Mom’s Choice Awards Names Local Charleston Book Among the Best in Family-Friendly Products

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Mom’s Choice Awards has named “While Mommy Is Out” among the best in family-friendly media, products and services. West Ashley mom Teri Errico Griffis wrote “While Mommy Is Out” earlier this year as way to help children prepare for being left with a sitter or child care provider. The book is illustrated by Tami Boyce, a local graphic designer.

The Mom’s Choice Awards evaluation process uses a proprietary methodology in which entries are scored on a number of elements, including production quality, design, educational value, entertainment value, originality, appeal and cost.

“We are thrilled to earn the Mom’s Choice Awards Honoring Excellence Seal of Approval,” Errico Griffis said. “We know all the great things the MCA does to connect consumers, educators, and caregivers with the best products and services available for families.”

To be considered for an award, each entrant submits five samples to reviewed by evaluators in the Mom’s Choice Awards database. Evaluators are bound by a strict code of ethics not only to ensure objectivity, but also to ensure that the evaluation is free from manufacturer influence. The five evaluations are submitted to the Mom’s Choice Awards executive committee for final review and approval.

“Our aim to introduce families and educators to best-in-class products and services,” said Dawn Matheson, executive director of the Mom’s Choice Awards. “We have a passion to help families grow emotionally, physically and spiritually. Parents and educators know that products and services bearing our seal of approval are high-quality and also a great value.”

Inspired by true events from Griffis’ days as a nanny, the book follows Little One’s day as Mommy announces she will be heading out and leaving Little One with a babysitter for the first time. Little One faces his biggest fear – making a new friend – while discovering Mommy does indeed return home ready for hugs. “While Mommy is Out” is a narrative for children needing an introduction to the concept of a babysitter and why it’s not a scary situation, as well as reassurance mommy will always come back home to her little one in the end.

“While Mommy Is Out” is available for $12 at www.WhileMommyIsOut.com. Join Errico Griffis for a book reading event 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13 at Maxtrix Kids Rooms, 816 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. in Mount Pleasant

About the author

Teri Errico Griffis began her career in the early 2000s when she first interned with the writing staff of ABC soap opera “All My Children” in New York City. From there, she reported for local newspapers and magazines before being recruited by the global company, WWE, to help launch their first children’s magazine. She also won a New England Press Association Award. She moved to Charleston in 2012 and spent years volunteering to improve children’s education through nonprofit work. Today she resides in West Ashley with her family where she writes and edits several successful publications. www.wordsbyteri.com

About the illustrator

Tami Boyce is a Charleston-based illustrator and graphic designer. Her work can be found at various establishments around Charleston, including Theatre 99, Early Bird Diner, Frothy Beard Brewery and ReForm Studios, as well as ZaPow! Gallery in Asheville, N.C. Boyce pulls inspiration from her humor and heart. Some of her illustrations are observations on life, memories, or just wishful thinking as to how animals might actually behave in the wild. tamiboyce.com

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While Mommy Is Out

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