This week’s roundup of Mom’s Choice Award winners features educational books, gear for new moms + 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 March 21, 2021 to April 03, 2021.
Every week companies, inventors, and publishers from around the world send us their products for evaluation. Only the best earn our designation.
zigi 3G compact stroller
The ultimate urban compact stroller, zigi 3G is made to move from city to suburbs. With an increased weight from newborn up to a 48.5 lbs (22kg) child. The one-hand fold is even easier, making transport a breeze. An extra height to the canopy so zigi can continue to grow with your little one. Plus add the Summer Canopy accessory with mesh for extra ventilation during those summer months. zigi still has great maneuverability, multi-recline positions, and a smooth ride with sturdy transparent wheels and innovative rear suspension. It’s clear why parents on the go prefer the mima zigi 3G.
Gear & Accessories:
Strollers
Why Do I Have To Take A Bath?
Written by Carol Creager
Why? Birds cannot fly unless they keep their feathers clean by frequent bathing and careful grooming. Even ground birds such as these have to be able to fly in an emergency, to escape danger, or to find another swamp with more food. It is important that everyone help wildlife to survive and that as many as possible enjoy seeing, while not disturbing, wild creatures.
Most books describe animals and birds. I want you to see what I see while I travel so that you can understand as much as possible how creatures live, what they eat, how they move, and what they do where they are visible. I tired of studying books talking about ecology and wildlife; I want you to see what each creature looks like and how they act.
Unfortunately, little attention has been paid to the wealth of Latin American wildlife; I am trying to do my bit to help remedy the lack. While most of my books are written primarily for children, I hope adults too will enjoy the photographs and humor as well as learn more about the wildlife.
Children’s Picture Books:
Nature & Weather
What Color Is Your Heart?
Written and illustrated by Deb Binnig
A young girl faces unkindness from another child and learns to overcome her sadness and “fading heart colors.”
Children’s Picture Books:
Values & Life Lessons
Theodore the Turkey Who Found a Zoo
Written by Allison F Speer; Illustrated by Bobby Ligon
Theodore the Turkey is one smart bird who loves to read. Sadly, he doesn’t have anyone to read or play with. Stroll through the neighborhood with this boot-scootin’ turkey as he searches the strangest habitats for his identity, a friend and a place to call home. Animals at the zoo learn to accept Theodore for who he is and his special talent … reading!
Some are searching for a home. Others just need a friend! Children will relate to Theodore, who is looking for both.
Theodore is a great story for growing readers (ages 3-8). Theodore is also a staple for elementary teachers during their figurative language unit (alliteration, onomatopoeia, simile, metaphor). Teachers and parents can incorporate social/emotional learning into their lessons.
Children’s Picture Books:
Values & Life Lessons
The Pirate Princess: N?A
Written by Alva Sachs; Illustrated by Patricia Krebs; Edited by Cheri Dellelo
Madison and her friends Jonah, Sofia, Jackson, and Hannah were going to play outside, but it was raining. Somehow, this rainy day turned into an exciting adventure. Join us, matey, for an amazing journey on the high seas. Land Ho! Become part of the pirate crew and follow the map in search for buried treasure!
Children’s Picture Books:
The Gravity Thief
Written by Nancy Kunhardt Lodge; Illustrated by Christopher Hilaire
Minutes before thieves steal Vermeer’s painting, the Music Lesson, four-year-old Peter, an apparition who lives in the painting, climbs out of the painting into the dark gallery and hides in a dark corner. He cried as he watches thieves rip the painting off the wall and vanish into the night. Marooned in the strange atmosphere of a dark museum gallery, Peter will die in five days. The only person who can help him is Lucy Nightingale. It is her destiny to save Peter.
Lucy and her brainy friend Sam Winter figure out that an evil mastermind wanted the painting for five invisible, geometric shapes Vermeer hid in the windows of the Music Lesson. When arranged in the right sequence, these shapes become a blueprint for a machine powerful enough to produce gravitons, giving the mastermind the ability to manipulate gravity. What begins as a quest to return a child to his home becomes a race against time to thwart the evil mastermind from dropping the world into a Black Hole.
Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Fiction – General
The Baseball Box Prophecy: The Wood and the Earth (Book Two): The Baseball Box Prophecy Series
Written by Bruce Newbold; Illustrated by David Malan; Edited by Dan Hogan
The Traveler’s red, hourglass figures that mark Cletis Dungarvan’s youthful shoulders remind him constantly he is a mutant. But why him? When the lid of the ancient box burns with the phrases of a second prophecy, Cletis, Garth, and Abish Dungarvan know their winter’s peace has ended. And when the mysterious woman of light places living objects inside Cletis’s palms, a path of peril opens before him–a labyrinth he is compelled to navigate against his wishes. Thrust into the realm of a new prophecy, and at the mercy of powerful Travelers, Cletis is forced to risk his life to discover his true identity and his potential control of earth and Time. But a Traveler who is a Breathcaster–one with power to restore life–has never existed. Until Cletis Dungarvan. Be that a blessing or a curse, Cletis will soon discover.
Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Fantasy, Myths & Legends
The Baseball Box Prophecy: The Light and the Tree (Book Three): The Baseball Box Prophecy Series
Written by Bruce Newbold; Illustrated by David Malan; Edited by Dan Hogan
On the bloodied and scarred shoulders of thirteen-year-old Cletis Dungarvan rests the fate of the entire world. Yet only those closest to the boy-Traveler realize this. Now torn from his parents and left painfully alone to bring to pass the fulfillment of the second prophecy, Cletis is hurled headlong into a realm of massive beasts; beings alive, yet dead, yet alive; and a gloriously enchanting Tree. In this ancient world, Cletis is compelled to comprehend more deeply his true identity–not only as a Traveler and Shape-shifter, but as a Breathcaster and Guardian, as well. Yet at what price?
Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Fantasy, Myths & Legends
The Baseball Box Prophecy: The Hag and the Box (Book One): The Baseball Box Prophecy Series
Written by Bruce Newbold; Illustrated by David Malan; Edited by Katherine Smith
When twelve-year-old Cletis Dungarvan meets the feared hag of the forest in an initiation prank gone awry, to his surprise magical, unexplainable events start to happen. These events lead the hag to believe that Cletis is the boy destined to fulfill the prophecy written on a wooden box she has had in her family for over a thousand years. Despite his best efforts to avoid the dangers associated with the hag, and simply spend a summer playing baseball with the local sandlot team, Cletis is thrown headlong into a labyrinth of ancient prophecy, time travel, and magic . . . as well as a revelation of his true identity.
Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Fantasy, Myths & Legends
Stack The Scoops
Stack The Scoops is an ice-cream themed family card game for families with kids ages 5-10. Players earn points by matching base cards, scoop cards, and topping cards, and can double or triple their score with double scoop or triple scoop cards. The straightforward game play and whimsical card designs make this multiplayer game a fun and easy way for kids to practice their addition and simple multiplication skills.
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 5 to 8
Our Goal Is Living Free In Peace
Written by Carol Creager
A number of frog species of Costa Rica are identified. Their goal is to be free but responsible, earning their own food and place. They are grateful to be protected by the rangers and police, so that they can feel safe. We all need to feel safe and protected by our police as we work and play without fear.
It is important that everyone help wildlife to survive and that as many as possible enjoy seeing, while not disturbing, wild creatures.
I chose Spanish-speaking countries for two reasons. First, I speak the language and have photographed everything I could for many years for my students to see as they learned the language. To communicate successfully with people of other countries, you need to understand their customs and culture as well as their language. Second, people are familiar with huge African and Asian animals. Unfortunately, little attention has been paid to the wealth of Latin American wildlife; I am trying to do my bit to help remedy the lack. While most of my books are written primarily for children, I hope adults too will enjoy the photographs and humor as well as learn more about the wildlife
Children’s Picture Books:
Nature & Weather
My Plush Hess Truck: 2021 Cement Mixer
This endearing green plushie truck, safe for all ages, will evoke awwws instantly. Youngster’s eyes will widen, just like the truck’s friendly eyes, when they give a squeeze and are rewarded with the super soft fabric, two different songs and flashing lights. The plush truck offers 10 total flashing lights, a mute mode, 15-minute timed night-light, plush fabric with a soft filling and a child-safe padded internal battery enclosure. Three AAA Energizer® batteries arrive pre-installed with the baby-safe packaged truck.
For those new to the Hess Toy Truck brand, the collectible tradition was started by Leon Hess in 1964 and continues today with millions of families! Each new collectible released ranks among the best-selling toys of the year and always sell out. Hess Toy Trucks are renowned for the highest quality materials and workmanship, exacting attention to detail, safety and durability, an affordable price, and batteries are always included. For nearly six decades, playing with a Hess Toy Truck has been one of the iconic images of childhood. What began as a Holiday tradition, and later expanded to include a Summer mini collection, has now embraced the newest tradition of a Spring reveal of a My Plush Hess Truck.
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Babies
Max Rhymes Children’s Collection – 12 Books: 6 Hardcover and 6 Board Books
Written by Todd & Jackie Courtney
We created the Max Rhymes children’s series. We have the series in both board books and hardcover selections. Same books, same titles, just varied for age brackets. We only put the MCA label on the box sleeve for delivery. Not the books themselves.
Children’s Picture Books:
Growing Up / Personal Growth
Lumi by Pampers
Lumi by Pampers™ is the innovative smart baby monitor plus sleep system that offers a unique all-in-one view of your baby and helps the whole family rest easier.
- Unbelievable clarity day or night: The only baby monitor with 1080p HD resolution, night vision, and ultra-wide 180° view. Continuous background audio stays on even if your phone is locked or you’re using other apps. Wi-Fi enabled so you can check in and soothe baby from anywhere using 2-way audio.
- Understand your baby’s sleep and build a routine that works: Lumi seamlessly combines automatic sleep tracking (24/7 – including naps) with expert sleep coaching so you can improve sleep in as little as 7 days.
- Virtual sleep coach: Leading pediatric sleep experts, Dr Craig Canapari & Kylee Money, cover everything from napping to nighttime sleep fundamentals and managing sleep regressions in the Lumi complete sleep coaching series. Lifetime access included and accessed directly from within the Lumi App.
- Always safe and secure: State-of-the art encryption & bank-level security means you can confidently share baby’s video feed with other caregivers and manage permissions from within the Lumi App.
- Never miss a moment with the Lumi Lookback: Take a look back at baby’s night with daily shareable time-lapse videos capturing precious sleepytime moments that can be saved to your camera roll and shared with loved ones.
Apps & Software:
Babies
Lucky’s Adventure in Winter Wonderland
Written by Elizabeth Macy; Illustrated by Jenn Kocsmiersky
Time for another adventure with Lucky!
What could be more fun than snow days with friends?
Lucky and her doggie friends enjoy a winter wonderland adventure, filled with snowshoeing, skating, skiing and sledding. Inspired by the lucky life she now has, Lucky brings her pals on a surprise visit to a rescue shelter! Through it all, Lucky and her friends realize that making new friends and giving back is the most wonderful adventure they can share.
Lucky’s Adventures is a children’s picture book series that consists of 3 heartwarming adventure stories about Lucky the rescue dog and her friends. Children will learn the importance of friendship, community, kindness, teamwork and gratitude through the eyes of Lucky. Books are beautifully illustrated in watercolor.
Children’s Picture Books:
Values & Life Lessons
Lucky’s Adventure in the Great Outdoors
Written by Elizabeth Macy; Illustrated by Arien Smith
A city dog and a city cat set out on a camping trip in the Adirondack Mountains!
Will they make new friends with the forest animals? Will they learn to work as a team?
Join Lucky the rescue dog and her pals on their 3rd adventure as they take an action-packed canoe ride that leads to some rather unlucky situations.
Although they are all different, Lucky, Hershey, and the forest animals realize that with a little kindness, gratitude, and cooperation they can build new friendships and have more fun together!
Lucky’s Adventures is a children’s picture book series that consists of 3 heartwarming adventure stories about Lucky the rescue dog and her friends. Children will learn the importance of friendship, community, kindness, teamwork and gratitude through the eyes of Lucky. Books are beautifully illustrated in watercolor.
Children’s Picture Books:
Values & Life Lessons
Lucky’s Adventure in Saratoga
Written by Elizabeth Macy; Illustrated by Jenn Kocsmiersky
What happens when a lovable rescue dog gets lost?
When Lucky gets lost and can’t find her mommy, she embarks upon an adventure through the historic town of Saratoga to reunite with her beloved family. Along the way, the lost but spirited pup meets new animal friends as they safely help her find her way home. Inspired by a true story.
Lucky’s Adventures is a children’s picture book series that consists of 3 heartwarming adventure stories about Lucky the rescue dog and her friends. The 1st book, Lucky’s Adventure in Saratoga, is based on Lucky’s true story when she was lost for 4 days. Lucky was safely found, thanks to her community and Lucky’s guardian angels. Author Elizabeth Macy was inspired to share her fur baby’s magical story of hope, perseverance, love, friendship, and kindness.
Children’s Picture Books:
Animal Kingdom
Journey to Jumbalot eBook
Written and illustrated by Ryan Wakefield
A glowing doorway. A lost friend. Will one loyal pet turn out to be the hero of the hour?
Alby the housecat has no desire for adventure. Rescued from the street by the kindly Professor Wizoom, he’s grateful to be safe and lazy. But when his master vanishes through a magical door, the scaredy cat summons what little courage he has and races in after him.
Stuck in a strange land of mixed-together animals, Alby teams up with an irritating froguar to locate his missing owner. But when he’s mistaken for a spy, the lonely feline finds himself caught in a war between wolvaraptor pirates and noble tigeroon knights!
Can the timid feline conquer his worries in time to save the day?
Journey to Jumbalot is an action-packed middle grade fantasy novel. If you like talking animals, daring deeds, and enchanted worlds, then you’ll love Ryan Wakefield’s illustrated quest.
Buy Journey to Jumbalot to learn to be brave today!
Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Fantasy, Myths & Legends
Jenny The Chimpanzee: (Book with Toy Bundle)
Written by Lotus Kay; Illustrated by Chey Diehl
Learn about the history and origins of humanity’s evolution, explained simply by a chimpanzee named Jenny. Jenny the Chimpanzee written by 19-year-old author Lotus Kay, reminds us of how interconnected and similar we are to our fellow animals friends and how interconnected humans are with all other wildlife on this planet. This book has a companion toy which is the main characters in the book: “Jenny” the Chimpanzee.
This book is part of Bears for Cares, a new book series and campaign founded by 19-year-old author Lotus Kay and her sister, Jazmin, on #EndangeredSpeciesDay as a project of Jane Goodall Institute’s, Roots & Shoots youth service program. Bears for Cares provides children’s books and stuffed animals themed with creating a more compassionate world. The campaign aims to educate children about the state of wildlife and our earth and what they can do to make a difference. Bears for Cares also donates a portion of its proceeds to the Jane Goodall Institute and her Roots & Shoots program. Jenny the Chimpanzee also features information and inspiring quotes from Dr. Jane Goodall in the pages at the back of the book.
Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Inspirational / Motivational
It’s Brave to Cry
Written by Rebecca Robinson; Illustrated by Emanuela Ntamack
Clay is a young boy who has trouble expressing his emotions. After a hard day at school, Clay’s dad encourages him to feel empowered to share his feelings and tells him that this is a brave thing to do. Unconvinced, Clay sets off on an adventure to ask some of the bravest people he can think of if they ever cry, and if they do, he wants to know why! Clay learns a lot about bravery and the different types of tears – but will Clay ever uncover if it’s truly brave to cry and conquer his fears?
Children’s Picture Books:
Values & Life Lessons
If I Can’t Eat Flies, What Am I?
Written by Alicia J. Pfaff; Illustrated by Paula M. Zelienka; Edited by Jennifer Rees
He thinks he doesn’t belong. Will running away help him find his way back home?
Tad is sad because he can’t eat flies. And since everyone knows that’s what frogs love, he’s sure he must be another kind of animal. So the unhappy hopper heads out into the wide world to find out what he may be instead.
As he travels around the pond meeting a young duck, two raccoon brothers, and a friendly cow, all his efforts to fit in just leave him feeling more lost. But when the frustrated little guy meets a magnificent medic bee, he discovers exactly what he needs to change his perspective!
Will Tad realize he’s still a fantastic frog, even though he’s different?
If I Can’t Eat Flies, What Am I? is a whimsical picture book designed to help youngsters understand and feel better about food allergies, written primarily for ages 4-8. If you and your child like endearing characters, lighthearted learning, and clever rhymes, then you’ll love Alicia J. Pfaff’s charming tale.
Buy If I Can’t Eat Flies, What Am I? to help your child leap toward acceptance today!
Children’s Picture Books:
Growing Up / Personal Growth
Good to be Me
Written by Jessica Parham; Illustrated by Srimalie Bassani
Good to be Me celebrates our differences and allows parents and teachers to have an open narrative with their kids/students about differences, disabilities, diversity, body types, race, kindness and more. Good to be Me is different than any other children’s book in this space because it doesn’t EXPLAIN differences, but instead it SHOWS them and leaves enough margin in the story for kids to feel safe and comfortable asking the hard questions they may have.
Children’s Picture Books:
Specialized Concepts / Differently Abled
Flock Foods
Our Original flavored chicken chips are made with simple ingredients: 100% real premium chicken skin and salt. With the crispy and crunchy texture of potato chips (without the carbs) and the protein of jerky, this is the ultimate guilt free, keto friendly, low carb, and high protein snack.
Food & Supplements:
Adults
Fitting Out: The Friendship Experiment
Written and illustrated by Sarah Giles
In the first book in the Fitting Out series, meet Max where his story begins! A best friend makes school life MUCH easier when you’re shy. But what happens when your best bro moves away?
10-year-old Max McConk has to figure out how to make new friends for the first time in his life and he has no idea how it all works. To make matters worse, he only has one month to do it before the new school year starts. YIKES!
In Fitting Out: The Friendship Experiment, Max uses the scientific method to test out different ways to find friends and discovers what works (and what TOTALLY doesn’t!).
Despite some embarrassing and gut-wrenching missteps, Max musters the courage to put himself out there, exactly as he is, and discovers that the sweet reward of true acceptance may be worth the struggle.
Your kids who are shy or struggle with making friends are going to LOVE this relevant and helpful story.
Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Humor
Contours Vibes 2-Stage Soothing Vibrations Crib Mattress and Toddler Bed Mattress
Help baby sleep better, longer and enjoy a more comforting sleeping environment. Soothing vibrations are built right into this patented 2-stage infant and toddler crib mattress.
A sleek remote controls 3 vibration settings and 3 timer settings.
The mattress has a firmer infant side and slightly softer toddler side.
Designed with durable innerspring coils, hypoallergenic cushioning all around, a waterproof cotton cover that is breathable on baby’s skin and materials that are air quality tested and GREENGUARD Gold Certified.
Gear & Accessories:
Bedding & Room Decor
Chunk-A-Monk, The Big Black Skunk
Written by Michael Passafiume
The book is centered around bullying, as one in five, (20%) kids report being bullied in some facet, but it is also to try and teach young readers to love thy self no matter what. Even though bullying is a very enormous and serious issue in our society, I did the book in a fun, light-hearted, entertaining way, but yet still very educational for readers to learn great life values ALL CHILDREN NEED to be taught, while realizing bullying is not okay, nothing about it is okay…It is detrimental to so many families!
Children’s Picture Books:
Growing Up / Personal Growth
Black Is Brave And Bold
Written by Carol Creager
The colors of the rainbow were created by God, but so was Black. God must love black just as much as colors, or there would not be so many creatures that are black or very dark.
Why are humans less wise than animals? So many of us have difficulty accepting that surface colors are interesting but irrelevant. What we are in our minds, hearts and morals are what matters, not surface coloration. How we behave is who we are.
It is important that everyone help wildlife to survive and that as many as possible enjoy seeing, while not disturbing, wild creatures.
Children’s Picture Books:
Nature & Weather
Better Than A Bully: J.J.’s Friendships & Secrets
Written by Tina Levine; Illustrated by Ned Levine; Edited by Brooke Vitale
Justin (aka J.J.) adores his friends but can’t seem to avoid being bullied. His lack of self-esteem leads him to be physically and verbally abused by an older student.
There are several secrets J.J. holds onto in this drama about middle-grade kids. Throughout, the reader will be drawn into his narration and inner thoughts concerning the struggles of being bullied.
From “Better Than A Bully: Carrot Top’s Surprise,” the first in the series, the reader will encounter Annie, Tara, Ace, and Lexi, who are all back again with their new awareness of ‘Being Better Than a Bully.’ New characters in this story will take your breath away before learning a similar lesson. This book uncovers how Ace was influenced to be a bully.
In school, J.J. is physically and verbally tormented by an older student. Often bullies will use their age or size to bully others. One wonders why J.J. doesn’t tell his teacher, nurse, principal, or even his parents. Thus begins J.J.’s secrets and transformation journey.
It is when J.J. is a bystander to the bullying of his own peers that his confidence shows up loud and clear. Throughout the story, we learn how friendship, school community, and a willingness to learn new strategies as the one bullied or a bystander can be resources to help themselves and others.
There are inspiring questions to aid enthusiastic family or classroom discussions, and resources in the appendix.
Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Fiction – General
Best Bucket Filler Ever!: God’s Plan for Your Happiness
Written by Carol McCloud; Illustrated by Glenn Zimmer; Edited by Caryn Butzke and Sandy Richardson
Based on the ever-popular bucketfilling book series, readers will experience God in a new way – as their best bucket filler ever! Learning about God’s love for them, readers will be inspired to: Put this understanding into action by loving God, loving others, and loving themselves, which, fills their bucket with happiness; Do their best to treat everyone with the same kindness and respect they would like to receive, and; Work together to create an all-inclusive circle of love, light, peace, joy, friendship, and kindness.
Children’s Picture Books:
Religion & Spirituality
A Million More Kisses
Written by Rene Pelletier Schultz; Illustrated by Becky Stout; Edited by Becky and Ben Stout
Geronimo the chihuahua meets elderly Nonnie. Through stunning ,watercolor illustrations, they share special traditions. One day, Nonnie begins to change. Geronimo teaches kids about home care and the sometimes scary symptoms of dementia. When Nonnie dies, Geronimo learns things about her at the funeral which solidifies his identity. In confidence, Geronimo is able to keep hope alive and choose joy in his grief. Includes talking points on grief. Centering Digest call it ‘Truly Spectacular’. Adults rave “This story healed me in places I didn’t know needed healing” and “This book is a gift to my soul.” “Appropriate for all ages!” Available in hard, soft or Ebook
Children’s Picture Books:
Body, Mind & Spirit
Candy Collections!
What youngster doesn’t like candy? This beginners board game entices kids to roll the dice, move their token a space or two at a time and aim for the chance to be declared the winner. Basic reading and math can be supported by a parent or older sibling. Inside the candy-inspired game box are 6-character tokens, 35-Candy cards, 21-Mystery cards, 21-Super cards, sturdy board game and dice. Choose your token from Kool Kyle, Excited Emma and Silly Sarah to Nice Noah, Happy Hannah or Shy Steve. With a nod to her little brothers, the 10-year-old game inventor wrote the rules for the youngest member of the family to go first!
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 5 to 8
