This week’s roundup of Mom’s Choice Award winners features children’s books, a sound system for pets, apps for kids + 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 August 29, 2021 to September 04, 2021.

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

You Got This: A Tale of Courage
Written by Wanda Carter Roush; Illustrated by Nataly Simmons; Edited by Katrina DeLallo
Evelyn J. Wagoner

What if it’s only because of our fear that we find courage?

There once was a little girl who had an angel friend. They went on many adventures but sometimes the challenges seemed too hard. She worried. Was she strong enough?

There are lessons to learn between the pages of this brilliantly illustrated book that you and your child will adore. They will learn that everyone has doubts and that’s okay. Inspire the young ones in your life to overcome the dragon of fear and put on the armor of bravery.

Children’s Picture Books:
Inspirational / Motivational

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The Not-So-Friendly Friend: How to Set Boundaries for Healthy Friendships
Written by Christina Furnival; Illustrated by Katie Dwyer; Edited by Karsyn Morse, Jenessa Jackson, Jennifer Navarre

In “The Not-So-Friendly Friend,” children will learn an easy and practical lesson about how to firmly and assertively – yet kindly – stand up for themselves in the face of a bully. Author Christina Furnival, a licensed mental health therapist and mom, shows how to navigate the complexities of an unkind peer relationship. By teaching children about the importance and value of setting boundaries for healthy friendships, this book provides children the tools they need to foster their social confidence and emotional well-being.

Children’s Picture Books:
Growing Up / Personal Growth

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The Kids’ Guide to Getting Your Words on Paper: Simple Stuff to Build the Motor Skills and Strength for Handwriting
Written by Lauren Brukner; Illustrated by Elissa Elwick

Does your hand ache when you write?

Packed with fun and simple ideas to help kids feel good about writing, this handwriting book with a difference helps children embed the strength and skills they need to get the most out of their written work, at home and school!

Armed with the strategies and exercises in this book, kids will be well on their way to writing with greater ease, and the positive self-esteem that goes along with that. Suitable for children with writing difficulties aged approximately 7 to 12.

Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Body, Mind & Spirit

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The Highlights Book of Things to Write
Written and illustrated by Highlights

The Highlights Book of Things to Write is the essential book that every young writer will love. Kids ages seven and up will find over 175 creative writing prompts, open-ended questions, games, activities, and more designed to get their imaginations flowing.

This writing companion journal to the Highlights Book of Things to Do opens doors for kids to flex their creativity. From open-ended writing prompts that invite kids to explore themselves and their world, to word games, writing tips, and how-tos, this book is the ultimate way for kids to express themselves through their words. As kids explore this illustrated, flexi-bound book, they will enhance their writing skills and expand their imaginations by creating characters, writing short stories, trying out various styles of poetry, learning how to write about the things they care about, and so much more. Kids can put themselves on the page and look back on this keepsake in years to come.

Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Activities, Crafts & Hobbies ( Includes Puzzles & Games)

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The Highlights Book of Things to Draw
Written and illustrated by Highlights

The Highlights Book of Things to Draw is the essential book that every young artist will love. Kids ages seven and up will find over 175 how-to-draw instructions, games, creative ways to practice drawing, and many more activities designed to get their imaginations flowing.

This drawing companion journal to the Highlights Book of Things to Do opens doors for kids to flex their creativity. From open-ended art prompts that invite kids to explore themselves and their world, to drawing games, tips, and how-tos, this book is the ultimate way for kids to express themselves through their artwork. As kids work through this illustrated, flexi-bound book, they will enhance their illustration skills and expand their imaginations by creating characters, exploring patterns, interacting with their community, learning about art history, and so much more. Kids can put themselves on the page and look back on this keepsake in years to come.

Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Activities, Crafts & Hobbies ( Includes Puzzles & Games)

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The Big Adventures Of A Little Tree: Tree Finds Friendship
Written by Nadja Springer; Illustrated by Tilia Rand-Bell

For lovers of nature and seekers of adventures. Find out what happens when you leave your beaten path and overcome obstacles to do the impossible – and when we take care of each other.

If no tree has ever tried to set out and explore – is it even possible at all? In a world, where everyone dreams about possibilities, Tree gets up and lives them. Tree’s curiosity about the unknown, the power of friendship and love, and an open heart come together to make the impossible possible!

An adventure awaits in this story of a little tree who changes its mindset and shows how kindness, inclusion and an open heart will make all the difference.

Children’s Picture Books:
Values & Life Lessons

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Teddy Talks: A Paws-itive Story About Type 1 Diabetes
Written by Vanessa Messenger; Illustrated by Emma Latham

Sit, stay, and come along as Teddy Talks about the paws-itive daily habits he and his human Emily make to fuel their fun adventures! This fetching tale about two best friends sheds an optimistic light on Type 1 Diabetes while engaging readers.

Children’s Picture Books:
Health & Safety

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Sticky Icky Vicky:: Courage over Fear
Written by Alysia and Michael Ssentamu; Illustrated by Noor Alshalabi

Meet Sticky Icky Vicky, a girl who wants to get over her fear—once and for all. In Courage over Fear, the first book in the Sticky Icky Vicky™ series, authors Alysia and Michael Ssentamu introduce readers to Vicky, a fun-loving girl who doesn’t mind getting a little sticky and icky. With vibrant illustrations and catchy rhymes, Courage over Fear offers children an inspirational/loveable heroine who learns some valuable life lessons, such as:

Courage
Positive thinking
Goal-setting

Aimed primarily at readers aged six to ten, Courage over Fear is a reading experience that leaves kids believing that they, like Vicky, can get past any obstacle in their way.

Children’s Picture Books:
Growing Up / Personal Growth

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Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System

Help your pet relax and sleep better with the Sound Oasis Pet Sound Therapy System. With 20 “made for pet” sounds (many doctor developed), this machine will help create a sound environment that leads to happier, healthier pets. With included Bluetooth technology, this machine also allows you to stream sounds from your own smartphone library or add new sounds available from Sound Oasis. The free APP allows you to customize sounds to your specific pet’s tastes.

Miscellaneous:
Other

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Smart Tales

IN COLLABORATION WITH UNICEF

In Smart Tales you will find stories dedicated to science and the promotion of children’s rights. Unicef, which has always been committed to defending these rights, has found in our app a way to give voice to its ideals. A collection of short stories is promoted by Unicef ​​to raise awareness among children on important social issues, such as collaboration, respect for the environment, the prevention of bullying and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

Smart Tales is also committed to donate part of the proceeds to support Unicef ​​projects around the world.

STORIES AND EDUCATIONAL GAMES

By immersing yourself in the stories of Smart Tales your child will feel ready to face the world of school. Every two / three pages of the story you will find an interactive game designed to develop specific skills: logic, memory, visual attention and calculation.

Apps & Software:
Preschoolers

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Mr. Pigglesworth Presents Mindful Money Habits
Written and illustrated by Nicole Cadwallader

The mindful money habits workbook takes you through a series of exercises to work through money consumption, wishlist, goals, impulse buys, promises, budgeting, without limits and the influence of media.

Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Self-Improvement

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Little Faith
Written by Rose Sprinkle; Illustrated by Maryury Rivera

As a modern day parable, the story of the Little Faith teaches the importance of hope and resilience. Join her on her journey to help save her sick grandmother, where she learns her own grit and determination. Written for children, but with a timeless message for the child in all of us, Little Faith reaffirms the importance of always looking forward with faith, as we embark on our own journey towards peace and happiness.

Children’s Picture Books:
Values & Life Lessons

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Joyjoz Baby Musical Mat

Early Infant Education – This music toy have only two modes, one is a random mode with 9 music melodies; another one is a one-click annotation with 9 music scales and 7 animal sounds. Mat music sound rewards baby’s natural kicking and touching. And we use more familiar colors for babies to stimulate their perception of colors.

Anti-Slip and Soft Material – Our music mats are made of safe, environmentally friendly and non-toxic materials and have passed ASTM, CPSIA and CPC certifications. For safety reasons, we are using non-slip bottoms and padding up to 7 mm high to keep baby safe.

Great Gifts for Kids – Our music mat is a great children’s toy that lets your child express themselves with this fun toy. This is the choice of most parents since it has become the best-selling music mat on Amazon.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Toddlers

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Ivy Kids Kits

Read, play, create, and learn with Ivy Kids book-inspired STEAM kits for children ages 3-8. Each monthly kit contains a highly rated children’s book and over 12 fun, creative, and unique activities inspired by the story. With Ivy Kids Kits children will develop math, literacy, science, art, and engineering skills through play and hands-on exploration. The activities in Ivy Kids Kits have been created by certified early childhood teachers and tested by children of all ages. Ivy Kids Kits contain everything you need to keep children engaged, entertained, and cognitively stimulated for hours on end. Ivy Kids kits are a wonderful resource for parents and caregivers looking for creative ways to spend quality time with their children while also helping them build confidence and be well-rounded in all disciplines to ensure future academic success.

Educational Products:
Ages 5 to 8

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I Have to Call Paul!
Written by Corey Lohan; Illustrated by Valerie Pechenyk

A kid informs his mom about his need to make an urgent call. He has to call Paul.

His mom is eager to help out but wonders who Paul is because she cannot recall.

Is Paul tall? Is he the kid with whom her son plays ball? Is his mother the famous rock star, Natalia Pumpernickel Aguilar, who plays a 24-string electric guitar?

Will the kid get his mother to realize how much he’s grown? Will he persuade his mom to let him use her phone? Will the kid make that call or is his mom out of control? And who is Paul?

Read now to find out, do not stall!

Children’s Picture Books:
Humor

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gohenry

A kids money app (and card), making every kid good with money in the U.S.
Firm believers that doing is the best way of learning. This is embodied in our company ethos, our brand, and most importantly, our product.

We’re strongly against telling young people what they should be doing when it comes to money. Instead, we’d rather help kids learn the ropes for themselves (not only because it works, but because it’s fun too: for them and us).

The upshot is that our product gives kids a safe space to learn and occasionally, make mistakes: no debt, no overdrawn accounts, and with the option for parents to jump in and help out if needed.

Apps & Software:
Ages 5 to 8

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Go Culture! Card Game – Adinkra Series by Orijin Bees

Go Cutlure! is a series of card games by Orijin Bees that focuses on cultural education while children and adults are having fun playing together. The Adinkra Symbols taught in this card game is originally from Ghana. History, philosophy and various religious beliefs were the core factors in development of these symbols. Their roots stand strong to this day. Cards measure about 4 x 6 inches each.

60 cards total, 15 Adinkra symbols (4 copies of each symbol)

Play at various levels depending on age. Match colors, symbols, names.

Great for color recognition, cultural learning, developing communication skills, team building

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 5 to 8

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Flower Pot Kit

Skip the stores and get crafting with your all-in-1 flower pot painting kit from Pinwheel Crafts! Bursting with 53 pieces, your kids flower kit lets you decorate 3 personalized pots that display anything you desire from flowers to herbs and pencils to crayons. Use your set’s templates to create bumblebee, butterfly, or ladybug pots—or let your imagination loose!

Arts, Crafts & Hobbies:
Ages 5 to 8

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Chipper Makes Merry
Written by Kimber Morgan; Illustrated by Kim Sponaugle

Tip toe, tip toe, crackle, crunch!
Chipper the Fox sneaks through the forest to spread cheer to his weary friends. Will his merry making be a success? Or will a smelly fish disaster and a log pile tumble ruin his plans?
“Chipper Makes Merry” takes you on Chipper’s arctic quest filled with lessons of love, kindness and determination.

Children’s Picture Books:
Values & Life Lessons

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Baby Bees Doll Collection by Orijin Bees

Baby Bee Dolls by Orijin Bees were created with inclusion in mind. These dolls come in various skin tones and curly hair textures. They are 12 inches tall, made of eco friendly, nontoxic vinyl. Each doll is dressed in a branded tulle tutu dress with a matching headband for the doll and it’s new best friend!

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Preschoolers

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An Eclectic Array of Texas Musicians Coloring Book!: Coloring Book
Written and illustrated by Sara Hickman

The Texas Musicians Coloring Book (Volume 1) was hand drawn in over two years by Sara Hickman, a Texas musician/recording artist herself. Featuring an eclectic array of 36 well know to unknown (but well deserving) musicians—everyone from Willie Nelson, Beyonce, ZZ Top, Kacey Musgraves, Erykah Badu to Ornette Coleman, Buddy Holly, Gary Clark, Jr. and Selena. Each page has a portrait of the artist, as well as a corresponding “fun facts” page that talks about the musician’s life, presented in crossword, word search and other games (also researched and hand drawn by Sara.) As Ms. Hickman says, “I wanted this to be a book that people could sit around with family and friends, get out their coloring pencils, put their phones away and just have fun together learning about Texas music.” Sara has raised over $20,000 for non-profits with the sale of this book and is currently creating Volume 2.

Young Adult Books:
Non-Fiction – General

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