This week’s roundup of Mom’s Choice Award winners features parenting resources for educational products, bedtime stories, children’s games, and 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 November 24, 2024 to November 30, 2024.
Every week companies, inventors, and publishers from around the world send us their products for evaluation. Only the best earn our designation.
When Fred the Snake and Friends explore USA-East
Written by Peter Cotton; Illustrated by Bonnnie Lemaire; Edited by Cristina Young
Jungle Jim takes Perdy, Jack, Fred and animal friends to famous places in the Eastern states.
Starting in Washington DC exploring monuments and fun places (“moon-rocks you can see ‘em, at the Air and Space Museum”), on to New York City, Niagara Falls, Chicago, St Louis, New Orleans, Everglades, Parks ( “Jack raced around in sporty cars, while Perdy met with movie stars”), Cape Canaveral and Kitty Hawk (“where the brothers Wight, made the first successful flight”). Back home to Charleston and preparing for the next adventure, to the Central States.
Children’s Picture Books:
Adventure, Adventurers & Heroes
Trip Jones Kids’ Guide to Los Angeles
One must-have product from a new company called Trip Jones is launching this fall just for kids to plot and plan fun adventures in Los Angeles. Families in SoCal have an amazing city nearby to explore, overflowing with culture and fascinating museums. It’s likely they’ve visited more famous kid-friendly places like the theme parks, The Getty Center and Santa Monica Pier. But they’ll be tickled to discover hidden gems off the beaten bath like the Petersen Automotive Museum, The Queen Mary historic haunted ship, or science-rich La Brea Tar Pits. And after exploring, have fun trying interesting local legends such as Philippe’s The Original, where French dip sandwiches were invented or Hollywood’s legendary Pink’s Hot Dogs.
Educational Products:
Ages 5 to 8
The Adventures of Pierre and Penny LePockets: Penny’s Day on the Farm
Written by Eugenie Gloria Wong; Illustrated by Juliana Castro; Edited by Jamie Geidel
Are you looking for a captivating picture book that instills confidence in your child and models how to make friends?
Look no further than Penny’s Day on the Farm by author Eugenie Gloria Wong.
This rhyming picture book follows Penny, a little girl with a room full of stuffed animals who are her friends. On the evening before her first day of school, the words on a mysterious note whisk her away into a magical realm where animals talk and unexpected friendships blossom.
With a newfound friend by her side, Penny navigates how to reach out to others through teamwork, kindness, and embracing new experiences. She discovers the magic ingredient that makes friends flock to her and learns that moments of adventure can begin with a simple wish … and an open heart.
Children’s Picture Books:
Values & Life Lessons
The Adventures of Pierre and Penny LePockets: Pierre’s Promise of the Deep
Written by James-Scott Wong; Illustrated by Nino Aptsiauri; Edited by Jamie Geidel
Children don’t always find it easy to keep promises. Pierre’s Promise of the Deepby James-Scott Wong gently teaches the importance of keeping your word while it entertains children with a suspenseful underwater adventure.
This rhyming picture book features the spirited Pierre LePockets in his signature oversized jacket, baggy shorts, and magical pockets overflowing with toys and trinkets. When one of Pierre’s beloved toys falls into the deep ocean, he dives after it and finds himself in a vibrant underwater realm filled with extraordinary creatures.
Children’s Picture Books:
Values & Life Lessons
Tabletop Skittles
Wind the top, set it loose, and knock ‘em down. Skittles is like bowling but with a twist–literally. This tabletop game of wooden pins and spinning tops dates back centuries to Old England. Now we’ve transformed this European classic and given it an American accent as a tabletop board game. Opponents take turns spinning the top and knocking down pins for points. Skittles is a zany, pulse-pounding good time for all. Dare we say give it a spin?
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 9 to 12
Sure Comfort® Collapsible Baby Bathtub
The First Years Sure Comfort® Collapsible Baby Bathtub lets you give your baby plenty of room and comfortable support but doesn’t take up the extra space a full-size baby tub usually needs. It features a soft material that mimics skin-to-skin contact which helps keep baby feeling secure during bathtimes. And it’s easy to use. The patented design allows the tub to pop open during bathtime, but then tucks down compactly afterwards. From newborn sponge baths to toddler splashes, you can focus on the fun bonding moments knowing that this bathtub won’t be in the way when you’re done. The one-piece design includes a built-in bump on one side that provides a supportive recline: perfect for newborn baths. Later, growing babies and toddlers up to 25 pounds will have plenty of room to play in the suds while sitting up on the wider side of this baby bathtub. The swing open/closed legs feature easy-click buttons for simple folding while the integrated swivel hook lets you hang this tub out of the way, with no added drying time or laundering needed.
Gear & Accessories:
Bath & Potty (Includes Diaper Pails)
Summer’s Song: A Day In The Life Of A Child
Written by Charlotte Tinsley Rouse; Illustrated by Sara Jo Floyd; Edited by Marcy Pusey at Miramere Ponte Press
Travel back to a time of innocence, and the wonder of childhood play. The story demonstrates the joys of embracing play as a vital avenue for learning.
In Summer’s Song a little girl, her siblings, and neighbor friends bask in uninterrupted, independent play and exploration as they enjoy the wonder of nature. They fill their days with imagination, conversation, negotiation, and choices.
The author of Summer’s Song captures the essence of childhood and the joys of simple activity and exploration. It takes the reader throughout one day in the life of a family of children. The book is designed to be read in one sitting, or can be enjoyed in several sittings for younger children. Summer’s Song captures the simple beauty and enchantment of childhood through vivid imagery, and melodious language that speaks to the heart and emotions. Older adults will recall memories of their own childhood as they read and share with young readers making this book multigenerational. Summer’s Song will inspire children to get outside, explore, and play.
Children’s Picture Books:
Inspirational / Motivational
Sheli – A Shepherd And His Sheep
Written by Deanna Danielle; Illustrated by Rosanne Kaloustian
We may wonder at times why God allows brokenness to enter our heart. It has been my experience that when this happens, I am drawn closer to the Lord-our true shepherd-for strength, hope and joy. Sheli is the story of a faithful sheep who can not understand why her shepherd has put her in the back of her fold. As she notices and starts to help the sheep around her, she forgets her own worries and realizes her greater purpose. As you turn the pages of Sheli, may you experience the healing truth of God’s awesome grace and knowledge of the awe inspiring love that He so desperately awaits to give us all!
Children’s Picture Books:
Religion & Spirituality
Princess Ella and the Missing Kittens
Written by Ken Waldecker; Illustrated by Stefanie Geyer
When Princess Ella visits the pet store, she finds a worried crowd, a huge hole in the wall, and… no kittens! Where could they have gone? She bravely follows the big, scary footprints to the spooky cave on top of a mountain… but what she finds there is not what she expects.
Join Princess Ella for her second adventure, packed with cuddly kittens, a stinky troll, and a surprise twist. Princess Ella and the Missing Kittens is a heartwarming tale about getting to know someone before you judge them.
Children’s Picture Books:
Bedtime Stories
Princess Ella and the Lost Fairy Garden
Written by Ken Waldecker; Illustrated by Stefanie Geyer
oin Princess Ella on her next magical adventure to discover the Lost Fairy Garden! After many days of searching, Princess Ella stumbles upon a glittery clue, a secret tunnel, and an incredible new flying friend. When she arrives in the Lost Fairy Garden,, though, she realizes that something is terribly wrong. Is there anything Princess Ella can do to help?
This whimsical story in the Princess Ella series shares a message of caring for others and for the world around us.
Children’s Picture Books:
Bedtime Stories
Moonkie Baby Straw Cup
Moonkie’s straw cup is the ideal transition for your little ones to wean from the bottle. Our set is designed to encourage a smooth transition to independent drinking, from bottle to cup. The sturdy design is not just about preventing spills but also gives your little explorer a good grip, reducing the chances of tipping and making sipping simple! Our straw cup features a double-seal design, ensuring a secure closure even if it takes a tumble. Our built-in straw stoppers prevent your little one from pulling their straw out, making mealtime that much easier for parents. With the handy straw cover, parents can keep the straw clean and hygienic when not in use, making it a win-win for both convenience and cleanliness. One of the two straws we provide you comes with a built-in valve to prevent spills and slow the flow. The other straw is a step up in flow for easy sipping. As your baby explores, feel confident and at ease knowing our straw cup can handle their fussy moments across multiple stages.
Educational Products:
Babies
Moonkie Baby Sippy Cups
Moonkie First Stage Infant Drinking Cup (4 oz) is the ideal transition for your little ones to wean from the bottle. Our baby cup features a versatile three-in-one design that can be converted from a sippy cup to a straw cup to an open cup, encouraging your baby to develop drinking skills.The open cup promotes lip closure, speech development, and safe swallowing while also preventing tooth decay. Going from a straw to independent drinking is such a huge milestone for early development, so we have designed one cup that will be there for every step. Choose Moonkie for a successful transition from bottle to cup. Our baby straw cup are made from 100% food-grade silicone and are free of BPA, PVC, Phthalates, and any other heavy metals. The Soft silicone spout and straw are gentle on developing teeth and gums – but durable enough to stand up to your little teether! Our set is designed to encourage a smooth transition to independent drinking, from a sippy cup to an open cup. Moonkie sippy cup are ideal for babies learning to drink by themselves. No more worries about spills from your little one’s playful hands! Our baby cups are equipped with a double-seal structure that keeps the lid securely closed, even if dropped. The spout and straw have a built-in valve to prevent liquid splashes. Feel confident and at ease while your baby explores, knowing that our straw sippy cup can handle their roughest playing or cranky fussing.
Educational Products:
Babies
Ice Cap
Written by Joan Epp; Illustrated by Claire Sedovic; Edited by Debora Cavett, BiblioKid Publishing Team
Meet Ice Cap, the coolest friend you could ever have—literally! Ice Cap is a fun-loving snowman who comes to life during the chilly winter months, bringing joy and kindness wherever he goes. He’s got it all—a warm heart, cool sunglasses, and a magical hat that keeps him connected with all his friends.
Whether he’s snowboarding down hills, playing games with kids, or sharing frosty treats, Ice Cap makes winter the most magical time of the year. When the children text him with a “please,” he’s there in a flash, ready to join in the fun!
But Ice Cap’s adventures aren’t just about games. He’s got a special gift for spreading kindness and making memories. From building ice castles to creating a beautiful pine tree in the center of town, he’s always thinking of ways to make his friends smile.
Children’s Picture Books:
Seasonal, Holidays & Festivals
Cocoa Hugs and Coffee Mugs
Written by Tammy Gerhard; Illustrated by Hiruni Kariyawasam; Edited by Lauren Gerhard
Embark on the journey of Cocoa Hugs and Coffee Mugs: A sweet story about an important topic. Join a mom and daughter as they show us how the simplest, every-day gestures of kindness and joy display love to all around us, including those we disagree with.
Children’s Picture Books:
Values & Life Lessons
Champion Nok Hockey
Nok Hockey combines the excitement of Air Hockey and Ice Hockey into an action-packed tabletop game. The goal is simple: to “nok” the puck into your opponent’s goal. Clever, right? You can play the angles or go for a high-powered slapshot. Our board can take it. There’s a small board for two players, or a large board for four. Nok Hockey brings all of the intensity of the rink straight to your living room, but without the ice, hard checks, and missing teeth
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 5 to 8
Carrom Multi-Board Game
Do you like playing games? Lots of different games? Well, have we got a game board for you. Our Carrom board offers over 85 games in one. Each hand-crafted table features exhilarating gameplay that requires a combination of skills and strategy to emerge victorious. Master trick shots for flicking the striker at your Carrom discs to show your competition how it’s done. It’s not surprising that carrom, checkers, crokinole, and billiards, games played for centuries, can offer hour after hour of thrills and enjoyment.
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 5 to 8