This week’s roundup of Mom’s Choice Award winners features audiobooks, subscription boxes, holiday books + 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 11, 2022 to December 17, 2022.
Every week companies, inventors, and publishers from around the world send us their products for evaluation. Only the best earn our designation.
We Mix Up Our ABCs
Written by Aaron Wills; Illustrated by Daniel Wlodarski
At school, the children always sing the alphabet song the teacher’s way. But after school, they like to mix things up and sing it their own way. Follow these adorable kids through their day as they mix up the ABCs on the bus, at the park, in the dark, and in their dreams. Teachers and parents will love the letter identification practice this book provides for young readers. Kids will love the dazzling illustrations and the silly mixed-up versions of the alphabet song.
Children’s Picture Books:
Basic Concepts
The World’s Worst Diabetes Mom: Real-Life Stories of Raising a Child with Type 1 Diabetes
Written by Stacey Simms
Stacey Simms’ parenting philosophy is “not perfect, but safe and happy.” Does that make her the world’s worst diabetes mom? Some people on social media thought so. But her stories and the lessons they impart show that diabetes laughs in the face of perfection. Raising a happy and healthy child with type-one diabetes, as well as any siblings, requires flexibility, planning, and a great sense of humor above all else. It’s a journey full of challenges, but you are not alone!
Adult Books:
Parenting – Health, Nutrition, Fitness & Safety
The Littlest Tardigrade
Written by Sean O’Reilly; Illustrated by Chelsey Bueckert
At the bottom of a big, warm lake, lives a little Tardigrade. His name is August but everyone calls him Gus. Gus dreamed of adventure, but his friends tell him he’s just too small to go anywhere other than their lake and that he needs to stay put.
Gus longs for more and tells his mom. She tells him that he should see the world and pursue his dreams. Gus loves the idea, but confesses, he’s scared. Mom says she loves him, and he is braver and stronger than he could ever imagine.
Inspired, Gus begins his journey.
Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Comic Books & Graphic Novels
The Adventures of Connor the Courageous Cutter: The Blinding Blizzard
Written by Scott McBride, Rodger Thompson; Illustrated by Brian Martin; Edited by Lauren Magnussen
As Connor and his friends prepare to honor the legacy of Logan Longliner, a superstar new ship enters the port on the Harbor Master’s orders. How will Connor respond to the newcomer, as Serendipity Sound gets its first-ever blizzard?
The Adventures of Connor the Courageous Cutter: The Blinding Blizzard is the fourth installment in the Connor the Cutter children’s book series.
Children’s Picture Books:
Adventure, Adventurers & Heroes
Sydney the Sloth: The Speech Sounds Series
Written by Dannielle Pickford; Illustrated by Ana Djordjevic; Edited by Shannon Burns
Shimmy and spin! Dance the salsa with Sydney!
Looking for a story to help your child improve their speech and learn to use the letter S? Sydney the Sloth is a fun, fast-paced dance story designed to support young readers as they begin to recognise and pronounce S sounds.
Author Dannielle Pickford created this series after years of helping her child develop his speech sounds. On every page, discover new ways to use the letter S in speech and writing.
Sydney the Sloth is perfect for readers aged 2 to 5, introducing important concepts that help children develop speech skills. Combining a fun narrative with engaging illustrations, this book offers a unique way for young readers to learn about sound.
In Sydney the Sloth, young readers will:
• Recognise the letter S in various contexts
• Learn to use the letter S in speech and writing
• Practise important speaking and reading skills
Want to support your child’s speech development journey? Start reading Sydney the Sloth, and keep an eye out for other speech sounds books by Dannielle Pickford.
Children’s Picture Books:
Basic Concepts
Still The World’s Worst Diabetes Mom: More Real Life Stories of Parenting a Child With Type 1 Diabetes
Written by Stacey Simms
Perfection is not an option when it comes to type 1 diabetes, but it’s all too easy to feel like a failure. In her first book, Stacey explained how mistakes can become a parent’s secret superpower. Now she shows how her philosophy of “Not perfect, but safe and happy” can pay off as a child with T1D moves toward independence as a young adult. This journey is not easy, but you are not alone.
Adult Books:
Parenting – Health, Nutrition, Fitness & Safety
Snuggle Pup: A Book About Feelings
Written by Marisa Johnston and Christian Lester; Illustrated by Christian Lester
Kindergarten teacher and Mom, Marisa Cusenza Johnston and former student, Christian Lester, put their passions together for the last two years and created Snuggle Pup.
Meet Snuggle Pup! He is a dog with feelings just like you and me. He is learning that feelings are not good or bad; they are comfortable and uncomfortable. Through a day filled with challenges, Snuggle Pup learns how to welcome all his feelings by giving them time and space to feel them. This allows feelings to pass like clouds in the sky.
Christian has a love and talent for illustrations. Marisa has a passion for teaching children about well-being and learning how to feel. This children’s book (illustrated by Christian when he was ten years old) teaches children to feel their feelings. The book is accompanied by a stuffed animal created by Marisa. Snuggle pup is soft, cozy and filled with feeling hearts.
Loved by kids, parents, teachers and counselors. To learn more or get your own Snuggle Pup, visit snugglepupbook.com.
Children’s Picture Books:
Body, Mind & Spirit
Rise of the Woody Knoll Warriors Book 1
Written by Rene’ M Schultz; Illustrated by Becky Stout; Edited by Becky Stout
Join the Woodland Pals as they come together to help their community! They learn about personality differences, self respect, how to overcome obstacles like bullying and so much more! Find out how they save their community from a forest fire and rise to become the Woody Knoll Warriors!
Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Self-Improvement
Oh No, Riley!
Written by Valerie Whetstone; Illustrated by Mel Schroeder; Edited by Sharon Jennings
When Jake and his family bring home a brand new dog, they have three words to say:
“Oh No, Riley!”
Through all of Riley’s misadventures, Jake must overcome big obstacles in his life, learn about unconditional love and take responsibility. But it will be much harder than Jake originally bargained for…
Oh No, Riley! is a fun children’s book for both readers and parents to learn how to adopt positive growth mindsets in their everyday lives. Readers will enjoy interacting with Riley’s adventures as they search for Riley’s hidden bones and practice dog training and confidence-building mindset exercises found in the back of the book.
Parents and teachers can access special bonus resources at www.doorwaytotransformation.com/linksandresources.
**Valerie’s mission is to promote positive mental health in children. She has partnered with the Unstoppable Foundation, which is near and dear to her heart, to make a larger impact and help change the future. If you’d like to help Valerie support the Unstoppable Foundation visit: https://donate.unstoppablefoundation.org/fundraiser/4004110**
Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Fiction – General
Navigating the Newborn Months and Beyond: A Mother’s Guide to Routine, Sleep, Fussiness and Self-Care
Written by Erin Eileen Leigh; Edited by Jessica L. Andersen
If you’ve recently become a mother, you’ll understand the challenges that can keep you up at night. Fussiness, feeding issues, and not having enough time in the day for you, among others. Do you struggle to maintain a routine? Feel your frustration bubbling over when your baby won’t sleep? Or feel like you’ve forgotten who you are? For many mothers, the reality of motherhood is far from the dream you imagined. Thankfully, you don’t have to walk this path alone. Navigating the Newborn Months and Beyond is the book every mom needs. Using simple, practical strategies and evidence-based tools, the author gently guides you to:
create a daily routine tackle your baby’s sleep challenges implement a soothing bedtime routine overcome your little one’s fussiness. This book also highlights the vital importance of self-care, providing achievable steps so you can be the best version of yourself every day.
Adult Books:
Parenting – General
Magnificent Meg: A Read-Aloud Book to Encourage Children with Dyslexia
Written by Andra Harris; Illustrated by Julie Wells
Magnificent Meg will delight and encourage you and your child. She shares what helps her the most as a young reader who has dyslexia. Parents play an important role in helping their child to overcome reading differences like dyslexia. Read this positive and inspiring book aloud to help your young reader face their challenges and know how magnificent they are too.
Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Inspirational / Motivational
Kids Sonder Agriculture Unboxed (Agriculture Education Subscription Box)
Kids Sonder Agriculture Unboxed is the best comprehensive agriculture education box for kids 8-12 bringing agriculture science to your doorstep! Inspiring kids to learn about the science of agriculture and encouraging lifelong learning. Kids Sonder Agriculture Unboxed provides you with up to 12+ agriculture science boxes- educational curriculum provided.
Each bi-monthly kit introduces a new core agriculture commodity theme, from livestock animals to plants (horticulture and crops).
WHAT THEY’LL LEARN…
+ Animal/Plant Production Lifecycles
+ Fun Facts
+ Top 10 U.S. Agriculture Commodity-Producing States
+ External/Internal Anatomy and Systems
+ Animal Breed/Plant Identification and Characteristics
+ Amazing Agriculture Animal, Food, and Plant Science Lessons
Kids Sonder Agricturle Unboxed is Ideal for kids and families who want to learn about agriculture or as a part of their homeschool curriculum.
Educational Products:
Ages 9 to 12
Keiki Preschool Learning Games App
Keiki covers all key topics: abc, numbers, colors, shapes, sizes, positions, city life, sea life, a whole zoo of interactive cartoons with the animals and a lot more!
Download now and you will see efficient educational games while your child will see fun!
Keiki is an early learning app for toddlers, pre-k and preschoolers aged 2 to 8 years. We know that love to education and discovery in early years serves as a foundation for success in further learning. That is the key reason why we are committed to do our best in creation of very engaging and curiosity-stimulating educational app for kids.
Our main goal is to support you in development of your child. This game is transforming kid’s screen time into a fun and interactive opportunity to explore the world!
Apps & Software:
Preschoolers
I love my teacher’s guts
Written by Dr Paul McNamara, Miss Isla McNamara, Miss Emily McNamara, Miss Freya McNamara; Illustrated by Mr Mike Bastin; Edited by Lou Piccolo
An exciting and gross look inside the human body – this one just happens to belong to a teacher! Gross indeed!
When a science experiment takes an unexpected turn, Sally shrinks to the size of a microscopic particle and finds herself trapped inside her teacher’s body. This real-life anatomy lesson takes us on a journey of discovery as Sally travels through the bloodstream and organs, learning amazing facts as she goes. Sally soon realises that her only means of escape is through her teacher’s tortuous intestines. It’s a story of blood, guts, and butts!
Paul McNamara is a doctor, medical educator, author, father of three girls and a lover of books. He graduated from Glasgow University with a 1st class honours degree in anatomy and then went on to study medicine and qualified with distinction and commendation. He wrote ‘I love my teacher’s guts’ in collaboration with his three children: Isla (age 9), and Emily and Freya (age 7).
Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Fiction – General
I am Different, I am Great
Written by Melody Kiang; Illustrated by Jinulz; Edited by Brooke Vitale
Mei Mei loves school, but sometimes she feels a bit out of place. She speaks with an accent that makes her stand out from everyone else. When she tells Mommy her worries, Mei Mei finds that she’s more than just her voice. She’s made up of many wonderful parts -parts she should be proud of! Can Mei Mei find the good within and learn to love herself exactly as she is?
Children’s Picture Books:
Peoples, Places & Cultures
Guudhome DUO I 2-in-1 Floor Brush Cleaner & Squeegee with Long Handle
Cleaning your home floors is just so frustrating.
Am I right? Either you’re on all fours scrubbing away with a hand brush that gives your back and knees pain, or if you’re lucky, you find a brush with a long pole. But, when you get into that zone and start going to town scrubbing away, you bend the flimsy rod that looked so sturdy when you started.
Another usual dilemma is that your brush keeps falling off the pole or the pieces of the long rod keeps unscrewing. So, cleaning time is longer than it has to be. And, very irritating when you keep stopping to re-attach things.
We get your pain.
We love cleaning as much as you do. So, we created the Guudhome DUO | 2-in-1 Floor Brush Cleaner and Squeegee with Long Handle by GUUDHOME to keep home floors clean easily and quickly.
Gear & Accessories:
Housewares, Housekeeping & Cleaning
Gary the Goat: The Speech Sounds Series
Written by Dannielle Pickford; Illustrated by Ana Djordjevic; Edited by Shannon Burns
Gardening with Gary is great!
Looking for a story to help your child improve their speech and learn to use the letter G? Gary the Goat is a fun gardening story designed to support young readers as they begin to recognise and pronounce G sounds.
Author Dannielle Pickford created this series after years of helping her child develop his speech sounds. Read along page by page, and learn about the many ways we can use the letter G in conversations.
Perfect for readers aged 2 to 5, Gary the Goat introduces important skills that help children become confident speakers. With a fun story and colourful illustrations, there’s something new to discover on every page.
Purchase your copy of Gary the Goat today!
Children’s Picture Books:
Basic Concepts
Feel It All
Feel It All (8 Pound Gorilla Records), by Brighter Lighter Brigade featuring Marla Vannucci and Dean Jones, is a collection of songs that encourages families to express the spectrum of feelings we experience every day – from difficult ones to those that come from celebrations and special family moments. As moms and mental health professionals (Amyliza de Jesus is a licensed clinical social worker and board-certified music therapist, and Marla Vannucci is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified parent educator), the artists aim to share these songs to support families in helping kids to identify feelings, convey them, and embrace them as an important part of life. The catchy “See You in the Summertime” was originally written from the longing to be with loved ones during the pandemic, and it also expresses the excitement and hope of being united with family, friends, and places too. “A Friend Like You”, a 90’s girl pop tribute with sweet harmonies and a unique vibe, catalogs what makes a true friend and conveys that friendship is a sometimes bumpy two-way street. “Kindness is King” aims to channel the spirit and message of Mavis Staples. This song has become a standard on kids radio and used by churches, organizations, therapists, and educators in their work. “I Lost It” is a jazzy swing number about accidentally leaving a favorite teddy bear behind on a trip. The song was inspired by Amy losing her mom and wanting to write about grief in a way that was relatable for her young son.
Audio Experiences:
Ages 5 to 8
Christmas Sunrise
Written by Calvin James; Illustrated by Jordan Pizzuti; Edited by Beth Werner
As the holidays approach, a grandmother recalls her youth and all that she loves about the holidays. Hoping that it will snow for a White Christmas, the excitement she feels on Christmas Eve, and her favorite part, having her family and loved ones with her on Christmas Day.
Children’s Picture Books:
Seasonal, Holidays & Festivals
Callum Takes Swimming Lessons
Written by Marcia Stanley; Illustrated by Sue Ann Erickson
Callum Takes Swimming Lessons is a treasure for any young child learning to swim, and a gentle guide for parents who want to help their children learn and be safe in the pool.
At the beginning of this heartwarming story about a child’s first season of swimming lessons, Callum’s swim teacher, Miss Marcia, earns his trust and draws on his natural curiosity and imagination to help him feel comfortable in the water. Callum has a lot of fun with Miss Marcia and her little “animal friends,” who help him learn. Colorful illustrations show what happens at each step as Callum, Miss Marcia, Fred the Fish, Louie the Lobster and others enjoy his lessons.
By the end of his first set of lessons, Callum has gone from a child who wasn’t quite sure he wanted to get into the pool to a confident little boy with solid swimming and water-safety skills. He can float on his front and back, swim underwater, and lift his head to take a breath. He can jump into the pool and swim across to the other side, taking a breath whenever he needs one. He has also learned important safety rules, and techniques for staying safe in the pool. And he’s looking forward to coming back for more lessons next summer.
Children’s Picture Books:
Sports & Recreation
Brilliant Star Magazine (Vol. 51, No. 4 – Vol. 52, No. 1)
Written by Amethel Parel-Sewell, C. Aaron Kreader, Amy Renshaw, Heidi Parsons, Katie Bishop, Darcy Greenwood, Foad Ghorbani, Lisa Blecker, Donna Price, Dr. Stephen Scotti; Illustrated by C. Aaron Kreader, Foad Ghorbani, Lisa Blecker
Brilliant Star empowers kids aged 8–12 to see themselves as world citizens and to use their character strengths to uplift their communities and the world. Through stories, puzzles, crafts, comics, games, activities, and art, each issue engages diverse learning styles while addressing timely themes in age-appropriate ways.
The latest series of issues covers topics that impact kids’ lives, including establishing racial justice, developing friendships, building unity in society, and being a force for positive change.
The “Be a Candle” issue celebrates kids’ power to be of service to others, develop their abilities, and advance their communities. Readers can take on a two-week service challenge, interview a helpful role model, strengthen their listening skills, and get inspired to persevere through challenges.
Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Body, Mind & Spirit
Are You a Bird Like Me?
Written by Noel Foy, Nicholas Roberto; Illustrated by Colleen Sgroi
Meet Sky, a newly hatched bird who believes her nest is the “whole entire world”—until she falls out of it!
Unable to fly, Sky sets out to find her parents and explores a fascinating world beyond her nest. She learns valuable lessons about friendship, bravery, perseverance and the amazing things that can happen when we work together, even if others are not “just like us.”
The teamwork shown by Sky and her friends inspires readers to believe in themselves and embrace the idea that differences are not dividers but ways to contribute to a common goal. This story is a reminder of all that is possible when we spread our wings and open our hearts and minds.
Children’s Picture Books:
Growing Up / Personal Growth
An Affirmation Nite Baby Nite
Written by Irene Smalls; Illustrated by Ayan Saha
The NiteBabyNite Book and Series illustrated in full color stories are designed for parents to speak poetic words of ‘Black is Beautiful’ and “I Love You” each night to their baby of color in words and pictures. An Affirmation -NiteBabyNite, the first book in the series, gives babies important pre-reading skills while building their self esteem. Research shows that children develop a concept of who they are between ages 0 -3 years. The American Association of Pediatricians recommend reading before bed as part of a baby’s calming preparation for sleep routine. Nite Baby Nite also builds imagination and relationship with the natural world. Nite Baby Nite is written for all the children of the rainbow. At night each is the Ebony Baby.
Children’s Picture Books:
Bedtime Stories
AllergyCalm On the Go
Find relief wherever you go with AllergyCalm On the Go by Boiron. This non-drowsy allergy medicine is made with pure active ingredients to tackle year-round allergy symptoms. The meltaway pellets dissolve in your mouth without water, allowing you to act fast to relieve itchy and watery eyes; sneezing and runny nose; itchy throat and nose; and cough associated with hay fever.* Recommended for ages 2 and up, AllergyCalm On the Go Pellets are offered in convenient, portable tubes for relief that travels with you. (BoironUSA.com)
Benefits and Features:
• Meltaway pellets dissolve in your mouth to relieve year-round allergy symptoms.*
• Compact and portable tubes for home, work, or travel.
• Non-drowsy, non-habit forming.
• No risk of a rebound effect or interaction with other medications or supplements.
• Recommended for adults and children ages 2 and up.
• No artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives.
• HSA & FSA eligible.
• Boiron’s allergy relief line includes AllergyCalm Meltaway Tablets for adults and kids, Ambrosia Ragweed Allergy Relief, and Optique 1® eye drops.
*Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.
Personal Use Products (Skin Care, Health Care, etc.):
Adults
A Squeaky Toy, A Leash, and A Prayer
Written by D.K. Robins; Illustrated by Dima Eichorn; Edited by Justin Norman
Blue was the last pup of his litter, the only one not chosen. Based on a true story, Blue is adopted by a teacher and her family. He is head-over-heels in love with the Robins family. Every day is a fantastic adventure!
But one unforgettable day, Blue’s adventure takes an unexpected turn and he is all alone, far away from his home. With time running out on Blue’s survival, the family must work together to find their lost dog.
Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Inspirational / Motivational
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