Weekly Roundup: Tech Toys, Learning Books, STEM Kits + More!! 10/23 – 10/29

WR 11/01 - Best Books, Best Toys, and Best Parenting Supplies

This week’s roundup of Mom’s Choice Award winners features tech toys, learning books, STEM kits + 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 23, 2022 to October 29, 2022.

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

Award-Winning Children's book — Whisper Angel

Whisper Angel
Written by Ayn Cates Sullivan; Illustrated by Sandra Betancort

A small but luminous angel does not yet know her name and has a great desire to be of service. On a journey of self-discovery, she visits the Archangels, and soon discovers that she is Hope. This interfaith story is for all those who need inspiration in today’s world.

Children’s Picture Books:
Religion & Spirituality

Purchase here

VTech® My First Kidi Smartwatch™

Help little ones care for themselves and learn about time-telling with a friendly woof-woof in a wrist pet they’ll love to care for. Get extra help with potty training by setting 30-, 60- or 90-minute reminders. Keep little smiles healthy with the Brush Your Teeth reminder or get them to sleep on time with a chime that tells them when to get ready for bed. Kids will love taking this digital doggie on all their adventures while learning a little responsibility along the way. Give the pup a name and care for them right on screen. This super-talented pup can even be taught to do 20 tricks and will celebrate with barks and confetti. Explore the Time Master app and choose from 20 digital and analog clock faces. Connect watch-to-watch with a friend who also has a My First Kidi™ Smartwatch (sold separately) for more games and activities. Available in blue and purple.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Preschoolers

Purchase here

Award-Winning Children's book — VTech® My First Kidi Smartwatch™
Award-Winning Children's book — VTech® Marble Rush™ Corkscrew Rush Set™

VTech® Marble Rush™ Corkscrew Rush Set™

Construct thrilling stunts, exciting challenges and watch marbles go for a spin with the Marble Rush™ Corkscrew Rush Set™. This 112-piece color-coded building set includes a corkscrew tumbler that plays a musical light show, see-saw track, dizzying vortex, thrilling ramps and bases that all easily connect together. The easy-to-follow leveled guide includes three different builds from beginner to advanced, or create your own courses to explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) skills. When construction is complete, dump the 10 marbles out of the barrel and into action! Watch them race down ramps to the corkscrew tumbler, vortex and elevator. Compete with family and friends to keep the marbles in motion and bring them back to the beginning. Combine with other Marble Rush™ sets (sold separately) to create an extreme playset.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Preschoolers

Purchase here

VTech® KidiGo™ NexTag™

Outdoor play just got an upgrade! KidiGo® NexTag™ is WAY more than just tag—it’s a high-tech spin on 20 different backyard games including capture the flag, freeze tag and hide-and-seek. There’s no internet needed to play—all you need are the four included electronic units and adjustable arm bands! A friendly voice explains the quick and easy-to-learn rules so kids can start playing fast. No referee
required—the game lets you know who got tagged, who’s safe and who’s it. There’s one- and two-player games or the WHOLE family can get in on the fun. Go from four to eight players by combining two KidiGo® NexTag™ systems (sold separately). Play indoors or out with a 135-foot range between units. All you have to do is press the big button and tag, you’re it!

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 5 to 8

Purchase here

Award-Winning Children's book — VTech® KidiGo™ NexTag™
Award-Winning Children's book — VTech® DJ Beat Boxer™

VTech® DJ Beat Boxer™

DJ Beat Boxer™ is a pawsome new musical friend. DJ’s a music-mixing pupper, so scratch her head, boop her nose, shake her paw, press her ear or push the buttons on her headphones. Each interaction adds layers to the music so you and DJ can create a new song together! Press her headphones buttons to start a rhythm and add in backbeats or harmonies. Add more cool sounds like record-scratching sounds by scratching her head or touch her nose for an air horn effect. You can even press DJ’s ear to record a quick phrase to drop into your song. Her head will nod along to the music while her jowls flap to the beat. Give DJ lots of love and she’ll bark, sneeze and more. Cuddle DJ or create a mix that moves you!

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Preschoolers

Purchase here

The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle
Written by Daniel Petronelli; Illustrated by Emily Pritchett; Edited by Brooke Vitale

Planting a Seed of Faith in the hearts of our children
is much like sowing seeds in a young, fertile garden.
If nurtured and cared for, will take root
and become their foundation to grow strong in the Lord.
What greater gift could we possibly give?

Dan Petronelli expertly weaves a timeless tale of generosity of the human spirit, of kindness, and of believing. This story of joy and blessings of faith, of having courage in the most challenging moments in life, knowing that God is by your side, will provide families and young readers a story that will endure for Christmases to come.

Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Religion & Spirituality

Purchase here

Award-Winning Children's book — The Seed of Faith:
Award-Winning Children's book — The Incredible Stories of Bimi Boo and Friends

The Incredible Stories of Bimi Boo and Friends

For the curious and easily-excited puppy Bimi Boo the world is an incredible place with so much to do and learn. There is nothing out there that Bimi Boo can’t probe, interact with or explore.
Along with his very different friends Bimi Boo learns everything from dance, astronomy, aerodynamics, the environment, art, physics, biology and so on, as well as important lessons on friendship and kindness.
The series has the goal of inspiring children to discover how the world works, find their unique passions and teach them that you can do great things no matter how tiny you might be.

Viewing (Television/DVD/Blu-Ray ):
Preschoolers

Purchase here

Teddy No Stuff
Written by MJ Hayes

How would you like it, if the kids made fun of the way you looked? “I’m not a pancake,” she says. She is not liked until she slides under the fence and gets Fat Jumbo Jack his ball. He says, “It doesn’t matter how you look, it’s really who you are.

In this delightful picture book for children ages 3-6, three teddy bears learn important lessons about friendship despite their differences.

Children’s Picture Books:
Values & Life Lessons

Purchase here

Award-Winning Children's book — Teddy No Stuff
Award-Winning Children's book — Skill Sharpeners Geography

Skill Sharpeners Geography
Written by Evan-Moor

Skill Sharpeners Geography activity books engage children in exploring the world while learning important map skills and geography concepts. Connect your child’s real-world experiences with vocabulary and information about maps, globes, oceans, and habitats. The colorful activities integrate geography concepts with foundational skill practice, including reading and writing. Plus, the hands-on activities motivate children to be creative!

Journey around the globe and explore the worlds’ oceans, continents, deserts, rainforests, and more with interesting activities and projects that spark curiosity and critical thinking. Each book includes activity checklists, certificates, and bonus activities to motivate children to learn!

Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Activities, Crafts & Hobbies ( Includes Puzzles & Games)

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Old Crabby Turtle
Written by C.L. Olsen, author; Illustrated by Nathalie Kranich

Most bullies are hurting somewhere inside. This magical and heartwarming tale about an old giant sea turtle and a tiny little fish teaches us about BRAVERY, TRUST, FORGIVENESS, and HOPE. And to HELP others in need, no matter how different we are.

Children’s Picture Books:
Animal Kingdom

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Award-Winning Children's book — Old Crabby Turtle
Award-Winning Children's book — Music In Our Hearts, Songs of America

Music In Our Hearts, Songs of America
Written by Glenna C. Orr; Illustrated by Jennifer Levine; Edited by Jennifer Levine

All through the history of the United States of America, we have been inspired by music; the lyrics and instrumentals have carried us through the darker days and the brighter ones. The music of our grand nation reminds us where we have been, who we are as a country, and what we can behold and become. The characters in “Music In Our Hearts, The Songs of America” are veterans who reside at the Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington, D.C., and are a representation of people from many walks of life.

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

Purchase here

MicroKits Theremin Kit

Build Your Own Invention:
With your MicroKits theremin, you can create music and sound by waving your hands around electric fields!

Learn Science & Engineering:
Discover the physics of electrical capacitance and practice working with real electronic parts.

Easy to Follow Instructions:
Colorful 22 page instructional booklet. Build step by step, with breaks to check your work and learn how your circuit works.

No Tools Needed:
We make it easy to build your own DIY kits. Everything you need is in the box. Start creating electronics without having to learn soldering, and simply place parts in the breadboard to connect. Yes, batteries included too!

Arts, Crafts & Hobbies:
Ages 9 to 12

Purchase here

Award-Winning Children's book — MicroKits Theremin Kit
Award-Winning Children's book — LeapFrog® My Pal Scout Smarty Paws™

LeapFrog® My Pal Scout Smarty Paws™

Cute, cuddly and customizable, My Pal Scout Smarty Paws™ makes the perfect friend for your little one. Touch-sensitive front paws feature sensors that begin silly reactions, music, games and mindfulness exercises when little ones hold both paws and stops when they let go to introduce cause and effect. Scout’s paws can help create magical moments for kids and caregivers when they hold hands with each other and the toy adding an interactive experience everyone will love. Personalize the play and learning across more than 15 activities by programming Scout with the child’s name, favorite food, color and animal. Scout will introduce your child to first words, counting, and feelings and emotions. He’ll even teach your child how to spell their own name! Scout’s ears and back paws also have little surprises. Press Scout’s ears to play 40+ songs, lullabies, and melodies, or to explore games and activities. His right back paw button activates nighttime mode that plays soft lullabies for 5, 10 or 15 minutes to help soothe little ones to sleep.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Preschoolers

Purchase here

LeapFrog® Magic Adventures Microscope™

Explore tiny worlds full of huge discoveries with the Magic Adventures Microscope™. Young biologists can zoom in on flowers, animals, food, minerals and more using eight double-sided smart slides that activate amazing BBC videos and images. Discover answers to curious questions like: How do leaves changes colors? What do plant cells look like? What is sand made of anyway? Make your own discoveries by finding things around the house and getting a closer look using the reusable slides or large sample tray. You’ll be amazed what you can see with up to 200x magnification on this real microscope. See something incredible? Capture and save the on-screen images. Game time! Defend microorganisms from micro-invaders or put your skills to the test with the What’s This? quiz.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Preschoolers

Purchase here

Award-Winning Children's book — LeapFrog® Magic Adventures Microscope™
Award-Winning Children's book — LeapFrog® LeapPods Max™

LeapFrog® LeapPods Max™

Get ready for an immersive audio experience with LeapPods Max™! Beyond listening to music, hours of included activities take kids on audio adventures, get the mind and body moving with active challenges, introduce mindfulness activities and more. LeapPods Max™ are a great break from screen time and activate a different way of learning. Play right away with no web connection, downloads or account setup required. Expand your imagination and spark curiosity with the included 14-page Adventure Passport guidebook that accompanies the audio adventures and pairs engaging soundscapes and animals sounds with detailed illustrations. But the play doesn’t stop there! Wirelessly connect to your own devices using Bluetooth® wireless technology or use the included headphone cable to listen to your favorite music, podcasts and more. The over-ear design is comfortable and provides sound isolation for great sound quality at safe volume levels for kids. Easily explore the activities and music with simple controls that let you play, pause and switch modes without removing the headphones. Enjoy screen-free fun for years to come with these all-in-one interactive headphones.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Preschoolers

Purchase here

LeapFrog® Clean Sweep Learning Caddy™

Mop, hop, spin and sweep with the Clean Sweep Learning Caddy™! Let kids clean up “messes” while they’re still excited to use a broom — your future self will thank you! Your today self (and your child) will love how the cute lil’ face on the bucket lights up and sings as kids pretend to clean. The interactive caddy brings learning into clean-up time with imagination. Uh, oh! Muddy paw prints on the floor. Grab the green mop to clean it! The soap pump makes funny squirting sounds as you pump out the imaginary soap. One, two, three. Now press the pedal to see the mop spinnity-spin! Show kids that cleaning actually can be all fun and games with boogie-down dance breaks. Follow fun directions like, “Hop while you mop! Now dance to the left and dance to the right!”

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Preschoolers

Purchase here

Award-Winning Children's book — LeapFrog® Clean Sweep Learning Caddy™
Award-Winning Children's book — Happy Jack Sad Jack

Happy Jack Sad Jack: A Bullying Story
Written by Mark M. Bello; Illustrated by M. T. Falgaust

Jack has always been a very happy little boy.

But when he starts kindergarten, he discovers he is different than the others. For the very first time, he is bullied—Happy Jack suddenly becomes Sad Jack.

What should Jack do? Should he tell an adult? His parents? Would his teacher or principal understand? What can they do to help?

Happy Jack Sad Jack: A Bullying Story is a must read for all children and one your child will never forget.

Children’s Picture Books:
Inspirational / Motivational

Purchase here

Force1 Scoot Pro Drone

– 360° Sensor Scoot Drone: Scoot Pro hand drone for kids and adults is a premium addition to the Scoot Drone product line with advanced, industry leading technology. This hand operated drone features patented 360° motion sensors to detect objects for ultimate flight control and obstacle avoidance!
– Patented Sensor Technology: The Scoot Pro hand operated drone can be controlled with hands above, below, and on the sides of the flying drone. The new patented multi sensor technology prevents the kids drone from getting stuck hovering on the ceiling and avoids collisions into family members, furniture, and pets

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 9 to 12

Purchase here

Award-Winning Children's book — Force1 Scoot Pro Drone
Award-Winning Children's book — Flyaway Kids Bed

Flyaway Kids Bed

FLYAWAY KIDS BED: FLYING KIDS IN COMFORT

Flyaway Kids Bed is a game-changer for parents flying with infants and toddlers! It’s a premium inflatable mattress that transforms kids’ plane seats into a flat-bed, so children can sleep and play comfortably during flights.

The side bumpers stop toys and coloring pencils falling on the floor. And its comfy, wipe-clean surface protects little-ones from germs on the plane seat.

Parents love Flyaway Kids Bed’s commitment to quality, comfort and safety. The product is accepted on over 50 airlines and it was designed with input from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Gear & Accessories:
Travel

Purchase here

Finding My Superpower: A book for dyslexic thinkers
Written by Sarah Prestidge; Illustrated by Kauri Finlay

Dyslexic thinkers see the world differently. Rather than teach them to see the world as it is, what if we inspire them to be who they were born to be… world changers.

This book is written as an encouragement for both children and their parents as they navigate their emotions surrounding a dyslexia diagnosis. While the book does not seek to deny that there are challenges or difficulties with being dyslexic. It simply wishes to offer hope, that good things can and do come from thinking differently.

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

Purchase here

Award-Winning Children's book — Finding My Superpower
Award-Winning Children's book — Busy Baby Bottle Bungee

Busy Baby Bottle Bungee

Keep sippy cups and bottles in reach and off the floor with this genius tether designed specifically for your baby’s bottles and sippy cups. You’ll want one for your stroller, car seat, and wagon!

Fits ALL sippy cups and bottles
Adjustable strap easily wraps around handles
Works well on the Busy Baby Mats
No more having to clean up splashes of milk, juice, and formula on the floor. Now you can ensure that your baby’s drinks will always be within reach, with a safe silicone tether that attaches to the Busy Baby Placemat.

Made with 100% food-grade silicone
BPA, BPS, and PVC Free
Dishwasher safe

Gear & Accessories:
Strollers

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Battle of the Bass: Largemouth vs. Smallmouth
Written by Bob Allen; Illustrated by Scott Alberts

Larry & Lily Largemouth and Sam & Sara Smallmouth battle for the Trophy. Who’s Bigger, Stronger, Faster and Jumps Higher? You decide who provides more fun when fishing!

Children’s Picture Books:
Sports & Recreation

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Award-Winning Children's book — Battle of the Bass
Award-Winning Children's book — Bad Christmas Movie Bingo®

Bad Christmas Movie Bingo®

Bad Christmas Movie Bingo® is a board game designed to be played while watching any made-for-TV Christmas movie. (Yup, it works with all of them!) There are nearly 150 unique squares representing events, character traits, and plot points, all spread across 15 different Bingo boards — just turn on a movie, mark off your squares as the story unfolds, and get 5 in a row to win! (You also may want to have plenty of your favorite adult beverages on hand…)

Each box set includes:

– 15 unique bingo boards (dry-erase and reusable)
– Set of 4 dry-erase markers in a faux-velvet pouch
– Instructions for play

Made in NYC. A holiday tradition since 2016.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Adults

Purchase here

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