Weekly Roundup: Dec 13-19; Best Toys, Apps, Books, Gear, Games & More!

PortaPlay Convertible Activity Center

Another Tuesday, another list of AMAZING products! Joke books for kids, educational products, create-your-own-book kits, shoe stickers, and more!

Every week companies, publishers, developers, and inventors send us media, products, and services from all over the world. We pair each submission with five evaluators. The best products and services earn our award. Our evaluators are not only experts, they are parents and educators just like you, so they understand what you’re looking for in a quality product. Mom’s Choice Awards® is proud to present the products and services that earned our distinction last week, between 12/14/15 to 12/20/15!  To find more information about a product or to purchase, click on the image.

Award-Winning Children's book — WRiTE BRAiN BOOKS

WRiTE BRAiN BOOKS
Children collaborate to author their own richly illustrated story!

The WRiTE BRAiN Author’s Kit comprises everything any young person (or grown-up) would need to become an author of their own original children’s book, which will be PUBLISHED and shipped to their door! The kit includes: A richly illustrated, wordless book with lines on the pages for any author’s story – Author’s Guide, one illustrated Story Card (with writing games), one illustrated Story Mat, an Official Author’s Certificate, a note from author Jeff Kinney (Diary of a Wimpy Kid), one idea pad, a FREE BOOK coupon, one orange WRiTE BRAiN pencil, and a code for a professionally printed, perfect bound published book with the author’s photo and bio at the back! It’s an exciting, imagination generating experience that makes kids WANT to write!

Children’s Picture Books:
Developing Social Skills

Purchase here

Steak at Stake: A Food Allergy Story
Written by Desiree DeNourie; Illustrated by James Balkovek; Edited by Laura Carroll

Come see what happens to Cole on the hungriest day of his life! Cole loves eating at restaurants, especially when steak is on the menu. The problem is Cole has many food allergies, and sometimes people struggle with tolerance.

Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Fiction – General

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Award-Winning Children's book — Steak at Stake: A Food Allergy Story
Award-Winning Children's book — Sophie and Scottie's Adventures of Something Fishy

Sophie and Scottie’s Adventures of Something Fishy
Written by Cindy C Murray

“Sophie and Scottie’s Adventures of Something’s Fishy” is the second book in the Adventures of Sophie and Scottie Series of books. Sophie and Scottie receive a magical frame that acts as a portal to distant lands where they experience amazing adventures. In this book, the sisters find themselves on a remote Pacific Island where the ocean currents are acting strangely. The girls are asked to use their teamwork, decision making skills and wit to help solve this mysterious ocean problem. They use their trusty map and meet a purple dolphin that always blows bubbles with an otter as a best friend! I use a dash of science in my series of books, therefore, Sophie and Scottie learn about ocean currents, dolphins, SCUBA diving, Amelia Earhart, and magnets!. Come and join the girls as they solve this island’s “fishy” mystery!

Juvenile Books (Level 2 – Ages 9 to 12):
Fiction – General

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SHOEZOOZ Educational Shoe Stickers

THE EASIEST WAY TO TEACH KIDS HOW TO PUT THEIR SHOES ON THE RIGHT FEET, ALL BY THEMSELVES! Shoezooz educational shoe stickers are adorable educational animal shoe stickers that adhere inside the heels of kids’ shoes. Designed using a simple puzzle concept, each sticker is split in half — the front half or head of the animal (left sticker) goes in the left shoe, the back half or tail (right sticker) goes in the right shoe. Kids match up the animal halves and instinctively know how to put their shoes on the correct feet, all by themselves. No reading required! Excellent for toddlers, preschoolers, children on the autism spectrum, developmental disabilities, sensory processing challenges, or visual learning styles. Three durable sticker pairs per pack. A big time saver for parents, caregivers, and teachers! Recommended by educational therapists, professionals, and educators.

Educational Products:
Preschoolers

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Award-Winning Children's book — SHOEZOOZ Educational Shoe Stickers
Award-Winning Children's book — Sam Plays Saxophone

Sam Plays Saxophone

This delightful story takes the reader along with Sam the Squirrel, on a journey of adventure to find Musicians to help with his song. Sam sails his tiny wee boat from the USA, across the Pacific Ocean to New Zealand and then on to Australia. On his quest for musicians he faces fierce ocean storms, wild deserts and deadly snakes. Along the way Sam meets Kiwi, Roo, Snake, Croc and Dingo. As the tale unfolds the reader hears the individual sounds of each instrument: Saxophone, Keyboard, Drums, Trumpet, Double Bass and Guitar. They will learn about composing a song and hear the individual instruments used in a Jazz Band.
This unique story is suitable for young children aged 4- 8 years old. Through interactive points on each page the child will become involved in the excitement of the story.

Apps & Software:
Preschoolers

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Q’s Race to the Top Boardgame with Book

In this interactive board game, children help Q race to the top of his tree house while answering questions and performing fun actions. Practice social skills and better behavior with questions designed to promote feeling identification and communication, manners, creative thinking, balance and coordination. YOU cards asks kids questions about themselves and start great conversations. Q Cards allow kids to advise the monkey on what he should do in various social scenarios, thereby letting them practice good manners, coping skills, and adopting a positive attitude. DO cards consist of fun (and sometimes silly!) physical challenges to improve balance and coordination, laying the foundation for emotional and mental self-control.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 5 to 8

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Award-Winning Children's book — Q's Race to the Top Boardgame with Book
Award-Winning Children's book — PortaPlay Convertible Activity Center

PortaPlay Convertible Activity Center

From Winding Vine and Popping Squirrel to a Spinning Owl, this forest-themed activity center is full of surprises! Baby is stimulated and gets to kick up his/her feet with bounces and delightful learning toys. PortaPlay also folds flat for maximum portability and minimum storage space. With one change, the Center becomes a Play Table. Plastic parts wipe clean with a little water and mild soap if sticky fingers are applied! Likewise the padded seat can be tossed in the washing machine on cold water/delicate cycle. Oribel toy makers designed this handsome product to grow from babyhood to Kindergarten while enhancing motor skills, eye hand coordination, playful spirit and self-awareness.

Gear & Accessories:
Walkers & Jumpers

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Meet the Math Facts

Learning to add and subtract has never been this easy!

Adding and subtracting basic equations by sight is essential to a solid math foundation. Meet the Math Facts 1, 2, and 3 make learning to add and subtract fun and easy! With adorable characters that your child will grow to love, your child will be able to easily recall basic math facts to 10+10.

Preschool Prep Series products have won over 25 national awards and are used in thousands of schools across the country! You will be amazed at how easily your little one can learn math!

Educational Products:
Ages 5 to 8

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Award-Winning Children's book — Meet the Math Facts
Award-Winning Children's book — Little Book Big Laughs Riddle Book

Little Book Big Laughs Riddle Book: for Kids by Kids
Written by Meg Cadts; Illustrated by Samantha Fitch

What did one strawberry say to the other?
“If you weren’t so sweet, we wouldn’t be in this jam!”
If you think that’s funny, consider this: What has a spine, but no bones AND will make you laugh? It’s the “Little Book – Big Laughs” Riddle Book! This hilarious collection will entertain you with more than 500 fun riddles. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face! Best of all, proceeds support medical grants for the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF). Good laughs for a great cause!

Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Humor

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Little Book Big Laughs Knock-Knock Book
Written by Meg Cadts; Illustrated by Abby Fitch; Edited by UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation

If laughter is the best medicine, the new Little Book – Big Laughs Knock-Knock Book proves it. After all, proceeds from the sale of this book go toward funding UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation’s (UHCCF) medical grants for children and their families who need assistance.

The third in the series of joke books, this fun-filled book is loaded with more than 350 hilarious knock-knock jokes submitted by kids from across the country. You’ll laugh with every page turn, and smile knowing that your purchase helps a great cause. This collection of knock-knocks came from children across the country looking to help other children in need. The humor will hit the funny bone of everyone – grown-ups and kids alike. UHCCF, above all else, delivers happiness to children and families who need it most. The sale of this book funds future UHCCF medical grants. Learn more at www.uhccf.org.

Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Humor

Purchase here

Award-Winning Children's book — Little Book Big Laughs Knock-Knock Book
Award-Winning Children's book — Hugo the Dragon

Hugo the Dragon

Product Details

Hugo the dragon joined the fun in Oliver & Hope’s Adventure Under The Stars storybook. Hugo flies, breathes fire and has a colorful imagination. He believes that the bigger a child’s dream, the more fun will take flight. And now Hugo is available as a cuddly toy that children will love.

Hugo’s plush, squeezable body sparkles in a magical way, and his shimmering wings are ready for action. Hugo is so full of love, he wears his heart on the tip of his tail. He also has a magical effect on children’s lives, because proceeds of Hugo the dragon sales help to fund UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) medical grants. All grant recipients are kids in need of medical-related services not covered, or not fully covered, by their families’ commercial health insurance plans. Learn more at http://www.uhccf.org.

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 5 to 8

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Christopher’s Kite
Written by Mark S. James; Illustrated by Harold Smelcer

When a little kite looks out the window and sees what a beautiful day it is, he yearns to fly. But he knows it won’t happen unless Christopher takes him outside. How can he get his attention and convince Christopher to take him out? Will he experience the joy of flight or be stuck in the house? Christopher’ Kite is the story of a little kite and his young owner on a day meant for flying. Christopher’s Kite is the third book in the series following Christopher’s Little Airplane and Christopher’s Little Airplane Coloring and Activity Fun Book.

Children’s Picture Books:
Trains, Plains, Automobiles & More

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Award-Winning Children's book — Christopher's Kite
Award-Winning Children's book — Charlotte the Fox

Charlotte the Fox

UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) has added another character to their Oliver & Hope series of plush toys. Meet Charlotte the fox! When Charlotte is with her friends between the pages of an Oliver & Hope storybook, she’s always finding smart solutions to challenges. She is a clever fox after all! And now Charlotte is available as a cuddly toy that children will adore.

Charlotte’s soft fur makes her especially squeezable, and since she always likes to have a flower in her hair, she has a white flower gracefully placed by her ear. She’s also very heroic, which is why she comes with a shimmering purple cape. Charlotte and her friends are heroes for children too, because proceeds of all Oliver & Hope product sales help fund UHCCF medical grants. All grant recipients are kids in need of medical-related services not covered, or not fully covered, by their families’ commercial health insurance plans. Learn more at http://www.uhccf.org

Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Preschoolers

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Baby Time Rhymes
Written by Linda Kandelin Chambers; Illustrated by Kim Sponaugle

Author Linda Kandelin Chambers and artist Kim Sponaugle have partnered to create a wonderful new book for babies and toddlers that celebrates the joy and wonder of early childhood with lilting rhymes and colorful, whimsical illustrations. Original lullabies with sheet music make this a splendid collection for baby’s library. Visit Linda’s book page and listen to or download for free the lovely piano renditions of the music to play for your little one at nap time or bedtime.

Children’s Picture Books:
Poetry

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Award-Winning Children's book — Baby Time Rhymes

6 Comments on “Weekly Roundup: Dec 13-19; Best Toys, Apps, Books, Gear, Games & More!”

    1. It’s very cool! It will inspire all kinds of creativity in your kids!

    1. They sure are, Tammy! Glad you found some stuff that you like! Our evaluators LOVED these products.

  1. Out of all the products recommended, SHOEZOOZ Educational Shoe Stickers captured my eyes the most. It’s so creative. Going to buy it for my nephew.

    1. SHOEZOOZ is so fun, Justin! We’re glad you found something here that your nephew will like. Happy holidays to your and your family!

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