This week’s roundup of Mom’s Choice Award winners features arts and crafts, STEM games, toddler toys + 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 January 28, 2024 to February 03, 2024.

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

“My First Busy Board” by Milleli- 20-in-1 Montessori Activities Backpack

Introducing “My First Busy Board” by Milleli: A 20-in-1 Montessori Activities Backpack for Toddlers

Designed in the UK by a busy mom of 3, “My First Busy Board” by Milleli, is a unique 20-in-1 Montessori toy crafted for fun learning at home and on-the-go. Packed with 20 engaging practical life skills activities like zippers, buttons, belts, buckles, color matching, shape sorting, numbers, and more, this sensory screen-free educational toy facilitates cognitive development and enhances fine motor skills.
On-the-Go Exploration with Unique Backpack Design

The Milleli Busy Board features a unique portable backpack design, allowing hands-free play on the go. Adjustable straps ensure comfort for both children and adults, making it a hassle-free companion for busy families.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Toddlers

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What’s in a name?
Written by Chandra Lockett; Illustrated by Tamar Blaauw

Meet Oinkers and Bananas. They love to have fun and play games. Until one day, when someone asks why their names are so different. Oinkers is a monkey, and Bananas is a pig. Isn’t that a little strange?

What’s in a Name is a story about finding out that every child is special, no matter how different they look, or how strange their name sounds.

Children’s Picture Books:
Adventure, Adventurers & Heroes

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Under the Sea Dough Sensory Craft Box

Get ready for hours of creative fun and learning anytime, anywhere with our newest Under the Sea Dough Sensory Craft Box

Discover sea life and explore different play dough techniques to extend fine motor development such as squishing, rolling, pinching, pressing and shaping the dough. Experiment with different colours, shapes and sizes as you create over and over again with the Under the Sea Australian illustrated and inspired reusable dough mats. Get your creative on with the visual and easy to follow kids activities ideas book included or go your own way and be inspired to create your very own Under the Sea inspired dough art work.

Arts, Crafts & Hobbies:
Preschoolers

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The Sweethearts Dance
Written and illustrated by Shaundra Bartlett

The Sweethearts Dance is the event of the year in Bartlettberry Briar! Marjorgram and Grampoppy are looking forward to jitterbugging and waltzing the night away! But when Marjorgram has an accident and becomes temporarily disabled, not only is the idea of the dance put on hold, but so are Peaches’s carefree days- Peaches must learn how to navigate responsibility and place the needs of the household before her own. How will Peaches and her grandparents possible cope, and can the Sweethearts Dance be salvaged?

Children’s Picture Books:
Values & Life Lessons

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The Sun Plays with the Moon: An Imaginative Introduction to the Lunar and Solar Eclipses
Written by Alicia Mofford; Illustrated by Annie Wilkinson

# Award-Winning Finalist of the 2022 International Book Awards

Dive into the playful and enchanting world where the Sun and Moon play in the sky above with “The Sun Plays with the Moon”—a book that combines the wonder of storytelling with the beginnings of scientific discovery.

# Imaginative Storytelling Meets Early Education: Crafted from the vantage point of a child’s imaginative eye, this book brings forth the celestial play of the Sun and Moon in a rhyming adventure that captures the heart and curiosity of young readers. The vibrant, full-color illustrations complement the poetic narrative, inviting kids aged 3-7 into a story of cosmic friendship and the allure of the universe.

# Learn While You Dream: As the sun chases the moon across the sky, children learn about the importance of solar and lunar cycles, eclipses, and the roles these heavenly bodies play in the living world. It’s a gentle blend of fact and fantasy that nurtures early curiosity for the natural world, paving the way for future learning.

Children’s Picture Books:
Basic Concepts

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The Power of a Flower: (that helped solve a worry)
Written by Ann Marie Hannon; Illustrated by I own the illustrations as Ann Marie Hannon; Edited by I serve as Editor.

The Power of A Flower offers both botanical and problem-solving in a delightfully illustrated story. A little girl finds and plants a seed not knowing how it will grow and what will happen. The sun and rain make the little seed happy and the little girl thinks the plant food she provides will help. She’s not too sure until something wonderful happens, then something very sad, and finally the little girl learns a very awesome lesson. Read this book in its chapter format for night time sleep time in just 5 days worth of chapters and enjoy.

Children’s Picture Books:
Bedtime Stories

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The Entrepreneur Game (Board Game)

Introducing the Entrepreneur Game, a must-have for aspiring business owners! This game is designed to simulate real-life entrepreneurial challenges and provide players with valuable insights and strategies. With interactive gameplay and thought-provoking scenarios, players will develop their decision-making skills and learn how to navigate the complexities of running a business. Get ready to take risks, make tough choices, and build your empire. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this game is a fun and educational way to enhance your business acumen. Game night will never be the same!

Are you ready to build your future?

Educational Products:
Ages 9 to 12

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The Demon-Dosa Dare
Written and illustrated by Deven Jatkar

Gattu’s birthday wish is to win the Raavan (rah-won) Dosa (doh-sah) Challenge.
His problem?
The Raavan Dosa is named after the ten-headed demon, Raavan.
It is five feet long, weighs five kilograms, and is filled with spicy aloo curry.
There are ten chutneys on the side!
Will Gattu triumph over the Raavan Dosa,
or will the Raavan Dosa devour him?

Children’s Picture Books:
Fantasy, Myths & Legends

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Squid Squish

Discover “Squid Squish”, a fun, educational game for kids aged 4-8. This color-matching adventure features 30 vibrant game cards across three difficulty levels, each showing a unique combination of colored balls. The game’s star, the Squid Squish, is a clear plastic dome that ‘captures’ these colored balls when pressed down. The objective? Be the first to collect the right combination of balls as per your game card. Easy to reset and endlessly entertaining, Squid Squish turns learning colors and counting into a squishy, squashy blast!

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 5 to 8

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Sam Says: You Are Born to Shine
Written by Sam Hirschmann; Illustrated by Amelina Jones

Shine bright and don’t ever dim your light. These are the words Sam’s mom tells her every night. When Sam begins at a new school, her classmates make fun of her colorful clothes and vivacious dance moves. Not letting her inner light dim, Sam shows them that the joy you exude when you’re unapologetically yourself is contagious! In Sam Says: You Are Born to Shine, readers learn the power of expressing their true selves.

Children’s Picture Books:
Developing Social Skills

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Pinxies Fairy Treehouse

Build, learn and problem-solve by creating new structures, crafting stories, and growing friendships. Set in enchanted lands with endless possibilities, Pinxies building sets deliver endless fun and out-of-this-world imaginative play.

Connect the plastic building links with the vibrant glossy paperboard panels for the ultimate building experience and customize your own enchanted Pinxies world with magical fairy items, butterflies, stickers and accessories galore!

Grow young minds, develop deep storylines, learn innovation and grow team building skills with Pinxies building toys. This 180+ piece playset is where unlimited imagination meets real-world learning opportunities.

Educational Products:
Ages 5 to 8

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My Path to You
Written by Leigh Anne Dees; Illustrated by Sarah Gledhill

This is the purest kind of love-at-first-sight story: a love between parent and child.

My Path to You follows a mother on her journey toward parenthood after conceiving through IVF. Despite setbacks, and with immense dedication and hope, a partnership becomes a family of three. This book reminds us that the path to parenthood isn’t always paved. It opens an honest and vulnerable dialogue about the struggles of trying to have a baby—but above all, it emphasizes the utter joy and anticipation of growing a family.

Children’s Picture Books:
Family Life

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Let’s Go Tilly! Let’s Go Molly!: The Adventures of Tilly and Molly Series
Written by Barbara Targonski; Illustrated by Quynh Nguyen; Edited by Val Carlin

Join the fun-filled adventure of two adorable dogs and a spirited five-year-old as they embark on a delightful stroll, meeting a whimsical cast of animals along the way! This heartwarming children’s book sparks curiosity about the animal kingdom, while nurturing early verbal skills. Dive into a charming tale that encourages sound recognition, early words, and emotional awareness. Every step of the journey is a playful opportunity for learning and laughter. Grab your copy now for an enchanting blend of education and joy on every page!

Children’s Picture Books:
Basic Concepts

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Let’s Eat Cake!
Written by Chandra Lockett; Illustrated by Tamar Blaauw

Get ready for some delicious fun with Oinkers and Bananas!

With a basket filled to the brim with scrumptious foods, they’re all set for a fun-filled picnic. But, oh no, will a mountain of cake lead them astray from their healthy treats?

Come along on this fun-packed adventure as Oinkers and Bananas learn about the value of making new friends feel welcome, and the importance of keeping a balanced diet.

Snatch up the latest addition to the Oinkers and Bananas series, Let’s Eat Cake, and join the adventure. If you haven’t had enough of the fun-loving pair, check out the first two books, What’s in a Name and Bubble Trouble, for more laughs and life lessons.

Children’s Picture Books:
Adventure, Adventurers & Heroes

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Let Your Light So Shine: A Prayer Coloring Book
Written and illustrated by Samantha Snyder

Explore the Magic of Doodle Art with Award-Winning Illustrator Samantha Snyder

Let Your Light So Shine shares 50 doodle art images of inspiring prayers, proverbs, and quotes from around the world for all ages to color.

• Famous prayers include The Lord’s Prayer, The Serenity Prayer, The Prayer of St. Francis, and more.

• Proverbs and quotes come from authors including St. Augustine, the Bible, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and more.

• Birds, hearts, leaves, stars, and the sun—provide plenty of coloring fun.

Each doodle art image has been carefully selected to provide plenty of enjoyment, inspiration, and relaxation.

Adult Books:
Activities, Crafts & Hobbies ( Includes Puzzles & Games)

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Jiggly Pets Pixie the Rabbit

Pixie is the cutest little bunny with soft TPR skin. The unique combination of TPR and electronics makes Pixie the perfect electronic pet friend! Bring her to life with just one touch on her head and she will play two catchy tunes while walking and jumping everywhere. She loves to run and jump around while playing her music. Includes one carrot to feed her, see how she reacts to food.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Toddlers

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Janitors School of Garbage
Written by Tyler Whitesides

Garbage comes to life as animated creatures called junklets wreak havoc in elementary schools and specially trained kids from the magical School of Garbage are sent to stop the rise of the trash monsters. With the school’s magical janitorial supplies—brooms that can fly, toilet plungers that can reverse gravity, and mops that can capture anything in their strings—the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

Landon Murphy discovers the undercover janitorial world when his soon-to-be stepsister, Jade Shu, guides him through a magical portal at the bottom of a dumpster that leads to a fantastical landfill and the home of the School of Garbage, where she has secretly been a student for the last few years.

Problems at home with his family make it hard for Landon to feel like he belongs anywhere, but he is quickly welcomed a student at the intriguing school for wizard-like janitors. His class on the science of garbology is like being a crime scene investigator, and every student gets to bond with one of three Servites—small, magical animals who exhale enchanted dust to help kids focus or be creative or have energy.

Landon and Jade—along with allies from the original series—are tasked to take out the trash and figure out who—or what—is behind the mysterious garbage attacks and stop them before the entire world is literally trashed.

Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Fantasy, Myths & Legends

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Happy Birthday, Peaches!
Written and illustrated by Shaundra Bartlett Lerman

It’s the week of Peaches’s birthday and excitement is buzzing through the air in Bartlettberry Briar! As Marjorgram and Grampoppy prepare to throw their granddaughter a magnificent party, Peaches’s anticipation makes her lose sight of what a birthday is really all about. Will Peaches ruin her own party before it even begins?

Children’s Picture Books:
Values & Life Lessons

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GiiKER Smart Sudoku

Smart Sudoku is an innovative handheld Sudoku game that offers engaging and accessible gameplay for players of all skill levels. It features 2500 paperless puzzles across 5 difficulty levels that can be solved on colorful 4×4 or 6×6 grids.

The interactive grid provides instant answer checking, auto-timing and connective battle functions to enhance the puzzle-solving experience. User-friendly features like hints guide players of all ages in developing problem-solving, logic and persistence through challenging puzzles.

The product eliminates the need for paper puzzles through its portable all-in-one design. Its interactive mechanics such as instant checking and hints make it easy for players to enjoy Sudoku immersively while improving their skills.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 5 to 8

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Garden Collage Sensory Craft Box

Embark on a journey of creative exploration with our newest Garden Sensory Craft Box
Dive into a world of textures, shapes, colours, and sizes to craft whimsical bugs, vibrant flowers, and other enchanting outdoor wonders.

Unleash your child’s imagination using the easy craft ideas book provided in the kit, or forge your own path to collage craft mastery. With over 1000 pieces, including glue, airport-approved scissors, templates, a versatile art board, and essential art supplies, the possibilities are as boundless as your creativity.

Craft without constraints and say goodbye to the Ipad and hello to hands on travel activities for kids every travelling family needs. This Sensory Craft Box is thoughtfully housed in a sturdy, organised portable container, ready to accompany you on your creative adventures and give the kids screen free fun while they learn. Elevate playtime with a mess-free solution for hands-on fun.

Arts, Crafts & Hobbies:
Preschoolers

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Furry Tails

Lily the Unicorn is sure to bring out the magical creature in you. With so many features, Furry Tails are perfect for any dance or singing performance. With +30 sounds and music interactions, they are the perfect accessory for any musician or performer. With the cutest design and magical tail movement, these tails are sure to make you stand out from the crowd.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Toddlers

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Chicco PhysioForma Luxe Silicone Orthodontic Pacifier

A LUXE-urious pacifier that soothes babies, and parents alike! The PhysioForma® Luxe Orthodontic Pacifier is a one-piece, 100% soft silicone pacifier with a softly textured shield. Parents love that these pacifiers not only soothe but also provide benefits for baby’s breathing and orthodontic development.
Parents love that PhysioForma® pacifiers were developed, tested, and approved in partnership with an advisory panel of leading neonatologists, pediatricians, and orthodontists. The exclusive nipple design helps position the tongue forward to maintain an open airway and support baby’s physiological breathing. This is especially important at bedtime where it can help improve sleep quality and reduce irritability.

Gear & Accessories:
Teething & Pacifiers

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Bubble Trouble
Written by Chandra Lockett; Illustrated by Tamar Blaauw

Oinkers and Bananas are back!
Everyone loves bubbles. Oinkers and Bananas are no different. Join them on another adventure that bubbles over and teaches our two friends a very important safety lesson.

Bubble Trouble is the second book in the Bananas and Oinkers series. In this exciting story, we learn about the wisdom of following instructions.

Children’s Picture Books:
Adventure, Adventurers & Heroes

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Biggies Fantasy

Eolo’s Biggies are the coolest super-size mega plush toys! They come in aclosed box and they grow and grow until they become giant plush balls. They are covered in the softest material for them to be perfectly huggable. They perfectly combine a soft plush and a funny giant ball. When they are inflated, they have grown until they are XXL size. The fantasy line features 4 different characters (dragon, unicorn, dog and rabbit). With the coolest patented unboxing experience, Biggies bring to kids a level of excietement that they absolutely love!

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 5 to 8

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Bear, Beaver, and Bee: Don’t Barf Bear
Written by Jordan Saez; Illustrated by Paulo H. Rodrigues

Oh no! Bear is sick! So sick, he is going to barf! In the next tale of this trio of friends, Bear learns what to do if he is feeling unwell. This book is a perfect read for a little one who is learning to make it to the toilet, trash can, or even the sink. If you are tired of your little one missing the mark, or if your teeny tiny is scared of throwing up, this is the book to share. With warm, charming images, fast-paced energy, and faith-based style, Don’t Barf Bear is one book your bathroom can’t live without!

Children’s Picture Books:
Bilingual (Must include an English translation)

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Bear, Beaver, and Bee: Beaver Learns to Share
Written by Jordan Saez; Illustrated by Paulo Henrique

It’s Beaver’s turn to be the hostess with the most-est! However, she doesn’t want to share anything with any of her friends! Can Bear and Bee convince her that kindness is it’s own reward? Will the trio be able to resolve their differences? This books gently explains how sharing is fun for everyone, and that asking also has it’s benefits during playtime. Bear, Beaver, and Bee must learn to cooperate so that they all have a happy afternoon together.

Children’s Picture Books:
Bilingual (Must include an English translation)

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Baby’s Black and White Contrast Book: High-Contrast Art for Visual Stimulation at Tummy Time
Written and illustrated by Tabitha Paige

This black-and-white book features beautiful fine art that is specially designed for a baby’s visual development. Plus, the accordion-style format means the book stands upright and is perfect for tummy time!

Infants have limited capabilities with vision upon birth and respond well to high-contrast images, which is why this black-and-white contrast book is perfect for their young and growing minds. Baby’s Black and White Contrast Book provides developmentally appropriate visual stimuli for your baby’s visual development, while exposing them to life-like imagery that can grow with them and expand their vocabulary. Each animal painting was designed by Tabitha Paige, artist, speech-pathologist, and author of the bestselling series ‘Our Little Adventures.’

Children’s Picture Books:
Basic Concepts

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Astro Zebra Loves Forts
Written and illustrated by Aunt Karyn

Astro Zebra is just one of the beloved characters in the Aunt Karyn portfolio of personalities. And OH, what a personality he has! Astro is a VERY creative zebra and he loves building forts. He hopes to one day build forts on the moon; but for now, he’s happy building all types of forts in the most curious and common places.

Follow Astro as he guides you through his neighborhood and shows you all of his favorite forts. The book concludes with Astro’s most favorite fort of all – under the covers – in his Goodnight Fort!

Children’s Picture Books:
Adventure, Adventurers & Heroes

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An American Corgi Goes To Balmoral
Written by Beth McClure; Illustrated by Anna Smith; Edited by John Fox of Bookfox

Isla, an American corgi, has flown over to visit her cousin Sandy, who is one of the queen’s corgis. While there, Isla learns that there is an exciting mystery to be solved. With the help of Sandy and his pals who live there, they set out on an adventure around the famous Royal Balmoral estate. The breathtakingly accurate illustrations will make readers feel they are really visiting Scotland!
The author, Beth McClure, is from Columbia, Missouri. She is currently living in Scotland as a lecturer at the University of Aberdeen. Before that, she was an early childhood teacher in the United States for 20+ years. The inspiration for her children’s book came from spending two summers working at the Balmoral Estate and being a dog mom to Isla, a pug, who trekked around the beautiful estate with her. The book explores the life of the animals who live there, and the magic that is felt spending time on the estate in the Scottish Highlands.

Children’s Picture Books:
Domestic Animals & Pets

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