Today’s Weekly Roundup post features environmentally friendly dolls, a virtual reality toy and a children’s book teaching kids how to prepare for a natural disaster!

The products that you see below all come highly recommended from our parent evaluators! They received a Mom’s Choice Award last week between September 17 – 23, 2017.

For more information about a product, click the product image or purchase link.

Zeenie Dollz – Sini- Protector of Farmlands & Rescued Animals

Saving the planet? That’s our style!
At Zeenie Dollz, LLC. this is more than just a motto. From conception to production, these dolls have been about protecting the environment with style. Founded by a mother-daughter team, Zeenie Dollz are made with 100% recyclable material.

These 12” fashion dolls are made with non-toxic rubbers and non-toxic plastics, have 24 points of articulation, and eyes that are embedded rather than painted on with harsh materials. Besides supporting environmental-conservation by helping kids learn about eco-friendly behaviors, Zeenie Dollz also supports environmental efforts across the globe. A portion of Zeenie Dollz sales goes to support either an environmental or animal conservationist organization.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 9 to 12

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Tummy Rumble Quake
Written by Heather L. Beal; Illustrated by Jubayda Sagor

Lily and Niko Rabbit’s childcare class is practicing for the Great ShakeOut. They learn that the Great ShakeOut helps prepare them for an earthquake. They also learn the basics of what causes an earthquake and how it causes things to fall and break. It also can sound like a really loud tummy rumble. They also learn where they can go and what they should to (drop, cover, and hold on) to be safe inside buildings, outside, and in a car. At the end of the day they feel comfortable recognizing what an earthquake is and how to be safe should it happen.

Reading this book is a great way for parents, childcare providers, and caregivers, to talk to toddlers and preschool children about earthquake safety in a non-frightening way. Children can easily relate with these characters and their story gives children the tools and information they need to help stay safe and be prepared should an earthquake happen.

Children’s Picture Books:
Nature & Weather

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Merge Cube

Meet the Merge Cube, the world’s first holographic object you can hold in the palm of your hand. The award-winning holographic cube gives you the power to control holograms! You can play, learn, and explore in magical new ways. Just download apps using your tablet or smartphone, view the cube through your device’s camera, and watch the Merge Cube come to life as it transforms into anything you can imagine! Super power your experience by selecting the optional Virtual Reality mode, then slide your smartphone into virtual reality goggles to completely immerse yourself in holographic worlds. Its virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality in one — Its Merge Reality!

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 9 to 12

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Lilies for Looper
Written by Rachel Foster Stuart; Illustrated by Mary Belcher

Looper is a fearless little girl who loves to try new things and explore what life has to offer. To her, possibilities are limitless, and in this short adventure, she expands her sense of wonderment about the world.

This cheerful tale, intended for children ages four and up, teaches that mistakes sometimes turn out to be for the best. As Looper’s father explains to her, we should all remember to have a sense of wonderment. When we maintain the feelings of respect and awe at the amazing world around us, anything can happen.

Children’s Picture Books:
Imagine It!

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IlluStory

Fuel a child’s love for books, drawing and storytelling with IlluStory, a complete kit for writing, illustrating and publishing their very own hardcover book. Lulu Jr. book-making kits have been a top choice for creative children since 1993 and brings your child’s imagination to life through the fun and educational process of making their own book. With over 12 educational, parenting and toy awards, this kit is an ideal gift for children and adults who want to explore their imagination and creativity through publishing their very own book!

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 5 to 8

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Elephant Wind
Written by Heather L. Beal; Illustrated by Jubayda Sagor

Lily and Niko Rabbit’s childcare class is at the elementary school science fair when a tornado warning happens. They learn how a tornado looks like an elephant trunk and sounds like a train. They also learn where they can go to be safe. When they find out the tornado damaged a neighbor’s house, they come together to help in their own charming way.

Reading this book is a great way for parents, childcare providers, and caregivers, to talk to toddlers and preschool children about tornados in a non-scary way. Children can easily relate with these characters and their story gives children the tools and information they need to help stay safe should a tornado happen.

Children’s Picture Books:
Nature & Weather

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Don’t Blame Hazel!: Being a Bully Doesn’t Make You Look Good!
Written by R.G. Frazia; Illustrated by Monika Suska; Edited by Brian. Frazia

Hazel is new in town and tomorrow is her first day at her new school. Hazel is a shy young girl and she never seems to feel that she fits in with the other children.

You see, Hazel likes to dress different. She loves her black dresses, her black and white tights and most of all her pointy black hat. ​But as much as Hazel loves the way she looks, she was also worried that the other kids might not…

Hazel’s mother reassures her that she should always be herself no matter what anyone thinks. Which helps the butterflies in Hazel’s belly to disappear. But when Hazel kisses mom good bye and heads off to school, it is a whole other story…

Children’s Picture Books:
Developing Social Skills

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Chippy Chipmunk Feels Empathy
Written and illustrated by Kathy M. Miller

When Chippy Chipmunk meets a unique chipmunk, he learns to feel empathy and show kindness. Chippy’s friends show him that there is diversity in every species. “Diversity makes the world more beautiful,” a blue peacock tells Chippy. “My friend and I may look different on the outside, but inside we are the same,” adds a peacock that is an all-white variety.

Chippy’s friends help him to understand empathy and the need to show compassion.

Like the other three books in this award-winning series, this one is illustrated with photography and fun facts are included. Diversity is celebrated with photographs of nature and of farm and domestic animals. This book contains notes on how to develop empathy.

Children’s Picture Books:
Growing Up / Personal Growth

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