What’s That Noise
Written by Tiffany Caldwell & W.R. MacKenzie; Illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre
When poor manners are present, Forkman will be there to save the day! Join Kathryn and William as they learn how to load the dishwasher properly and avoid inappropriate distractions at the table with the help of all their utensil friends. This second book in the Adventures of Forkman series is a great introduction to mealtime etiquette for readers of all ages.
Children’s Picture Books:
Basic Concepts
Riley Madison Discovers the Superpower of a List
Written by June Akers; Illustrated by Riley Akers; Edited by Brittany Thrasher
Did you know you can have real superpowers and not even realize it?
Have you ever gone to brush your teeth but ended up looking like you should be in the circus? Or maybe you meant to go find your shoes but instead you won a hula-hoop contest? Do you ever have trouble staying focused on one particular task or completing things like homework, chores, or remembering all the things you are supposed to do in any situation… even something like getting ready for school in the morning?
Riley Madison does. She finds herself in all kinds of funny situations because of her overactive brain. She is always busy, but is often doing everything except what she is supposed to be doing. There are way too many fun distractions in her world. Join Riley Madison in this book as she discovers the superpower that helps her stay on task and avoid embarrassing situations…like chasing the bus in a tutu and only one cowgirl boot!
This book is a funny children’s chapter book that teaches superpowers kids can use to help them focus, pay attention, and complete tasks.
Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Humor
Nico: Un perro afortunado * A Lucky Dog
Written by Steve Mainero; Illustrated by Cesar Melendez
Hi, I’m Nico and I’m a lucky dog. Two little girl humans found me at the shelter and brought me home, no questions asked. Because of their act of kindness, my life has changed forever. This is my story. Bilingual children’s novel in Spanish and English. Includes thought questions to guide the young reader.
Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Fiction – General
Mommy’s Oven
Written by Brandi Pearce; Illustrated by Nazar Horokivskyi
August is excited to be a big brother! But, he has some questions about how his new family member will arrive–his baby brother won’t be grown in his mommy’s tummy, but another mommy’s tummy. Will Augie’s new brother look like him? Will they get to bring his new brother home? Join August on this new journey of becoming a big brother in a very special way.
Mommy’s Oven is a great way to help your child understand that families are all made differently and are full of love no matter what!
Children’s Picture Books:
Family Life
Mister Sleepy: Sleeping the day away
Written by Jane Alice; Illustrated by Andy Yura
Mister Sleepy likes nothing more than a good nap. Join him on this relaxing tale and find out how all that sleep lands him his dream job. It is truly out of this world!
Children’s Picture Books:
Bedtime Stories
Mickey on the Move
Written by Michelle Wagner; Illustrated by Jenny Phelps
In this bighearted book, the real story of a young boy with deafness in his ears is aided by his mother and teachers in navigating new school experiences. Mickey is just like everyone else, except he has to do things just a little differently than most. This charming tale reminds us that we can all find happiness if we lean on and support each other.
Children’s Picture Books:
Specialized Concepts / Differently Abled
Li’l Bob: ~Journey of a Lost Pup
Written by P.J. HarteNaus; Illustrated by Melody Howe; Edited by Kelly Scrima
Li’l Bob is far away from home on a Holiday trip to the Biscuit Retreat. Bob lies on the grassy hills taking doggy naps, soaking up the sun, and enjoying big chewy bones. He loves all the attention he’s getting from Mr. and Mrs. Folks. That is, until it’s time to make the long journey home.
Children’s Picture Books:
Domestic Animals & Pets
Living in the Thriver Zone: A Celebration of Living Well as the Best Revenge
Written by Susan M Omilian
Author Susan Omilian has shown hundreds of women how to celebrate “Living well is the best revenge” as a way to be happy, let go of the past and permanently break the cycle of violence in their lives. Be the hero of your own story, take the call to adventure and live your best life ever!
You can use the tools, techniques of Susan’s unique, innovative motivational model to…
• Re-affirm your connection to the Happy Person Inside.
• Vanquish the Inner Critic’s power to sabotage your journey forward.
• Assembly your Thriver Zone Toolbox and live your happily-ever-after.
You can Enter, Stay and Live in the Thriver Zone where infinite possibilities lie to discover your life’s purpose, passion and authentic self. You are a thriver!
Adult Books:
Life Challenges
Let Your Eyes Smile, Corona Style!: Remembering the Spring of 2020
Written by Kip Jones; Illustrated by David Grant
Fourth-grade student Ella Jane Palmer is confused about why her soccer season has been canceled. Not only that, everything is shutting down including schools! Read about how Ella handles the transition through a virus-infested world that no one has ever experienced before.
Children’s Picture Books:
Values & Life Lessons
I Like to Eat Children
Written by Reagan Rothe; Illustrated by Drew Rose
“Does your kid like scary things but they’re still definitely too young to watch all the scary movies that some of their friends are watching? I feel as though I Like to Eat Children by Reagan Rothe is pretty perfect for those kids.” –Reader Fox
Have you crossed paths with the creature who likes to eat children? If your answer is no, then you are one lucky kid.
Because there is a creature lurking. It began in your nightmares. But now, it’s real. It has no name. And it likes to eat children!
Children’s Picture Books:
Adventure, Adventurers & Heroes
Didi the Picky Puppy
Written by Kate Maher; Illustrated by Chiara Civati
Didi the dog is a cute pup with a familiar problem… she is a picky eater! Her loving owner attempts to fix the problem by providing many delicious food options and settings! Ultimately, she seeks help from a veterinarian to find a healthy solution. Follow along with Didi and her owner as they discover just what a picky pup needs to eat right.
Children’s Picture Books:
Domestic Animals & Pets
Be A Superhero in the Kitchen
Written by Donna Glass; Illustrated by Alejandro Chamberlain
Every caregiver knows the trials of feeding a picky eater. Some nights are truly a battle. Nerves are frayed, and a pleasant, relaxing dinner can quickly be filled with tears, tantrums, and some nights, a battle of wills. Well, my goal with this book is to tip the scales in our favor. One surefire way I’ve discovered to get my picky eaters to eat is to let them help make the meal. After all, food tastes better when you’ve had a hand in fixing it. Let your child try their hand with the recipes in this book. A child who becomes the superhero of dinnertime is one who eats super well.
Children’s Picture Books:
Cooking & Food
A Conservation Tale: Your Planet Needs You!
Written by Ian Sadler
l; Illustrated by Len DiSalvo
The fifth book in the Rhyme, Laugh and Learn series shares thoughtful, creative responses to the conservation issues that we face as a planet today PLUS how we can take action.
With a clever nod to Dicken’s ghost of Christmas Yet to Come plus Uncle Sam’s call to action, the story is a great opportunity for children, families and educators to discuss what part they can play to look after our environment.
With the trademark rhyming pattern of the series, the book takes us forward in time to a vision of a scorched, dry, lifeless earth where the gods of the sky, the seas and the earth are searching desperately for a means to save the planet. But is it too late? When an old man passes by, they summon all their powers to send him back to the current day to warn adults and children alike through social media about what they need to do in their daily lives so that collectively they can stop the devastation.
Complete with activities and action steps, this book works within the home and classroom.
Children’s Picture Books:
Green Earth
