Editorial Review

This bold and colorful puzzle contains 48 extra-thick cardboard pieces that snap easily into place to create a simple, yet very imaginative scene of a fairy tale castle. An easy-clean surface keeps it looking new and safe from sticky fingers. This large, imaginative floor puzzle has a finished layout that measures approximately 2 feet high by 3 feet long. --Deb Oroszlan ... Read more

Reviews (3)

My little girls says "the best castle puzzle in the world"
I put this togehter with my 6 and 3 year old girls.We had fun putting it together and telling stories using the puzzle as a background.We love it.

fun to do together as a family
I'm always looking for activities that we can do together.My daughter loves castles and princesses, so she's interested from the start.We talk about how to look for clues as to how the pieces go together.It has big pieces that are easy for small hands to handle.I'm only giving 4 stars because it's not usually her pick.It's our pick, and then she joins in the fun.

Stimulating imagination
I like the idea of it being large and being placed on the floor.A child spends most of his/her time on the floor and a puzzle that appeals to her can stimulate her imagination with each piece.
Thanks ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Puzzles    2. Floor Puzzles    3. Wood    4. Pegged    5. Learning    6. Activity   

Features

• 019000081155
• sweet flavors
• 14.00 oz

Reviews (4)

Fun & Colorful Counting
This abacus has been loads of fun for my two year old who is just learning the counting basics.She loves to just sit and play with the beads or to count with the help of mom and dad.The wood and metal construction is very safe and durable like all Melissa and Doug toys. This will be a useful and fun learning tool for years to come.

Fun math toy
The colors are bright and the frame is thick and durable.It is a nice way to add a little fun to math.Plus since it is so well made, when my 10 month old wants to play with it I don't worry about her or the toy.

Great Learning Toy
Great for teaching the concept of 10's, adding, subtracting - in a fun way!Highly recommend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Learning    3. Math    4. Time    5. Toddler   

Reviews (13)

Farm Puzzle isn't as great as it seems
I got this puzzle for my baby as a Christmas gift.Within the first few days, the puzzle pieces started to warp.Now the pieces are in two or three separate layers and don't even fit the spaces.I don't have the information on the company I got it from except for the name or I'd be getting my money back or getting it replaced.Now my baby wants to bite on the wood pieces.Not good!

Love Melissa & Doug puzzles!!
I have not been dissappointed with ANY of Melissa & Doug puzzle...we have 7 now.This is the first for our youngest and I look forward to playing with the fuzzy farm pieces with him.A durable, safe edged puzzle that is colorful but not scary for little ones.My hat is off to Melissa & Doug once again.

cute puzzle to learn with
Our son received this as a gift for Easter this past year.He isn't much on puzzles but this one really caught on.He likes the fuzzy animals I think the best, but he has become quite good at putting them in their proper places.It's also been a good tool to teach him the animals and to *nicely* pet the animals.His favorite is the little duck as it ends up in is crib quite often.Very cute puzzle with the extra added bonus of the peices being soft.Puzzle and pieces are made of wood (except the fuzzy coats) so it holds up well and the price is reasonable. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baby and Infant    2. Toddler    3. Activity    4. Hand-Eye Coordination    5. Puzzles    6. Wood    7. Animals    8. Farm Animals    9. Preschool    10. Pegged    11. Learning   

Editorial Review

Friendly farm animals surround the barn and tractor in this handcraftedwooden puzzle. This is a terrific puzzle for the very young--it is made of sturdy wood,and each of the nine pieces features a grip knob to help maneuver the pieces into place.Each piece is approximately 1.5 by 3 inches and fits easily into its own hole; the identicalpicture in the hole makes finding "where it goes" easy. The farm animals pictured includea duck with chicks, a sheep, a horse, a cow, a rooster with hen and chicks, a pig withpiglets, and a goat. --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Great first puzzle for 1-2 year-olds
This 9-piece puzzle was the most popular first puzzle with both my son and daughter, starting around 18 months. First, it's a high-quality puzzle. The art is detailed and realistic (while still being appealing to young children), and the construction is durable (i.e., children can step on it and not break or bend it). Second, the pegs make it accessible to younger children and allow them to practice their pincher skills. The pegs reduce frustration because it's easier to hold on to them and rotate them into the proper direction. Third, and most importantly, the puzzle has animal pictures behind each of the puzzle pieces. The animal pictures made the puzzle fun when the kids first used it; they would get excited to reveal the animal and quickly developed favorites. Later, the animals turned the puzzle into a memory game as we asked "where's the horse". Then, we increased the complexity by asking more indirect questions like "where's the animal that has puppies". I highly recommend this puzzle as a first puzzle for any child between the ages of 1 and 2.

Best Puzzle We Own
My son got this for his 1st birthday.He took right to it, seeing all the animals he was learning about.Now, he is 3 1/2 and loves it all the same, except he knows how to put the pieces in all by himself.Sometimes to keep it exciting we race puzzles to see who can finish their's first.Even through all the use, this puzzle looks brand new!It's Great!

very good
Why can't this be shipped to countries other than US.Is there any Indian agents for this.If not I would like to be . send your feed back
regards
sudha ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Puzzles    2. Easy Puzzles    3. Preschool    4. Learning    5. Wood    6. Pegged    7. Games    8. Toddler    9. Activity   

Editorial Review

This is a challenge that is sure to please future firefighters. This bold and colorful floor puzzle contains 24 jumbo extra-thick cardboard pieces that snap easily into place to create a high quality, yet simple picture of a fire truck ready for the alarm. This large, imaginative puzzle with an easy-clean surface has a finished layout of approximately 4 feet long. --Deb Oroszlan ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Grandson Loves It!
I have to say that my 3 year old grandson loves this puzzle.In fact, he loved it so much that I bought him 2 other puzzles by Doug & Melissa.I like them because the pieces are big and extremely durable.He stands on them, walks on them and a little of everything else, but they still hold up.This puzzle addresses two of his greatest thrills -- firefighters and puzzles!!How much better can it get!!!

Would Rather Play With A Real Truck
My 3 year old son is obsessed with fire trucks, and we got three of these as birthday presents at his fireman-themed birthday party.On the plus side, the pieces are very sturdy and the puzzle makes a nice gift (we've "re-gifted" our two extras).On the other hand, unlike other reviews here, I have to say that my son couldn't be less interested in playing with this puzzle.He'd much rather play with his real trucks, or dress up like a fireman and use a jump-rope as a makeshift fire hose.Maybe when he gets a little older it will be of more interest.

Big Enough For Two
Both of my kids (4 ½ and 22 Mos.)love fire trucks so this puzzle was a big hit.The large size (4 feet long) makes it a good size for use on a coffee table.t is also large enough that several kids can work on it without banging into each other.

The design is clear with strong colors and nice details (look for the dalmatian in the window).The pieces are durable for cardboard (my kids walk across the puzzle constantly and it has not been damaged).

My only fault with the puzzle is it is so popular I can never get it put away for more than a few minutes.Once taken apart, the kids want to put it together again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Puzzles    2. Floor Puzzles    3. Wood    4. Pegged    5. Learning    6. Activity   

Editorial Review

So many children's games require an adult to help out or setthings up. Not this one. The Snail's Pace Race is a simple game thatproceeds at a child's pace. Everything is based on colors, including thedice, without a printed word in sight. Players roll the dice to seewhich two of the colorful wooden snails they'll move forward one spaceon the board. No matter how many children play, all six snails enter therace. The goal is to guess which snail will be the first--or thelast--to cross the finish line. --Lynne Sampson ... Read more

Reviews (5)

great for little ones
my son does not yet understand the "choosing a color" and sticking to that same color throughout the game thing.this is a great game that teaches him to take turns without getting frustrated that he can't be the same color as momma.We love it!It is a great introduction to more sophisticated board games.

Snail's Pace Race Game is perfect!!
I love this game!!My son has been playing it for 2 years now.He's 4.5 yrs old right now.It's so easy to learn and great fun for up to 6 people!!We make it a little more challenging by taking two colored snails each and trying to remember which are ours when the colors are rolled.For our family of 3, that makes it lots of fun!I advise everyone to buy this game if there are young children in your house.You will NOT be disappointed.

A wonderful first board game!
We bought this game for our son when he was barely 3 years old.He is now almost 6 and still loves it.The game is simple enough for him to play with his friends without adult help, since everything is based on colors and no reading is required.The beauty of this game, though, is that children can have fun without competing against each other.Since all children move all of the snails, it is the snails who race and who win or lose.Since no child loses, there are no hurt feelings.Plus, it's fun to try to guess which snail will win! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Preschool    4. Bugs    5. Learning    6. Toddler   

Reviews (2)

Enchanting learning toy!
Our daughter received this puzzle for her 3rd birthday.She's a puzzle nut!This became an instant favorite and had to be left together for all to see.The picture sheet in it labels all the sea creatures and it becomes a great way to discuss the different levels of life in the ocean.The coloring is beautiful - Mom and Dad enjoy it as well.It is extrememly well built, sturdy and can really be wiped off with a damp cloth.

The only negative, as another viewer pointed out, is the darker bottom pictures.Harder for young ones to distinguish designs and not as visually appealing.

good team project
My two girls (aged 4.5 and 3) love puzzles. They have different likes and dislikes so we have in our house "my puzzles" and "your puzzles." But this one is the first "our puzzle." It is challenging enough that both girls have to work together -- one on the tropical fish and the other on the dolphins, for example -- and what a joy when the patches would come together. The different areas on the puzzle would take on a different hue of blue (as the ocean goes deeper the color darkens, of course), so that the girls can sort out the pieces and start different "foci" on the floor. Therefore this puzzle really helps them learn multi-tasking, organization, and team work. It is definitely a step forward from the 24-piece or 50-piece sets, while still remaining manageable for preschoolers. My only minor, minor complaint is that one stretch of the puzzle (the sperm whale area) is dark, a bit simplistic in design, and somehow not preferred by either of the girls -- so I would always be assigned to complete that portion; just a little warning that you may find yourself putting together a giant sperm whale a couple of times a day. The bonus -- a chart that teaches the children names of all the sea creatures on the puzzle! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Puzzles    3. Learning    4. Floor Puzzles    5. Wood    6. Pegged    7. Activity    8. Jigsaw Puzzles    9. 100-999 Pieces   

Features

• The ultimate shape sorter
• Features 16 chunky vibrant shapes that make a satisfying clink? as they drop into the hardwood cube.
• Then open the lid, take them out, and start all over again
• Ages 2 and up

Reviews (39)

Great idea, but poor design
We bought this shape sorter for my older son when he was about 18 months old.He'd already been playing with a lightweight plastic one for months, but we liked that this one was wood and had more shapes -- in addition to the basic oval, circle, rectangle, triangle, square, etc., this one has a flower shape, a heart, an octagon, a couple of different triangles, a wedge, parallelogram, etc.

Unfortunately, the shapes fit through any hole in the sorter, so the child isn't really learning much of anything.Plus, the lid is impossible for a small child to keep on while they're playing with it -- even my older son (now 4) has trouble with it!

I've also found that it gets so crowded in there that the shapes don't always fit well when you're fitting in the last few.You need to shake the sorter so that the shapes settle to the bottom.Another issue that I have with this product is, several of the pieces are small enough to fit INTO a small child's mouth -- our younger son, 18 mos, has proven that on several occasions!The plastic ones we have from the other shape sorter are all a bit larger than these pieces, and I think safer.We keep this shape sorter up on a high shelf, to be played with on a rainy day with supervision.It's not a toy I'd leave out for everyday play.

motor skills
I wish they had more toys like this so kids can learn shapes and motor skills. I remember the red & blue ball when my kids were little with all the yellow shapes and that was the best! Now that I am looking for the same kind of toy for my grandson and can't find anything close to it.

Poorly designed Shape Sorter
We bought this for our 19 month old because we love the idea of well made wood toys, and she needed a good shape sorter.

This seems to be both of those at first glance.However, when you watch how the kids use this, you realize that they are not learning much.Most of the shapes fit through the hole corresponding to another shape.For instance, the long triangle slides easily through the circle's hole.

Perhaps an older child that knows that you only score points when you play by the rules would be able to use this as intended.Otherwise, my child uses the basic Fisher Price plastic shape sorter (4 shapes, each goes in only if placed in the right hole).That taught her what shape sorters are meant to, and she's very good at it!

This toy ends up being quite confusing; so other than the colorful, well-made pieces being used for parent-child play and instruction (or as projectiles), the toy ends up rather neglected. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Blocks    3. Wood    4. Learning    5. Time    6. Toddler    7. Activity    8. Shape Sorting    9. Push and Pull Toys   

Reviews (10)

Great for a 2 year old
My son started with this puzzle just before his 2nd birthday and now just 4 weeks after his birthday, he already knows all the letters and the sounds they make.

I agree with the other posters that some of the images under the letters could have been more thoughtout.A for Airplane and J for Jet is confusing.L has a Ladybug on a Leaf...but still not really concrete.W for wagon, but there is also a horse in the picture...Issues like this can be overlooked because of the quality of the puzzle however.

Overall, I think it's a great starting tool for ABCs.

Great Buy!
I got this back when my son was only about 9 months old to supplement my home-made flashcards & the educational videos. I didn't take out the plastic at that time since I know he'd just eat them. I just let him point out the letters besides the alpha blocks that he's also learning from. To make a long story short, my son's mastered the alphabet at 14 months old (& to think he was 5 wks preemie when he was born) both the upper and lower case letters and all the letter sounds.Also, the main thing that made him extremely excited and interested are the animals behind the letters since he's familiar with all of them.Now at 18 months and with a vocabulary of over a hundred, he's reading the words that he used to know by recognition only.He can actually read now and builds the words using the letters on this puzzle.It's cheap but learning with it lasts a lifetime! Great buy indeed!

Alphabet Puzzle
We puchased this puzzle for our daughter's third birthday.She already knows most of her letters and which words begin with what letters, so we thought this puzzle would be good practice.The pictures under the letters were not always chosen well.For example, A is an airplane with jet engines and J is a jet plane.L is a picture of bugs - one of which is a ladybug and W is a horse and wagon.She actually has to know the letter to best decide what the picture represents.A good product, but not the best it could have been. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Puzzles    2. Learning    3. Wood    4. Alphabet    5. Preschool    6. Jigsaw Puzzles    7. Easy Puzzles    8. Pegged    9. Activity   

Editorial Review

Baby animals from foals to fish are the stars of this wooden pegpuzzle. Each baby animal can be lifted out of the natural wood frameusing a small red peg embedded in each puzzle piece. The same laminatedpictures that appear on the pieces are illustrated on the puzzle board,making it easy for younger preschoolers to match the animal pairs. Thepuzzle has rounded edges and the pieces are smoothly sanded. Becausethis high-quality toy is made to last, several generations of childrenwill enjoy playing with it. --Marcie Bovetz ... Read more

Reviews (15)

GREAT puzzle!
This is a great puzzle and my son loves it!He got when he was 18 months and has been able to work it from day one but still enjoys putting all the pieces in their place.It's a great way to teach the different animal names.

My daughter loves these!
My daughter got a few of these Melissa & Doug peg puzzles for Christmas, she is now 16 months old and has mastered all of them by now so I keep buying new ones, I love that she loves to sit down and do them, It is so wonderful to sit and help her and watch her learn! I think these are wonderful! She gets so excited to play with her puzzles!

not fun
I purchases this toy for my daughter last christmas, she has never even played with it once. I found out that she much more prefers woodboard puzzles that she can put together. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Toddler    2. Activity    3. Puzzles    4. Pegged    5. Wood    6. Animals    7. Preschool    8. Learning    9. Baby and Infant   

Reviews (1)

5 star Fire Engine!
This truck is awesome! I bought it for my son (3 at the time) but my 2 daughters (ages 2 and 5) also enjoy it.The latches make it educational but it is just plain fun for them to cart things around in.It was a bit expensive for me but after a year of having it I do feel it was worth every penny.The paint does wear off the wheels from a lot of use (that and we have tile floor it rolls over which can be kind of rough).If you are looking for something fun and educational that does not require batteries this will be a sure hit for any boy or girl.Especially if they like fire engines as much as we do. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Puzzles    2. 3-D Puzzles    3. Learning    4. Activity    5. Wood    6. Foam Puzzles    7. Jigsaw Puzzles    8. 100-999 Pieces    9. Pegged   

Reviews (2)

Great Bonding time with Younger kids
I bought this for my 3 yr old who LOVES puzzles. The pieces are big enough for her to grab and manuever. The pictures are bright and easy enough for her to figure out where the next piece goes. NOT ONLY THAT but it includes static stickers so she can play pretend with the characters. Great gift. I recommend to parents with children 3 and up!!

This is a really fun toy
This is a really great toy for kids!!! My son has 1 and he loves it. I have an auction of something he got for chrismas and didn't want. Check this out!!! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3122049981 ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Puzzles    3. Floor Puzzles    4. Jigsaw Puzzles   

Reviews (3)

Absolutely Great!
My son absolutely loves his "animals". He can sit and play with the book for awhile. He's 20 months old and knows where each picture belongs. It was a great gift and I recommend it! I do agree with the other reviews regarding the dinosaurs.

Great fun and she's learning too.
My 18 month old daughter over the past two months really started to love animals.Seeing this item, I just couldn't past up the chance.She loves pulling the animals out of the pages, walking around with them and making the sounds they would make.Hasn't quiet grasped the concept of putting them back where they belong but that's were I come in to try to teach her.I lay out all the pieces and ask her, "Where is the zebra?"If she doesn't know, I'll pick it up and tell her then I put it back into it's rightful slot.Eventually, she'll know all the animals so we'll make a different game out of it.I'm guessing that in several months, she'll know where each animal goes and to put them back so they will fit.

I highly recommend this product.I do agree with the previous review about including forest animals instead of the dinos.But it still rates 5 stars for us.

Great fun for my 2 year old
Our 2 year old little boy enjoys finding the pages that the animals go on.I get him to point to the animal I say, and make up other games with them as well.He can play with this for a long time, as he is obsessed with puzzles these days.My only beef is the paper on the magnets show wear over time. Also, I wish the dinosaur page was forest animals instead (deer, bears, foxes, etc), however, older children do seem to enjoy dinosaurs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Puzzles    3. Toddler    4. Activity    5. Shape Sorting    6. Games   

Reviews (17)

Super Mind / Mighty Mind review
A very nice product, my son has been using the Super Mind version since 3 years old, it really challenges the kids. I wanted to get something that can really challenge him since he started putting 60 - 80 piece Jigsaw puzzles at 2.5 years old.

Well he has now finished the 60 sets of puzzles, the product is really a very useful one and we are quiet happy to have brought this.

-Rajesh

One of the best toys we have
Excellent toy.It will keep kids busy for a while.I have three kids, including twins (3 1/2), they all loved this product.I also have the the super mighty mind (different puzzles, same pieces, more dificult).

The toy comes with a series of pieces in various shapes and colors.The pieces are very easy to handle, very durable.The objetive is to pick a card (these are large cards). First, kids have to identify and pick the pieces they will be using.Then, they form a picture or another figure using this small pieces.The first puzzles are easy.Then the level of difficulty increases.

I have bought this product as gifts for friends, all the kids have liked it once they try it.I once saw a "to go" version, same game, same size, but in a travel case.

Stick to the basics!This old toy still captivates kids!
This toy is fantastic!I've seen both my kids play with it for hours.It is a great game for independent play, however my own 3 year-old greatly benefits from the help of his 5 year-old sister!I don't think many 3 year-olds are mature enough to enjoy playing it without help from a sibling/adult.After several sessions to help them train their brain how to think, a 3 year-old could happily play alone.

If done in order, the 30 puzzles in Mighty Mind progress in difficulty from using two semi-circles to make a circle, to using all 32 pieces to make a shape similar to a train with cow-catcher!The first 20 puzzles provide color clues in the picture to assist a child in selecting the needed shapes, but the last 10 are without clues and are the most challenging.

I'm at amazon checking the price vs. the manufacturer's website (1smartkid).The price here is a few cents more and is very likely for the PLASTIC shape pieces.The toy was originally made from very nice, colored WOODEN pieces and still is, but for about three dollars more. I'd recommend splurging for it - I don't know how well the plastic pieces would take being stepped on.The pieces do tend to fall to the floor - either by accident or in frustration! We are missing three shape pieces and I found the manufacturer's website while searching for replacement pieces, which can be had for about half the price of a new game.Instead of buying replacement pieces, I decided to upgrade to the wooden Super Mind set instead (exact same 32 shapes).

I just bought two dozen of these games at a fifteen percent case-discount from the manufacturer!I went to their site looking for replacement pieces for the wooden Mr. Mighty Mind (old name)and decided to buy birthday gifts for my two kids' friends in advance since my own children really enjoy this game.I bought a dozen of the Mighty Minds for the 3 year-olds for when they turn 4, and a dozen Super Minds for the 5 year-olds for when they turn 6.My daughter just turned 5 and is getting bored with Mr. Mighty Mind and I'm sure her age group will enjoy the more challenging Super Minds more.Mighty Mind is great for a 5 year old if they haven't done it before - but after hours and hours with it the more challenging Super Mind will be more fun.

TIP: I like to find an age-appropriate, gender-neutral gift for my kids to give as gifts, buy it in bulk (often at a discount!)and spend an hour wrapping them all in advance.I also had a roll of personalized stickers made for each of my kids that say "Happy Birthday from (Name)" and I put the stickers on after wrapping.SO MUCH CHEAPER than buying individual cards!Then, the day of a bday party, we grab a wrapped gift from the hall closet and go!

Mighty Mind and/or Super Mind are both great gifts for this purpose, because even if the child already has one, another set makes if more fun to play with a friend instead of all alone! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Puzzles    2. Learning    3. Easy Puzzles    4. Shapes    5. Preschool    6. Games    7. Strategy Games    8. Activity   

Reviews (2)

We all love it
This puzzle is perfect learning tool.Its not boring and your child will love it.

hours of fun for my 3 year old
I got this puzzle for my daughter for her third birthday and she just loves the bright colors and the vivid images of the bugs and flowers. The first time it was completed she was so amazed by how pretty it looked and insisted on using it as a napping pad! Each piece is distinct enough to tell apart, and the adjacent pieces usually share some common feature (such as a bright-colored pedal or a wing of a dragonfly), so that even though she is challenged, she can complete it by herself after some time. In that sense the puzzle is great for fostering patience and building confidence. It's been two months and she still plays with it. Recently I brought it to my office and now we can both have our "quiet time" when she visits. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Puzzles    3. Floor Puzzles    4. Jigsaw Puzzles    5. Easy Puzzles    6. Wood    7. Pegged    8. Learning    9. Activity   

Editorial Review

This 8.5-by-12-inch natural wood puzzle has a laminated pictureof a fully rigged fire truck, along with a faithful dalmatian, waitingfor the next alarm. There are nine large puzzle pieces in this set, eachwith an attached red peg to make it easier for little hands to lift thepieces out of the frame. The same picture that is on the pieces isillustrated on the board, making it easy for little ones to match pieceswhen reassembling the puzzle. The puzzle pieces can also be reassembledoutside the frame. --Marcie Bovetz ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Mom of Twins
I got the fire truck puzzle for my 20 month old twin boys, who love all types of vehicles, especially emergency vehicles, and have "graduated" from the single shape peg puzzles. They loved the fire truck, but required assistance to put it all together. My criticism is that the fire truck puzzle pieces could be cut according to parts of the fire truck, such as wheels, window, etc, which would also conceptually teach the parts of a vehicle and make putting the puzzle back together more logical/easier.

excellent transitional puzzle
This is a wonderful wood puzzle for the toddler who finds the baby wood puzzles too easy but who doesn't quite have the dexterity (or patience) to fit together classic puzzle shaped pieces.Because it is all wood, it can stand up to the wear and tear of a toddler. My son (20 months) found this hard at first, but was thrilled to have the challenge and would not stop working on it for days until he could do it easily.The picture is underneath the pieces. The is one of my son's very favorite toys of all time! He also loves the school bus one that is similar by the same company.

Survived Destruct-o boy!
Soon after my sons 2nd birthday, I searched for puzzles that would challenge him more than the 1-piece, 1-hole type.What I found was stimulating for my little guy, and it gave us countless hours of one of one time together.The "Fire Truck Peg Puzzle" is different from other peg puzzles that have one piece per opening.This puzzle has one large opening, and no separations.The puzzle encourages young children to think, yet at the same time have fun, because it includes the same picture beneath the pieces.It requires more concentration than the stage-1 type of puzzle, and it was exactly what William needed.

I found this age group learns, and retain more information from realistic pictures, or photographs of everyday things, rather than animated illustrations.The manufacturer of this toy understands that, and although the Fire Truck is a rendered drawing, it closely resembles its real-life counterpart.The puzzle is designed well.By that, I mean the division of the pieces is perfectly presented.In addition, each piece includes a red peg so the puzzle is easy to work.

William has enjoyed this puzzle from the time I eyed it in the store.In fact, he's not ready to give it up, and why should he.He turns 3 next month, so he's had 8 good months with the "Fire Truck Peg Puzzle" and will probably continue to "work it" a while longer.It's held up well considering my sons destruct-o moods, and will probably carry on for the next generation's play and abuse. 2-years and up.

Happy Playing,

Mary ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Puzzles    3. Preschool    4. Wood    5. Pegged    6. Firefighting    7. Learning    8. Toddler   

Reviews (5)

Cute toolbox, but it could use some changes
I bought this for my 2 year old Bob the Builder fan. It is difficult to use the toolbox to hammer into, but if you turn it on it's side your builder can hammer all day long. It's a little tight at first, but after you hammer a couple of nails and pull them out it gets easier. I like this toolbox because its a little more difficult for little hands. My son has to really think about hitting the nails and turning the wrench and screwdriver, but he can do it. This set looks real and my son loves that. If he sees his daddy using tools he will go get his tools so he can help. Some kids might get frustrated with it, but I think that it's teaching fine motor skills.
We love it

Dangerous and Difficult Toy
Although it is a neat concept, we don't let our son(s) play with this anymore (and haven't since a week after we purchased it). The screwdriver is a hard, sharp wooden tool that could really be dangerous if he slips or falls on it. Also, we hammered in one of the "nails" and even my husband couldn't get it back out again. There are lots of other "tool kits" out on the market and for safety's sake, I would suggest choosing something else.

very limited
My son LOVES most construction toys and barely touches this one. While there are "nails" and "washers and screws", they are awkward to use on the toolkit - mainly for lack of space. Very cute, though, just not terribly practical.

... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Building Sets    3. Learning    4. Time    5. Pretend Play    6. Tools    7. Activity    8. Blocks   

Reviews (8)

Melissa & Doug should have thought on this a bit more
While we have several of these wooden puzzles, this appears to be the one they didn't think through.It's a wonderfully constructed book but easily dismantled.My 2 year old can remove all the magnetic pieces but rarely puts them back.And like another reviewer it must be used under complete supervision.Unlike the "noisy" puzzles that my son will not leave alone.They are wonderful toys but this one really should have some improvement to it since the age range is really wrong for it.I love it, don't get me wrong but it does need some re-thinking since it is a product that young children can take apart and with small pieces there is a choking hazard.Or at least a chance that they will get stuffed into little mouths unless properly supervised.

Cute, but not Practical!
Although I love the concept of this book, I have found that it isn't very practical.It's a book that needs to be used under supervision and stored somewhere out of reach.The little magnets end up all over the house and the book isn't interesting enough or engaging enough to be worth the trouble.The magnets fit like a puzzle into their own particular places; they don't allow for creative play like other magnetic books.The pictures aren't particularly cute and I would describe this as a run-of-the-mill alphabet book.

hours of independant play
My daughter loves this book so much.It is made so much better than a lot of wooden toys that fall apart at the edges.I do recomend that your child be over their "everything in the mouth" phase as the pictures on the pieces will wear off easily.Also, I wish this book had a simple latch to keep it shut without the pieces falling out. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Puzzles    3. Toddler    4. Activity    5. Shape Sorting    6. Games   

Reviews (2)

100 pieces, lots of animals, my 2.5 year old loves this
100 pieces is a little more involved but by no means to hard for an enterprising 2-3 year old.I would think fun for older kids too.My son has enjoyed doing this puzzle about 40 times.

Great Puzzles
We bought this puzzle for my then 2 year old as he had mastered the barn puzzle (which is also amazing).There are monkeys, tigers, butterflies, and numerous other jungle animals.I had to look up several of the animals as I was not sure of what they were.This was a good educational experience for both me and my son.This puzzle is durable as are all of the M&D floor puzzles.It has been stepped on and thrown across the room by a highly rambunctions child.I have had this puzzle for over a year, and it looks great.I rotate this puzzle with the other Melissa and Doug floor puzzzles that we have.I recommend any of their floor puzzles as they are great quality and have easy to handle pieces for kids.They are a great opportunity to teach about different subjects and teach new words to children. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Puzzles    3. Learning    4. Floor Puzzles    5. Jigsaw Puzzles    6. Easy Puzzles    7. Wood    8. Pegged    9. Activity    10. 100-999 Pieces   

Reviews (1)

Great fun for young children!
We got this puzzle a short while ago when our 4-yr old began blowing away the 24-piece puzzles.While not as easy as the normal 24-piece puzzles, because these pieces are slightly smaller, he quickly figured it out.Our neighbor's children, 4 y/o twins, also love this puzzle and the other Ravensburger puzzles we have.

This is a superb puzzle for almost any child (I recommend over 3 y/o) to enhance problem solving skills, vocabulary building (teaching what the ocean animals are) and for fun.I am becoming a huge fan of Ravensburger puzzles and have bought several more receently.They are not easy, but not difficult and the overall value for these puzzles can not be estimated for your child's future learning.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Puzzles    3. Jigsaw Puzzles    4. Easy Puzzles    5. Activity