In shopping for puzzles over the last few years I’ve noticed that the manufacture’s age recommendations seem to be a bit off. When puzzles are too advanced, the simple solution is to put it up for a later date; however, when they are too simple, they’re a waste of money. Unfortunately, the Alphabet Art Puzzle was one of those disappointments.

The Alphabet Art Puzzle is 26-piece wooden alphabet puzzle. This isn’t a tray-type of puzzle. There are separate spaces for each puzzle piece. There are pictures under the pieces, which help little ones with placement. The pieces are slightly raised, and do not include knobs. The letters are upper case, and in place of painted letters, there are interesting objects that form the puzzle pieces. For instance, an Elephant is formed into the letter “E,” and a Snake is shaped into the letter “S.” The pictures are realistic looking, so children associate, and learn; however, I question some of the image choices.

The puzzle is recommended for children 3-years and up, and is manufactured by Melissa & Doug, also known as Lights, Camera, Interaction! The board measures approximately 16” wide x 12” high. The average size of the puzzle pieces is 2½” x 2”, but the letter "I" might be a concern for swallowing, or choking for children who like to mouth toys. According to U.S. Testing Standards, the Alphabet Art Puzzle is certified non-toxic, and is child-safe.


Our Experience:
In our experience, the images have helped to expand my son’s vocabulary. We live in the desert, and rarely have the need for an umbrella. I was surprised when my son saw an umbrella for the first time, and connected it to the Alphabet Art Puzzle. In addition, I found myself going into long narratives describing the different items on the board when working this puzzle.

The puzzle encourages thinking, and matching, but I’m not sure it helped to teach the alphabet. In addition, some of the images are too goofy for this age group. For instance, a piece of Rope is shaped into the letter “R,” but my 3-year old doesn’t associate with such a thing. Another example of this, is the letter “Y” for Yarn. Wouldn’t a Yo Yo be a better solution? The raised pieces do offer a new motor challenge from knobs, but they are too shallow for the board. I can’t seem to move this puzzle without dropping several pieces on the floor. My son found this frustrating as well.

What's more, I think the age recommendation needs to be adjusted. I purchased the Alphabet Art Puzzle when my son was 2-years and 4-months old. It’s recommended for children 3 and up, so I thought it would make a good choice. It didn’t challenge him at all, and he's delayed in fine motor skills. The second time he worked it, he completed it in less than 4-minutes by himself. Fortunately, I only paid $7.99 as opposed to the retail price of $14.99. That said, my son has benefited from the puzzle. He likes working it, and continues to ask questions about the pictures. He turns 4 next week, and he’s not ready to give it up. I recommend if for children 18-months and up, as they will find it more challenging than a 3-year old.

Melissa & Doug
P.O. Box 590, Westport, CT 06881
1-800-284-3948
www.melissaanddoug.com


This review is in effort to increase Autism awareness, as April is Autism Awareness Month. It’s my understanding that puzzles provide a tactile feedback that children living with Autism Spectrum Disorders often crave. From the Autism Society of America, “The overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe, but is four times more prevalent in boys than girls. Autism knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries, and family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence.”



Additional Puzzle Reviews:
Stacking Train by Melissa & Doug
Farm Animal Knob Puzzle by Battat
Transportation Puzzle by Melissa & Doug
Fire Truck Peg Puzzle by Melissa & Doug
Farm Cube Wood Puzzle by Melissa & Doug
Winnie the Pooh Jigsaw Puzzle by Schylling
Jumbo Knob Puzzle: Shapes by Melissa & Doug
Up, Down, Over, Under & Between Puzzle by Small World Toys




Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): $7.99
Type of Toy: Puzzle
Age Range of Child: 12 to 36 Months