This week’s Roundup of Mom’s Choice Award winners features children’s books on PTSD, Autism and exploration as well as some exciting and educational children’s games! 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, 2018 to February 3, 2018.

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

Where Is My Daddy NOW?: A visit to the cemetery
Written by Marcia and Phil LaBossiere; Illustrated by Doina Cociuba-Terrano

This story takes place on Memorial Day when we take our granddaughter to visit her Daddy at Tahoma National Cemetery. He was a Veteran who served three tours in Iraq. He suffered from untreated PTSD and was ultimately killed at home by the local police. He leaves behind three young children; ages 5 years, 2 years and 8 months. His daughter had a very special relationship with her Daddy and she didn’t understand why she couldn’t see him anymore. When at the cemetery she began asking some very important questions about where he was. This story is how we answered her thought provoking questions, which seemed to give her hope. We also include information for parents about what PTSD is, the symptoms and when to get help. We also chose to include English and Spanish because more than fifty percent of the people serving with our boys overseas are Hispanic.

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

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STORY CRAZE

Developed with kids and successfully funded on Kickstarter, STORY CRAZE is the new storytelling and creative writing game for kids 6+! It’s hilarious, educational and different every time you play!

Each play through of this story writing game uses random PEOPLE, PLACES, and THINGS cards as cues to ignite outside-the-box thinking to make up outrageously witty, laugh out loud 3-chapter stories filled with twists, turns and tons of laughter!

Following a simple story arc, children create imaginative introductions, hilarious action and crazy cliffhangers. STORY CRAZE is different every time you play, and it’s filled with laughter and learning as kids UNPLUG from technology and let their imaginations run wild.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 9 to 12

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Self-Control to the Rescue!: Super Powers to Help Kids Through the Tough Stuff in Everyday Life
Written by Lauren Brukner; Illustrated by Apsley

The self-control super hero is back! This time, they’ve come prepared with simple strategies to tackle the difficult emotions and challenges of everyday life. From the morning routine to making friends at recess, paying attention in class and getting a good night’s sleep, this guide will help children stay on track and save the day!

Focussing on specific times of the day that present particular challenges, the book uses illustrations and simple language to describe breathing exercises, stretching, and visualization techniques to help children aged 4-7 keep calm and in control. Suitable for all children, but especially those with sensory and emotional regulation difficulties, this is an accessible guide with extra tips and resources for parents, educators or therapists.

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

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Pix Brix – Pixel Art Building Brick

PIX BRIX is a revolutionary building brick that utilizes a unique patent pending connecting system that requires only 1 brick design for 2d and 3d builds. PIX BRIX is compatible with major building brick brands and is available in bulk or prepackaged kits. Explore new and infinite building possibilities with PIX BRIX.

Arts, Crafts & Hobbies:
Ages 9 to 12

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Let’s explore Peru, Kids!
Written and illustrated by Gurkiran Sandhu

Let’s explore Peru, Kids! is an enjoyable book for children that will take them on a journey through Peru with amazing pictures and entertaining details. This book will introduce little children to the world of Llamas, Machu Picchu and the rich culture of Peruvian people. It is educating, fun and opens a whole new world for the little minds that are ready to travel the world.

Children’s Picture Books:
Peoples, Places & Cultures

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Come to Life! Your Guide to Self-Discovery: Helping Youth with Autism and Learning Differences Shape Their Futures
Written by Thomas W. Iland, Emily D. Iland

Helping Youth with Autism and Learning Differences Shape Their Futures. How many young people are struggling or experiencing undesirable outcomes once they leave school? Far more than you might imagine, especially if they have an autism spectrum disorder, a learning disability or similar condition. Come to Life! is a unique new book that helps readers engage in an active process of self-discovery to improve the transition to adulthood.

Author Tom Iland, a young man with autism, speaks directly to his peers and guides them through the process of discovering themselves. Many individuals with autism (and other conditions) don’t truly understand themselves or know how their disability affects them. Without understanding, they struggle to love and accept themselves. This emotional roadblock can get in the way of just about everything else.

Young Adult Books:
Self-Improvement

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Alex Vega and the Oracle of the Mayans
Written by D.J. Burchell, M.A. Burchell

Can Alex use the power of the Zero Point Field to save his parents, his friends, and the planet in time?
In this middle-grade, YA, Sci-Fi, Fantasy – the first book in a series – Alex and his family narrowly escape an attack on their home and retreat to a hidden international society who use the energy of the Zero Point Field to protect the Earth from outside threats. With his specially enhanced dog, Mercure, and newfound friends, Alex learns about the Zero Point Field and how to use Z-Cons to tap into its power.

Young Adult Books:
Fiction – General

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