Certain toy sets receive more attention than others, near daily in some cases, such is true for the Maggie the Moody Bear Puzzle. Don't you love it when that happens?! This durable puzzle set is one of several mood types of puzzles that I keep in my office.

As a Child Care Director, I deal with behavioral and transitional issues. Puzzles such as this are helpful for regrouping sessions. Previously, in my in-home daycare, this puzzle was played with daily. Although I have owned this puzzle for several years, it continues to look excellent and I am certain it will last for many more. Maggie the Moody Bear Puzzle is enjoyed by Toddlers, Preschoolers and Pre-K aged children.

Maggie the Moody Bear Puzzle is a durable puzzle set that includes a wooden storage box. The box, approximately 5" x 5.5" x 1.5", serves as home for the eighteen wooden puzzle pieces: six heads, six feet/leg sections, six middle sections. The top of the lid is cut out to fit one bear configuration: a head, a middle section and a leg/foot section.

Children enjoy mix and matching the pieces. The puzzle pieces have a colorful and durable laminate on top of the wood shapes, offering several facial expressions, clothing and shoe changes. It is my view that the faces represent: happy, laughing, screaming, crying, mad, and scared. The middle sections include: schoolgirl type of dress, sweater and scarf, a skirt and shirt, pj top, a dance outfit and what resembles cowgirl apparel (skirt/jean jacket, bandana). The leg/foot pieces offer coordinating pieces: ballet slippers, tennis shoes and socks, cowgirl boots, cold weather boots and pants, black maryjanes with tights, and pj bottoms with slippers.

There is just enough room in the storage box for the pieces. Meaning they will only fit if your child strategically places the pieces back into the box, neatly stacked. The lid sets into a recessed lip of the box, but doesn't snap into place. So, as you can easily imagine, it is easy for this puzzle to spill. A good solution is to place the entire set into a Ziploc bag (I should have stock in that company!).

There are so many aspects about this set that I adore. First off, the pieces are very durable. Whereas cardboard puzzles eventually (or quickly depending on the set) show wear and require recycling, Maggie the Moody Bear Puzzle has smooth edged durable wood pieces. Another attribute is that this set doesn't require batteries, and there are NO sounds (with the exception of child provided).

It is my observation that this set is appreciated by most children, as there are several options for assembly. Essentially this is a durable doll of sorts. It is obvious to kids that Maggie should have a head, middle section, and foot/leg piece. Certain children like to build one Maggie at a time, using the lid as a template. Other times, participants will build six different Maggie's, spreading them all out on a table or floor surface. Regardless, the final result is acceptable.

As mentioned earlier, this set is currently kept in my office. There are moments that I have little visitors, whether it is due to the fact that there is a behavior issue, a transitional issue, or the child just wants to visit. Maggie the Moody Bear Puzzle is one of the favorite toys amid my office visitors.

April is National Autism Awareness month
I do not claim (or pretend) to be an expert on the subject. However in the (over twenty) years that I have worked with children, I have cared for children affected by autism. Further I am friends online (and in person) with several families affected by autism. Our child care center provided care for a preschooler who was diagnosed with a form of autism. This preschooler occasionally spent time in my office. He enjoyed puzzles a lot, including Maggie the Moody Bear Puzzle. In fact there where moment during which he would point to a particular puzzle piece head and state his own name. This was a manner in-which he communicated to me with regard to his emotions.

I would like to take a moment and invite you to read a certain epinion by one of my online friends: Write Epinions to Help Raise Autism Awareness - April is National Awareness Month.


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 9.00
Type of Toy: Puzzle
Age Range of Child: Other