Summer Fun for the Whole Family: MCA-Approved Ideas to Make the Most of the Season

Kelly Mahaffy Content Director at Mom’s Choice Awards ​ School’s out, the days are long, and summer offers the perfect opportunity for families to reconnect, recharge, and make memories that last a lifetime. At Mom’s Choice Awards®, we know that the best family moments often come from simple joys, creative activities, and products that bring everyone together. Whether you’re planning a full-blown vacation or looking for meaningful fun right at … Read More

Interview with Mom’s Choice Award-Winner Judy Bibbins

Today we were able to get with Judy Bibbins, author of the Mom’s Choice Award-winning book I Have a Gentle Giant. Her book was written to introduce children to the idea of truly unconditional love and friendship, which are big concepts for little ones, Judy wanted to present them in a way that felt more like a friend, a confidant, and protector. She also wanted the illustrations to be whimsical and fun so the book would be a favorite bedtime story or for early readers to enjoy on their own, pulling in the help of illustrator Chris Janelle to make that happen. One of her priorities as a writer is accessibility—whether that means accessibility to the concept of faith or the use of Dyslexi font to provide accessibility to the written word. Read on to see how this author brings all these pieces together in a delightful story for ages 0-7. Read More

Interview with Mom’s Choice Award-Winner Jeanne Bender

Today, we had the opportunity to get with American author Jeanne Bender, who began her writing career at an early age and, thankfully for young readers, decided to create a children’s chapter book series: the Lindie Lou Adventure Series, which received a Mom’s Choice Award. Read More

Interview with Mom’s Choice Award-Winner Peter Cotton

Today we have a chance to hear from Peter Cotton, the internationally recognized medical pioneer and professor who, we are glad to report, has turned his considerable talents in retirement to writing books. This ex-Brit now lives on Dewees Island, South Carolina, creating wonderfully inventive books for children ages 3–8 about Fred the lovable snake and his companions. Fred playfully conveys good advice for young readers with easy-to-understand rhymes. Five of Peter’s books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, and reviewers have noted that the books are a great way to teach geography to kids. In the seventh book in the series, When Fred the Snake and Friends Explore USA-East, youngsters are taken on an adventure through the eastern United States. Let’s hear from the author about how he became involved in creating these popular books and what else may be in store. Read More