It’s Tuesday, and that means it’s time for our Weekly Roundup! We’re proud to announce the handful of awesome products that won a Mom’s Choice Award last week! We’ve awarded 10 really great interactive storybook apps by Wanderful. We’re also featuring the ZIPIT Beast Box and the Heart Girl™ Dome Tent by Pacific Play Tents. You can learn more about these products and check out the full list of award-winners below.
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 March 6 and March 12, 2016. To find more information about a product or to purchase, click on the image.
HEART GIRL™ DOME TENT
Little girls love to use their imagination. With their “Heart Girl” Dome Tent, your little one can do that and more. This “Heart Girl” Dome Tent can be used alone or can be combined with the “Heart Girl” connecting tunnel, item# 81410. It is sturdy, durable, and makes for hours of imaginative playtime fun.
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 5 to 8
The Tortoise and the Hare – Interactive storybook in English and Spanish
Have you ever wished you could play inside a story and really interact with all the characters and words? Now you can! The Tortoise and the Hare is an imaginative and interactive reading experience with fully animated content loved by children, parents and teachers alike.
Wanderful brings every page of this classic Aesop’s fable to life. Read and play along as the Tortoise proves that slow and steady wins the race. Join him as he accepts the much faster Hare’s challenge to a race – one that doesn’t turn out exactly as the Hare had planned.
KEY FEATURES:
* Includes both English and Spanish with dynamic switching between the languages
* French available as an upgrade (iOS only)
* Over 500 interactive words in each language
* 12 fully interactive pages of word play
* Virtually every item on each page comes to life when tapped
* A hidden animated surprise on each page – see if you can find Ruppert the dragonfly
* Move between pages with swipe or with scrolling page navigation
* Multiple settings to customize the App for your child’s reading experience
* Two modes:”Read to Me” and the fully interactive “Let Me Play”
* Parental tips to help you get the most out of this Wanderful interactive storybook
* Teacher resources include a 31 page overview of Wanderful interactive storybooks Classroom Activities and a free preview of the Tortoise and the Hare Classroom Activities guide
* The full 47 page Classroom Activities guide is available as an upgrade
The Tortoise and the Hare is credited to Greek storyteller Aesop (620-564 BC). This version is retold by Living Books creator Mark Schlichting. The characters were designed by Michael Dashow and backgrounds were painted by Barbara Lawrence, each an original Living Books team member.
Wanderful’s goal is to bring outstanding interactive storybooks to a new generation of children. We hope The Tortoise and the Hare provides your family, children and students with hours of story play.
Apps & Software:
Preschoolers
The Story of Creation – interactive storybook in English
The Story of Creation is an interactive reading experience with fully animated content featuring the story from the Old Testament Bible. This important and timeless story springs to life on every page. Read and play along as the universe, world, seas, animals, and people are created to populate the earth.
KEY FEATURES:
* Eight fully animated pages, with eight animated introductory pages
* Engaging original music throughout the storybook
* Virtually every item on each page comes to life when tapped
* All words are “active”for extended word play and language learning – tap on any word to hear it spoken
* Move between pages with swipe or with scrolling page navigation
* Two modes: “Read The Story” and the fully interactive “Explore The Story”
* Multiple settings to further customize the App for your child’s reading experience
* Parental tips to help you get the most out of this interactive storybook
Little Ark Interactive’s goal is to help children discover a lasting love of language through story exploration and learn important stories and lessons from the Bible. We hope The Story of Creation provides your family, children and students with hours of delightful story play.
Apps & Software:
Preschoolers
The New Kid on the Block – interactive poetry book in English
With The New Kid on the Block, a very unique interactive poetry book, children are encouraged to learn the meaning of words by exploring poems. They’ll meet an ugly dog, a leaking baby and the exploding Bloders. They giggle at the antics of a chorus line of 40 dancing bananas and laugh as fearless Tillie eats her fiery chilli. And much more!
In this irresistible collection of 18 hilarious poems, Jack Prelutsky displays an unerring instinct for subjects that appeal to children (of all ages). In this collection are poems touched by magic and brought to life with characters that talk and move and sing and dance. Wonderful worlds, begging to be explored open up at each turn of the page. With sound effects, music, humor and lots of animations, it’s a whole new learning experience.
Reading skills grow through word recognition. Words, phrases and lines can be highlighted individually; they are then read aloud, and animations convey their meaning.
KEY FEATURES:
* Eighteen poems, with 59 fully animated pages
* Virtually every word on each page comes to life when tapped
* Words, phrases and lines can be highlighted individually; they are then read aloud, and animations convey their meaning
* Words are “active” for extended word play and language learning – tap on any word to hear it spoken
* Move between pages with swipe or with scrolling page navigation
* Two modes: “Read to Me” and the fully interactive “Let Me Play”
* Multiple settings to further customize the App for your child’s reading experience
* Parental tips to help you get the most out of this Wanderful interactive storybook
FOR TEACHERS
* A 31 page overview of the Classroom Activities and a free preview of The New Kid on the Block Classroom Activities guide PDF documents are included.
* The full 45 page New Kid on the Block Classroom Activities guide PDF document is available as an in-app purchase. The Classroom Activities for New Kid have been created to help develop connections between this interactive storybook and the ongoing activities in your classroom.
Apps & Software:
Ages 5 to 8
The Berenstain Bears In the Dark – interactive storybook in English
The Berenstain Bears In the Dark is an imaginative interactive reading experience with fully animated content featuring the popular Bear Family: Mama Bear, Papa Bear, Brother Bear, and Sister Bear.
This timeless Stan and Jan Berenstain story springs to life on every page. Read and play along as a spooky story Brother Bear reads to Sister Bear keeps her, and eventually the entire family, up all night long. The next day Papa shows Sister how to take charge of her imagination and in the end it’s Brother who is a little afraid in the dark.
KEY FEATURES:
* Twelve fully animated pages
* Virtually every item on each page comes to life when tapped
* All words are active for extended word play and language learning – tap on any word to hear it spoken
* A hidden surprise is on each page – can you find all the lightning bugs?
* Move between pages with swipe or with scrolling page navigation
* Two modes: “Read to Me” and the fully interactive “Let Me Play”
* Virtually every item on each page comes to life when clicked
* Multiple settings to further customize the App for your child’s reading experience
* Special “About the Authors” video profiling Jan and Stan Berenstain available from within the App
* Parental tips to help you get the most out of this Wanderful interactive storybook
* Teacher resources include a 31 page overview of Wanderful interactive storybooks Classroom Activities and a free preview of the In The Dark Classroom Activities guide
* The full 65 page In The Dark Classroom Activities guide is available as an in-app upgrade
The Berenstain Bears In The Dark is by Stan and Jan Berenstain, authors of over 200 books starring the Bear family: Mama, Papa, Brother and Sister Bear.
Apps & Software:
Preschoolers
The Berenstain Bears Get in a FIght – interactive storybook in English and Spanish
The Berenstain Bears Get In A Fight is an imaginative interactive reading experience with fully animated content featuring the popular Bear Family – Mama Bear, Papa Bear, Brother Bear, and Sister Bear.
Wanderful brings every page of this Stan and Jan Berenstain story to life. Read and play along with Brother and Sister as a little morning grumpiness turns into an all-day fight. Even a noisy storm can’t stop them from arguing and fighting. Do they even remember why they are fighting? Can anything make them stop? Useful for children of all ages, this story teaches lessons on avoiding arguments and disagreements.
KEY FEATURES:
* Story is in both English and Spanish – change language from any page
* Portuguese story content unlocks with in-app upgrade
* Each page is fully animated, including two pages with extended multi-scene animations
* Virtually every item on each page comes to life when tapped
* All words are “active” for extended word play and language learning – tap on any word to hear it spoken
* A hidden surprise is on each page = can you find “Buzzy” the bee?
* Move between pages with swipe or with scrolling page navigation
* Two modes: “Read to Me” and the fully interactive “Let Me Play”
* All words are “active” for extended word play and language learning – click on any word to hear it
* Multiple settings to further customize the App for your child’s reading experience
* Special “About the Authors” video profiling Jan and Stan Berenstain available from within the App
* Parental tips to help you get the most out of this Wanderful interactive storybook
* Teacher resources include a 31 page overview of Wanderful interactive storybooks Classroom Activities and a free 11 page preview of the Get In A Fight Classroom Activities guide
* The full 57 page Get In A Fight Classroom Activities guide is available as an in-app upgrade
The Berenstain Bears Get In A Fight by Stan and Jan Berenstain, authors of over 200 books starring the Bear family: Mama, Papa, Brother and Sister Bear.
Apps & Software:
Preschoolers
Ruff’s Bone – interactive storybook in English and Spanish
Ruff’s Bone is an imaginative and interactive reading experience with fully animated content loved by children, parents and teachers alike.
Wanderful brings every page of this remarkable story to life. Read and play along as the Ruff searches for his bone – from the bottom of the ocean to another planet. Will he find his bone and bring it back to his master?
KEY FEATURES:
* Interactive storybook in English and Spanish
* Change language from any page in the story
* 12 fully animated and adventurous pages
* Virtually every item on each page comes to life when tapped
* All words are “active” for extended word play and language learning – tap on any word to hear it spoken
* A hidden animated surprise on each page – can you find Ruff’s bone before he does?
* Move between pages with the new scrolling page navigation
* Multiple settings to customize the App for your child’s reading experience
* Two modes: “Read to Me” and the fully interactive “Let Me Play”
* Parental tips to help you get the most out of this Wanderful interactive storybook
* Teacher resources include a 32 page overview of Wanderful interactive storybooks Classroom Activities and a free Preview of the Ruff’s Bone Classroom Activities guide
* The full 66 page Ruff’s Bone Classroom Activities guide is available as a premium in-app upgrade.
Apps & Software:
Preschoolers
Little Monster At School – interactive storybook in English and Spanish
Little Monster at School is an imaginative and interactive reading experience with fully animated content loved by children, parents and teachers alike.
Wanderful brings every page of this timeless Mercer Mayer story to life. Read and play along with Little Monster on a fun-filled day at school as he explores different subjects with his classmates and makes friends with Yally, an often difficult fellow student.
KEY FEATURES:
* Includes both English and Spanish with dynamic switching between the languages
* French available as an in-app upgrade (iOS only)
* 18 animated pages, plus a special “story within the story”
* Two pages of alphabet and counting lessons – say your lessons along with the class
* Virtually every item on each page comes to life when tapped
* A hidden animated surprise on each page – see if you can find the “zipperumpazooâ??
* Move between pages with swipe or with scrolling page navigation
* Multiple settings to customize the App for your childâ’s reading experience
* Two modes: “Read to Me” and the fully interactive “Let Me Play”
* Parental tips to help you get the most out of this Wanderful interactive storybook
* Teacher resources include a 31 page overview of Wanderful interactive storybooks Classroom Activities and a free preview of the Little Monster at School Classroom Activities guide
* The full 42 page Classroom Activities guide is available as an upgrade
Apps & Software:
Preschoolers
ZIPIT Beast Box
ZIPIT is expanding its’ successful range of designed pencil & storage boxes with the introduction of Beast Boxes. ZIPIT Storage Beast Boxes are made with a formed outer shell covered with designer fabrics on the outside and soft velvet material on the inside.
Big enough to carry almost anything you need throughout the day, ZIPIT Beast Boxes are made from light weight soft materials that won’t break like sharp heavy plastic containers. When it comes to durable, easy to clean, cool, fun storage
There are 6 beasts in this collections. Each one have different colorful designed pattern and have its own googly eyes, but rest assured they all have the same mission: to be great protectors for your stuff!
ZIPIT Beast Boxes will:
Keep anything safe, even delicate and spillables things
Organize your child’s desk. The beast box is big enough to hold 50-60 pens inside!
Hold your school supplies, art supplies, first aid products or makeup.
Miscellaneous:
Gift Cards, Invitations & Stationary
Harry and the Haunted House – interactive storybook in English and Spanish
Harry and the Haunted House is an imaginative, interactive and slightly spooky reading experience with fully animated content loved by children, parents and teachers alike.
Wanderful brings every page of this Mark Schlichting story to life. Read and play along with Harry and his friends as they retrieve their baseball lost in the “haunted” house across the field. “W-W-What’s that noise?” “We froze in our steps!”
KEY FEATURES:
* Story is in both English and Spanish – change language from any page
* French story content unlocks with upgrade (iOS only)
* 12 fully animated pages
* Virtually every item on each page comes to life when tapped
* All words are “active” for extended word play and language learning
* Animated surprises on each page – can you find all the performing bugs?
* Move between pages with swipe or with scrolling page navigation
* Multiple settings to customize the App for your child’s reading experience
* Two modes: “Read to Me” and the fully interactive “Let Me Play”
* Parental tips to help you get the most out of this Wanderful interactive storybook
* Teacher resources include a 31 page overview of Wanderful interactive storybooks Classroom Activities and a free preview of the Harry and the Haunted House Classroom Activities guide
* The full 58 page Classroom Activities guide is available as an upgrade
Harry and the Haunted House is written by Mark Schlichting, creator of the Living Books series.
Wanderful’s goal is to bring outstanding interactive storybooks to a new generation of children. We hope Harry and the Haunted House provides your family, children and students with hours of delightful story play.
Apps & Software:
Ages 5 to 8
Arthur’s Teacher Trouble – interactive storybook in English and Spanish
Arthur’s Teacher Trouble is an imaginative and interactive reading experience with fully animated content loved by children, parents and teachers alike.
Wanderful brings every page of this great Marc Brown story to life. Read and play along as Arthur learns to cope with his strict new teacher, Mr. Ratburn and compete in a school-wide Spelling Bee. Will he study hard for the competition? How will he do?
KEY FEATURES:
* Includes both English and Spanish with dynamic switching between the languages
* 24 animated pages
* 40 interactive spelling words, each fully animated to reinforce the word meaning
* Virtually every item on each page comes to life when tapped
* A hidden animated surprise on each page – see if you can find the paper airplane
* Multiple settings to customize the App for your child’s reading experience
* Two modes: “Read to Me” and the fully interactive “Let Me Play”
* Move between pages with swipe or with scrolling page navigation
* Parental tips to help you get the most out of this Wanderful interactive storybook
* Teacher resources include a 31 page overview of Wanderful Classroom Activities and a free preview of the Arthur’s Teacher Trouble Classroom Activities guide
* The full 40 page Classroom Activities guide is available as an upgrade
Apps & Software:
Preschoolers
Arthur’s Birthday – interactive storybook in English and Spanish
Arthur’s Birthday is an enchanting interactive reading experience with fully animated content featuring Arthur, star of the longest running children’s animated show in history. Wanderful brings every page of this heart-warming Marc Brown story to life. Arthur and Muffy are each planning their birthday parties for next Saturday afternoon. How will their friends decide which to attend?
Read and play inside each of the fully animated pages, where everything comes to life for hours of delightful story fun as Arthur creates a solution that includes everyone. In English and Spanish with French story content available as an in-app upgrade.
KEY FEATURES:
* Story is in both English and Spanish – change language from any page
* Unlock French story content with in-app upgrade (iOS only)
* Each page is fully animated and interactive and virtually every item comes to life when tapped
* All words are recorded twice and are fully “active” for extended word play and language learning
* A hidden surprise is on each page – see if you can find all the confetti
* Move between pages with swipe or with scrolling page navigation
* Two story modes: “Read to Me” and the fully interactive “Let Me Play”
* Multiple settings further customize the App for your child’s reading experience
* Parental tips help you get the most out of this Wanderful interactive storybook
* Teacher resources include a 36 page overview of Wanderful interactive storybooks Classroom Activities and a free preview of the Arthur’s Birthday Classroom Activities guide
* The full 61 page Arthur’s Birthday Classroom Activities guide is available as an in-app upgrade
Apps & Software:
Ages 5 to 8
11 Comments on “Weekly Roundup: Heart Girl Dome Tent, Wanderful Apps, & ZIPIT Beast Box”
So many great items,i will keep an eye out for The Story of Creation think my grandson would enjoy it !
These are fantastic and fun,my grandchildren would have a ball with all of this! Psst nana would too!
Awesome, April. Hope you’ll be able to check out some of them. The apps listed are all very inexpensive entertainment that will provide lots of fun!
you really took the time to highlight each game. thank you
Thanks for the comment, Bonnie. We hope you’ll check out some of them. Very low cost entertainment!
Thank you for the app suggestions! It’s so hard to figure out which ones will be good for the kids.
Hi Desirae, if it’s listed on our site as one of our award-winners, it’s definitely ok for the kids. The Wanderful Storybook apps that are listed above are all really great! Anything that won our award was rigorously evaluated by parents and educators and determined to be among the best in family-friendly products.
I really enjoy all the apps you suggest because they always end up being fun for me and the kids!
That is so great to hear, Crystal! Thank you!
So many great products!! I love the interactive storybook in English and Spanish. Great for my son to learn both languages!!
Hope you’ll check some of them out! Let us know what you think!