Boop, By Smirk and Dagger - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     10 year-old ++ (but my 6 year-old is loving this too!)

Who would love this:  Anyone who loves strategy games, especially one that is especially cute!  

Who says a game can’t be both irresistibly cute and brain-ticklingly strategic? Boop from Smirk and Dagger, kindly provided by Let's Play Games, is the perfect blend of charm and challenge.

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Get Three Kittens/ Cats In A Row

I love how Boop combines fun, simple mechanics with just enough depth to keep you thinking. Even my 6-year-old picked it up right away—soon they were booping pieces all over the board, lining up kittens, and upgrading them into cats like a pro. The goal? Get three of your cats in a row—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. But you start with kittens. Place one on the board, and if it’s next to any other pieces, they get “booped” one space away. Line up three kittens, and they’re removed and replaced with cats from your supply. Kittens can’t boop cats, but cats can boop anyone. First to land three full-grown cats in a row wins!

(2) Strategic 2-Player Battle Of Wits 

Think Boop sounds fluffily simple? Think again. Beneath its cuddly surface is a surprisingly strategic 2-player battle of wits. From figuring out how to graduate your kittens into cats (because only cats can win the game), to how to strategically place your cat on the board (knowing that your opponent’s kittens can’t boop them—placing them well can lock down key spots or set up a winning row your opponent can’t disrupt). Timing your upgrades and knowing when to clear kittens (even your own!) is part of the puzzle. Placing two (or more) kittens/ cats close together can protect them from getting booped away—making it the perfect setup to drop that third piece for a win.

(3) Full Of Personality & Super Cute

The pieces are full of personality, with four different token designs, each sporting a unique little face. The grey cats with white bellies and the orange tabbies with black stripes are pure classics—like little Totoro-style companions in feline form. The kittens lie sprawled out with their bums in the air and tails sticking up—just super cute! 

(4) Quilted Board

I love the quilted “bedspread” board—it’s soft, padded, and sits perfectly atop the box bottom, giving the whole setup a cozy, elevated look. In terms of cuteness and charm, Boop is a 10/10 for me.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.m-g.com.au/product/boop/ (Australia) 

Find your local game stores here: https://www.localgamestores.com.au/

Enjoy the video! 

Kawaii Creatures, By Kaddo - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Jigsaw puzzle  

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Anyone - kids or adults - who LOVES cute / super kawaii jigsaw puzzles 

How cute can a puzzle be? “Kawaii Creatures”, a 300-piece puzzle by Kaddo (an imprint of Quarto Group), might just have the answer. Every piece bursts with charm, showcasing whimsical characters and playful colours that invite smiles and spark joy.

Why I love ❤️ this puzzle: 

(1) 300 Cute & Uniquely-Shaped Puzzle Pieces

Kawaii Creatures is a Cute Cluster Puzzle made up of 300 uniquely shaped pieces. Each one is its own tiny character, carefully designed to resemble an adorable animal or a whimsical fantasy creature. You’ll find a Shiba Inu puppy, a strawberry plush toy, a blue bat with delightfully spread wings, a pink mermaid bunny, a big blue whale flashing an even bigger grin, and a lion dashing along with a bib-like mane. It’s a heart-melting mix of cute chaos! The kids were convinced each piece could be turned into a bestselling plush toy.

(2) 57 x 57 cm With Long Border Pieces 

The Kawaii Creatures puzzle measures 57 x 57 cm and comes with a fold-out poster that shows the complete image. One of my favourite features is the set of long border pieces. These act as a guide, helping us visualize the full size and layout of the puzzle area. They also keep the pieces neatly within the frame, making it easier to get started without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a small but clever detail that adds a layer of organization and makes the whole assembling process more enjoyable. 

(3) Play "I Spy" - Super Kawaii Characters!

Once the puzzle is complete, the fun doesn’t stop—it’s the perfect setup for a game of “I spy with my little eye.” We took turns spotting and describing different characters, giving clues and making guesses. “Can you find the purple elephant?” “How about the green-and-pink panda?” There’s a lime-bellied frog, a red bird that looks like it flew out of an Angry Birds game, a mysterious blue blob with a round little mouth, and an overload of cuteness in the form of a giraffe. The puzzle becomes a playground of imagination, packed with endless moments of observation, laughter, and shared discovery.

(4) Sturdy, Well-Designed Storage Box

The puzzle comes packaged in a sturdy, well-designed box and even includes a paper bag to keep all the pieces neatly together. It’s a thoughtful touch that makes storage easy and keeps everything in one place.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this:  

https://www.dymocks.com.au/kawaii-creatures-by-angela-nguyen-9781836001669 (Australia) 

https://www.booktopia.com.au/kawaii-creatures-angela-nguyen/book/9781836001669.html (Australia) 

Check out more reviews of Kaddo's products here: 

• Who Flew The Coop
• Brilliant Bugs - Playing Card
• Little People, BIG DREAMS Double-Sided Puzzle
• The Sleeping Beauty Musical Puzzle (The Story Orchestra)
• Dream Big Bingo!
• Match The Mermaids
• The Poetry Play Kit
• Little People, Big Dreams - Amazing Women: A Memory Game 
• Little People, Big Dreams: Who Am I
• Swan Lake Musical Puzzle 
• Find The Fairies 
• Cat Family Christmas - Lift The Flap Puzzle 
• The Nutcracker Musical Puzzle (The Story Orchestra)

Enjoy the video! 

Decorative Heart Affirmation Puzzle, By Tranquil Learning Collective - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Affirmation puzzle 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     5 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Parents looking for games/ toys that promote positive mindset

My 5-year-old, with her deep love for all things sweet and heartwarming, is completely enchanted by the Decorative Heart Affirmation Puzzle from Tranquil Learning Collective. It’s such a simple yet captivating puzzle, beautifully designed to soothe the soul and calm the mind. Each piece feels like a little moment of peace, making it the perfect addition to our cozy moments together.

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Heart-Shaped Puzzle Featuring Powerful Affirmation

The set includes a heart-shaped outer border and six beautifully crafted heart-shaped puzzle pieces, each in its own soft shade of pink and featuring a powerful affirmation. Place the “My heart is” piece in the center, then surround it with the other qualities we hold dear—“respectful”, “kind”, empathetic”, “hopeful”, and “honest. These values are such precious lessons to share with the kids, reminding them of the importance of empathy, kindness, staying positive, and always being truthful. I love how each piece fits together so enchantingly, with the heart shapes shifting in perfect harmony. The subtle colour gradient—from the deeper pinks on the left to the softer hues on the right—provides a thoughtful visual clue that makes the experience both calming and rewarding.

(2) Acrylic Pieces - Laser-Cut With Precision

The pink acrylic pieces have a lovely translucent quality at the border, which enhances their luminous beauty. Each piece, perfectly laser-cut with precision, is a delight to handle. This set takes a simple puzzle and transforms it into a visually captivating, affirming experience.

(3) Follow The Instruction Sheet Or Simply Be Creative!

The instruction sheet provides a guide to complete the puzzle, but for my 5-year-old, the real fun lies in discovering different ways to arrange the five affirmative words within the heart frame. Whether it’s mixing up the colour gradients, flipping the words upside down, or letting their creativity run wild, there’s always a new way to explore. I’m amazed at how the kids turn what seems like a simple game into an endless creative adventure. Watching their imagination flourish is truly inspiring!

(4) Sturdy Cardboard Storage Box

The set arrives in a sturdy cardboard box. It also includes a single-page illustrated guide, offering helpful tips for making the most of the puzzle.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Contact Tranquil Learning Collective

Enjoy the video! 

Qwirkle, By MindWare - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Anyone that enjoys strategy / abstract games 

I’m not usually drawn to abstract games. But Qwirkle from MindWare, broke through my biases. With its clean, classic design and satisfyingly smooth mechanics, it feels like something that’s been around forever. But surprise—it only came out in 2006! I genuinely think Qwirkle deserves a permanent spot on everyone’s game shelf! Thank you VR Distribution (asmodee Australia) for a copy!

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Abstract Game Bursting With Colours & Shapes!

Qwirkle is abstract, but it’s also bursting with colour and super accessible, even for younger players. There’s no board, just a linen bag filled with 108 chunky wooden tiles, each showing one of six shapes in six vibrant colors. Gameplay is simple to grasp: draw six tiles, take turns placing them Scrabble-style in rows or columns by matching either shape or colour (such as all blue tiles of 6 different shapes, or all square in 6 different colours in a row)—no duplicate of a same tile allowed in a row! Score points as you build, and land a satisfying ‘Qwirkle’ (a full set of six) for a bonus. Keep replenishing your hand until the tiles run out, and whoever scores highest wins. Easy to learn, endlessly replayable

(2) Clever Strategic Punch

The game packs a clever strategic punch. Like many great tile games, it’s all about making the most of your turn: picking the perfect spot, holding out for a Qwirkle, or knowing when to ditch your bad tiles for a fresh hand. Sometimes, the best move is a bold swap—tossing out a few (or all!) of your tiles to come back stronger. There’s just enough decision-making to keep things interesting without ever feeling overwhelming.

(3) Chunky Wooden Tiles With Vibrant Colours

One of Qwirkle’s quiet triumphs is just how good it feels to play. The chunky wooden tiles have a satisfying weight and smooth texture that makes them a joy to handle. Bold shapes, vibrant colors, and sturdy design give the game serious table presence—it looks as good as it plays!

(4) Big, Sturdy Drawstring Cloth Bag

Even the tile bag deserves a shout-out—it’s big, sturdy, and actually built to last. No flimsy fabric here; this drawstring cloth bag is tough enough to handle all 108 chunky wooden tiles and roomy enough for even the largest hands to fit in without a struggle. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a big difference.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.bigw.com.au/product/qwirkle-board-game/p/807798 (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Notebook Page, By Tranquil Learning Collective - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Stationery / Notepad

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Anyone who loves beautiful and high-quality stationery

The “Notebook Page – A5 Handwriting Portrait” and “Notebook Page – A4 Graph” from Tranquil Learning Collective transform the humble notepad into something truly beautiful. These pages elevate everyday stationery into artistic pieces that are as visually captivating as they are functional.

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Crystal Clear Acrylic Notepads

These are genuinely the most aesthetically pleasing notepads I’ve ever come across. Crafted from crystal-clear acrylic, they almost look like floating sheets of glass—sleek, transparent, and utterly enchanting. Available in two sizes, these acrylic memos resemble a tablet or iPad at first glance, but they’re really just two solid, elegant “pages” that blend function with design. They serve as a stylish space to jot down your daily to-dos, reminders, or favorite quotes. I especially love the polished edges and the minimalist clarity that makes every handwritten note feel intentional and artful. 

(2) Portrait-Style Lines & Grid Layout

The smaller A5 Notebook Page features delicate portrait-style lines, while the larger A4 version showcases a clean grid or graph layout with evenly spaced squares. The lined design is ideal for note-taking, offering clear separation between each line of text to enhance organization and readability. The grid pattern, on the other hand, is perfect for precise sketches or structured lists. Its symmetrical layout provides a versatile canvas for both creative and practical use. We especially love how both designs double as drawing surfaces—whatever you create, from a quick sketch to a full composition, appears like elegant line art suspended in glass, catching the light and casting subtle reflections. These aren’t just writing tools; they’re visual experiences.

(3) Colourful Wet-Erase Marker

Each Notebook Page comes with a colourful wet-erase marker, perfect for jotting down tasks or daily mantras. Crafted from high-quality, thick acrylic, the surface is durable, easy to clean—providing a fresh, clear slate every time. These boards are reusable writing surfaces that blend sustainability with everyday elegance.

(4) Convenient A5 & A4 Sizes

I love the convenient A5 and A4 sizes—they’re perfectly portable, easy to carry, and ideal for writing on the go.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Contact Tranquil Learning Collective

Enjoy the video! 

Black Dragon, By Ari Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Card game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:   Anyone who enjoys a quick card game with strategy! 

“Black Dragon” by Ari Games is a surprisingly fun card game—both familiar and refreshingly unique. Big thanks to Divisible by Zero for introducing me to this fantastic game!

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Avoid Earning Points To Win

The game is played over several rounds, each made up of multiple hands. Your goal is to avoid earning points. In each hand, players play one card, and the “winning” player collects the pile for scoring later. This is a 3 to 6 players game, with 72-card deck. Blue, yellow, and orange cards are harmless with no point value. Green cards are trumps (bad news), red cards worth 1 point each, and black cards carry hidden dangers: spider (6 points), snake (10), and the dreaded black dragon (15!). At the start, players choose 3 cards they don’t want and pass them face-down to the right. Whoever holds the “Blue 1” leads the first hand. Players must follow the lead color if they can—otherwise, they may play any card. The highest card in the lead color (or the highest trump) takes the hand. After each round, tally your points. The player with the lowest score wins!

(2) Hidden Strategy & Depth

There’s plenty of hidden strategy and depth in the game. Choosing your three “unwanted” cards is your first tactical move. Sometimes it’s smart to play your highest card—especially if the hand is full of harmless cards. Other times, playing low is key to avoiding nasty devil or creature cards. Read the table, watch what others are playing, and get rid of high-value trumps as soon as you can! The 4 Safety cards are your best defense—they let you dodge winning a hand entirely and can be played any time, even if you have the lead color.

(3) Amazing Artwork

The artwork is a blast! The green trump cards feature a nasty-looking, sharp-toothed rat with a long tail. Red cards show a mischievous two-horned devil wielding a pitchfork and flaming mischief. The black creature cards are dripping with danger—each one oozing risk and menace. 

If there’s one thing I wish the game did better, it’s the rules sheet: a few more examples or clarifications would’ve made learning the game faster and easier. That said, once you get the hang of it, everything else is smooth sailing!

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.cowtrees.au/card-games/897-black-dragon.html (Australia) 

https://www.dragonflytoys.com.au/products/gi-get-it-exciting-new-numbers-game-copy (Australia)

Enjoy the video! 

Tiny Polka Dot, By Math For Love - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Maths learning resources 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     3-8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Parents looking educational learning resources for young kids 

Tiny Polka Dot from Math For Love is an engaging way for children to fall in love with numbers. I was pleasantly surprised by how much my 6-year-old enjoys playing the games. Sometimes, simplicity is the key to great learning. Thank you to Divisible by Zero for providing a copy!

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) 16 Games - Covering Counting/ Early Numeracy/ Arithmetic/ Logic

With 16 easy-to-learn games and colorful decks of cards, Tiny Polka Dot playfully teaches math—from counting and early numeracy to arithmetic and logic. Designed by a mathematician and approved by teachers, it’s a fun way to help kids build a lifelong love for numbers. The box includes instructions and play ideas. For example, with kids as young as 3, we play “Match the Dot” (matching cards with the same number of dots) and “Dot Memory” (a memory game with matching pairs). As they get older, we add games like “Power Dot” (highest number wins), “Dot Fives” (find two cards that add to five), and “Dot Tens” (match pairs that sum to ten).

(2) Games Progress In Difficulty- Suitable For Kids At Various Levels

I love how the games progress in difficulty, making the set suitable for kids at various levels. For example, “Dot 10 Memory” is great for children around 6 —players flip two cards at a time, looking for pairs that add up to 10. “15s Go Fish,” ideal for ages 7 and up, plays like classic Go Fish, but with a math twist: collect three cards that sum to 15. Our favorite is “21 or Bust”—inspired by blackjack—where players add up cards in their hand, aiming to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. Another fun challenge is “Pyramid Puzzle,” where you arrange 10 cards in a pyramid so each number is either the sum or the difference of the two cards beneath it.

(3) Eye-Catching, Colourful Cards With 6 Distinct Decks

I love the eye-catching, colorful cards. There are six distinct decks that each represent numbers in a unique way: the Green Deck uses dots of varying sizes in random arrangements, the Orange Deck arranges dots in a circle, the Blue Deck follows a ten-frame layout, the Teal Deck uses the classic dice pattern, the Red Deck features dots in two colors, and the Purple Deck shows standard numerals without any dots. These visual variations help children develop number sense from multiple perspectives.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.cowtrees.au/educational-toys/540-tiny-polka-dot-toy.html

Check out more reviews of Math For Love products here: 

• Rolly Poly, by Math For Love
• Multiplication By heart, by Math For Love

Enjoy the video! 

Who Flew the Coop, By Kaddo - REVIEW

Nature / Type:            Card game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    4 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Kids that love cute card games (especially one with fascinating chicken facts!) 

I never thought I’d find myself so fascinated by chickens. But then I met Who Flew the Coop? from Kaddo (an imprint of Quarto Kids ), and everything changed. Who would’ve thought that a few chickens making a break for it could spark so much chaos and hilarity? 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) A Variety Of Ways To Play 

The game’s rules mix the classic memory match and Old Maid with a twist of mystery - and we’re all about that suspense! You start by laying down 47 cards face-down, with 1 sneaky chicken hiding in an envelope. Then, it’s a race to flip, match, and eliminate until someone guesses the runaway chicken and declares victory. But our favourite way to play is the ‘Twisted Old Maid.’ The goal? Avoid getting stuck with the runaway chicken (the one in the envelope) - whose card has no pair to match. Shuffle the cards, deal them out, and start by matching pairs. Take turns picking cards from other players’ hands, discarding pairs as you go. The last player with a lone chicken card is cluck-ed out. We laughed so hard playing this! And for an extra dose of fun, there’s also a Pick-a-Chick magic trick to top off the excitement! 

(2) 28-Page Chicken Booklet

We adore the 28-page chicken booklet! Packed with hilarious and quirky facts about 24 types of funky hens and roosters, this illustrated guide gives you a peek into their personalities. Meet BIG DADDY—the Sicilian Buttercup, a wild, high-strung bird with a very particular personality (warning: approach with caution). Then there’s NINJA, the Ayam Cemani from Indonesia, a sleek, mysterious escape artist. ROCKSTAR has the rebellious energy of a rockstar in their prime, while PECK-A-BOO is the shy, easily startled type. 

(3) Cute Illustrations - Adorable Chicken Poses And Expression!

The illustrated chickens are beyond cute! True to Kaddo’s signature style, the two cards in each pair aren’t identical—they each have slight differences in pose and expression. You’ll be giggling at their goofy, zany looks. Take PUFFBALL, the Blue Cochin, with its gorgeous greyish-blue feathers and a submissive expression. Then there’s SNOWBALL, the round puff of fluffiness, and QUEENIE, who struts with beauty-pageant-level confidence, complete with a stunning black-and-white crest. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Booktopia (Australia)

Kinokuniya (Australia)

Check out more reviews of Kaddo's products here: 

• Brilliant Bugs - Playing Card
• Little People, BIG DREAMS Double-Sided Puzzle
• The Sleeping Beauty Musical Puzzle (The Story Orchestra)
• Dream Big Bingo!
• Match The Mermaids
• The Poetry Play Kit
• Little People, Big Dreams - Amazing Women: A Memory Game 
• Little People, Big Dreams: Who Am I
• Swan Lake Musical Puzzle 
• Find The Fairies 
• Cat Family Christmas - Lift The Flap Puzzle 
• The Nutcracker Musical Puzzle (The Story Orchestra)

Enjoy the video! 

Let’s Learn Measure Words 让我们学习量词, By Mandarin Prodigies - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Mandarin book for bilingual kids 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:     5 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Parents looking for engaging mandarin learning materials designed for bilingual kids

I’m thrilled to share about Let’s Learn Measure Words 让我们学习量词 - a wonderfully crafted bilingual book from Mandarin Prodigies that stands out not only for its engaging approach to Mandarin but also for its unique focus on measure words (量词), a concept often overlooked in language learning materials. 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) 30 Essential Measure Words In Mandarin

This delightful board book introduces 30 essential measure words in Mandarin, covering a range of practical and commonly-used terms. Some examples include 个 (a general classifier for people and objects), 只 (often used for animals), 条 (for long objects like fish, roads, or rivers), 双 (for pairs, such as chopsticks, shoes, or hands), and 杯 (for cups or glasses, like those for tea or water). Each measure word is clearly presented in Chinese, Pinyin, and its English equivalent. The large, legible characters and helpful translations ensure that young learners can comfortably follow along and absorb both the meaning and usage of each word.

(2) Simple & Effective Sentences With Vibrant Illustrations

The book also incorporates simple yet effective sentences and vibrant illustrations that bring the measure words to life. Each sentence is presented in Mandarin, accompanied by Pinyin and a clear English translation, with colorful illustrations that visually reinforce the meanings. For example, 这一碗面看起来真好吃 — ‘This bowl of noodles looks so delicious,’ is paired with an enticing image of a bowl of Lamian. In addition, each page features two more examples of how the measure word can be used in different contexts—like 一碗汤 (a bowl of soup) and 一碗饭 (a bowl of rice)—with Pinyin, translation, and smaller illustrations to further clarify the terms. 

(3) High-Quality, Thick & Durable Material

The board book is crafted from high-quality, thick, and durable material. Additionally, its compact size makes it the perfect choice for on-the-go learning, allowing children to explore new vocabulary and concepts wherever they are.

(4) Excellant Range Of Bilingual Learning Resources

Mandarin Prodigies offers an excellent range of bilingual learning resources, including board books in both Simplified and Traditional Chinese. With options like busy books, activity workbooks, and writing tools, there’s something for every learner. Be sure to check them out! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.mandarinprodigies.com/collections/kristins-bilingual-books/products/lets-learn-measure-words-simplified-version

Check out more of my Mandarin Prodigies book reviews here: 

• Let’s Learn Action Words 让我们学习动词, By Mandarin Prodigies
• My First Mandarin Busy Book, By Mandarin Prodigies 
• Let’s Learn Opposite Words, By Mandarin Prodigies

Enjoy the video! 

Go Bum + Go Bum: Animals Edition, By Go Bum - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Card game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    4 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Kids and adults that enjoy card games, especially games with hint of silliness! 

You might think you know Go Fish - but wait till you check out Go Bum and its silly cousin, Go Bum: Animals Edition, created by 9-year-old and his dad from Canberra. This laugh-out-loud twist on the classic card game makes you blush, giggle, and impossible to keep a poker face on! Thank you VR Distribution for providing a copy. 

Why I love ❤️ it? 

(1) 25 Cheekily Named Bum Pairs!

Each set includes 50 cards with 25 delightfully illustrated, cheekily named bum pairs—silly, tasteful, and irresistibly funny. It’s classic Go Fish, with a hilarious twist: your mission is to match the most bums! Shuffle the deck and deal 7 cards each (2-3 players) or 5 each (4-5 players). On your turn, ask another player if they have a bum from your hand—something like, “Do you have a Prickly Bum?” If they do, they hand it over, and you place the pair down. If not, they say, “Go Bum!” and you draw from the pile. Match what you draw? Lay it down! The game ends when all matches are made. And yes, we couldn’t stop giggling while asking things like “Do you have a Stinky Bum?” or “Super Bum?” - it’s impossible to say with a straight face!

(2) 1 Point For Each Bum Pair - Except For Golden Bum

A little twist to keep things cheeky: each bum pair is worth 1 point - except for the prized Golden Bum, which scores you 2! But watch out for the Exploding Bum card. If it lands in your hand - you’ve got to place it in front of you, and it’s worth minus 1 point. 

(3) Optional Rules To Shake Things Up

Go Bum is easy to learn in under a minute, but for extra laughs, there’s a set of optional rules that shake things up. Want more challenge and silliness? Try these: make a fart noise for a Tooty Bum match, pretend to scratch your backside for an Itchy Bum, give your best pirate “Arrr!” for Pirate Bum, or bust a move for Disco Bum. Our favourite? The “Rock Hard Bum” in the Animal Edition - score it, then challenge a player to rock-paper-scissors! Win for 2 points, or still get 1 if you lose. 

(4) Quirky & Charming Illustrations

The hilarity starts with the illustrations—each bum is as quirky and charming as its name. From Disco Bum’s glowing pink outline with tiny disco ball, to Fairy Bun’s frilly pink cheeks with wings, the designs add instant fun. Fluffy Bum features an adorable kitten behind, while Bouncy Bum belongs to a springy kangaroo! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.bigw.com.au/product/go-bum/p/9900645194 (Australia) 

https://www.rainbowfun.com.au/go-bum-animals-edition-card-game (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Cockroach Poker, By Drei Magier - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game/ Card game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:     8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Adults/ kids that enjoy poker-inspired games with hilarious artwork

Alright kids - lying is bad… unless you’re playing Cockroach Poker from Drei Magier .I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. The rules seemed too simple, but this delightfully devious little game completely exceeded my expectations and quickly earned a spot among our favourite quick-play staples. Huge thanks to Let's Play Games for sending over a copy!

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Chaotic Bluffing Game With Ugly Critters & Lots Of Laughter

Cockroach Poker is bluffing distilled to its purest, most chaotic form. The game comes with 64 cards—8 each of 8 critters. On your turn, you pass a card face down to another player and declare what it is—truthfully or not. They can either call your bluff or believe you. If they’re right, you get the card face up in front of you (bad news); if they’re wrong, it’s theirs. The loser of the exchange starts the next round. Here’s the twist: instead of guessing, a player can secretly peek at the card and pass it along to someone else, continuing the bluff—or changing the tactic. The final player can’t pass and must decide. It’s a game of lies, laughter, and ugly critters, and it ends when one unlucky soul collects four of the same creature. That person loses, and everyone else gets to revel in their misfortune.

(2) Simple Game With Surprising Layer Of Strategy 

For such a simple game, the game hides a surprising layer of strategy and social nuance. As more cards hit the table, it gets easier to sniff out lies—players start revealing patterns, certain critters become scarce, and you can begin to piece together who’s desperate to offload what. The “one loser” element flips the usual competitive mindset. Temporary alliances form, often unspoken, as everyone quietly conspires to pass the pain elsewhere. 

(3) 8 Repulsive Critters With A Twisted Sense Of Humour

The game features 8 wonderfully repulsive critters—cockroaches, rats, spiders, bats, frogs, flies, stinkbugs, and scorpions—all illustrated with a twisted sense of humour. Every card oozes personality: even cards of the same creature have subtle differences in expression and pose, making each one feel unique.

(4) Compact & Portable

With just a single deck of cards in a small box, it’s the kind of game you can throw in your bag or even your coat pocket and be ready for instant fun wherever you go.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Find your local game stores here: https://www.localgamestores.com.au/

https://www.gamesworld.com.au/product/cockroach-poker/ (Australia)

https://www.goodgames.com.au/products/cockroach-poker?variant=36688329506974 (Australia) 

https://www.m-g.com.au/product/cockroach-poker/ (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Zombie Kidz Evolution, By Scorpion Masque - REVIEW

Nature / Type:            Board game / Card game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Young board game lovers who enjoy cooperative games

Zombie Kidz Evolution from Scorpion Masque is the first legacy-style game we’ve ever seen made just for kids! As you team up to defend your school from goofy zombies, the game grows with you—unlocking wild new missions, secret surprises, and awesome upgrades. Big thanks to Let's Play Games for sending us this epic adventure in a box!

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Cooperative Game - Defend Your School From Zombie Invasion! 

Kids work cooperatively defending your school from a chaotic zombie invasion! Start in the middle of the board, place zombies at the school’s doors, and keep a few in the “zombie reserve.” On your turn, roll the die to see where a new zombie sneaks in—unless you roll a blank (phew, no zombie this time!). Move to a new room or stay put, then blast away up to two zombies in your room and send them back to the reserve. But watch out—if three zombies pile into one room, it’s blocked! Team up with a buddy at an entryway, high-five (the best part!), and lock it down. Lock all four doors before the zombies run out, and you win!

(2) Stickers + Secret Envelopes

The BEST part? After each game, you get to stick a brain sticker on your progress chart in the rulebook. When you reach a special spot - open a secret envelope and discover something new. The game evolves as you play, adding fresh twists that make it more exciting each time. Soon, your heroes gain awesome powers, and even the zombies level up into Super Zombies! You also get to earn trophy sticker when you completed a special mission! 

(3) Double-Sided Game Board & Amazing Components

We love the components! The game comes with a double-sided board (the two-player side has secret shortcuts between rooms). The characters, cards, and manual all look great, and the real highlight? Those mystery envelopes! Kids go wild peeling them open to reveal the next big surprise. It’s like getting a present every time you level up! 

(4) Bright, Bold, Adorable Artwork

The art is bright, bold, and totally adorable! Each kid hero wields silly, kid-friendly zombie-fighting gear. It’s a clever twist on the classic zombie movie vibe, but made fun (not scary!) and perfect for a schoolyard setting. The standee characters are full of personality, with a nice mix of styles. It’s spooky-ish... but in the most giggle-worthy way!

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Find your local game stores here: https://www.localgamestores.com.au/

https://www.goodgames.com.au/products/zombie-kidz-evolution?variant=36679210860702 (Australia) 

https://www.bigw.com.au/product/zombie-kidz-evolution-board-game/p/9900717726 (Australia)

Enjoy the video! 

Crok Crok Crok, By Bioviva - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game  

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     5 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Young kids that love speed games 

“Crok Crok Crok”- a game that blends quick thinking with memory skills—perfect for curious little minds! Created by Bioviva, it’s a delightful way to introduce kids to the eating habits of their favorite animals (and human!). Big thanks to Divisible by Zero for sending us a copy! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) A Fast-Paced Game - Collect 5 Food Tokens To Win

This game turns mealtime into playtime! Five friendly animals—and one hilariously hungry little boy—gather around the table, where a colorful spread of apple, egg, carrot, banana, and snow peas awaits. Roll the die to see who’s up: if it’s the monkey, grab that banana fast! The rabbit munches on peas and carrots, the worm wriggles toward apples, and the donkey enjoys both apples and carrots. The pig is a bit pickier—no bananas for him—but he’ll eat just about everything else. And the boy? He’s a total foodie—he’ll eat it all! Players race to grab the correct foods based on each character’s diet. Collect all five food tokens to win! It’s fast-paced game that usually ends in giggles… or dramatic groan of a sore loser!

(2) Delightful Food Theme With Chunky Food Pieces 

I love the delightful food theme and the irresistible, chunky wooden food pieces—perfect for little hands to grab! Inside the box, you’ll find 6 charming wooden food toys, 30 colorful food tokens, a sturdy wooden die, a clever foldable guide card, and game rules. The guide card stands up on the table like a mini menu, making it super simple for kids to see who eats what at a glance. Everything feels high-quality and built to last, a truly tactile treat.

(3) Simple Game With A Sneaky Challenge

Don’t be fooled by its simple look—this game packs a sneaky challenge! Kids might just outmatch the grown-ups with lightning-fast grabs. Watch out for the human—he eats everything, so speed is key if you want to win in a single turn! Want the snow pea token? You’ve got to grab both peas at once! But choose carefully—grab the wrong food, and you’ll have to give a token back.

(4) Eco-Friendly Game Proudly Made In France

Best of all, it’s made by Bioviva—a trusted name for eco-friendly fun. Proudly made in France, their games use recycled materials, sustainable wood, plant-based inks, and minimal packaging. It’s a game you can feel great about, inside and out!

#gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.dragonflytoys.com.au/products/bioviva-the-nature-game-copy (Australia) 

Check out more games from Bioviva: 

• Mission Jungle, By Bioviva 
• Bioviva - The Game, By Bioviva
• Operation Survival, By Bioviva

Enjoy the video!