Everdell, By Starling Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Older kids and adults who enjoy strategy / worker placement games 

Everdell is a captivating worker placement game from Starling Games , and after testing the junior version, My Lil’ Everdell, we couldn’t wait to check out this more intricate original. The experience? Absolutely thrilling! A massive thank you to Let's Play Games for sharing this game with us!

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Collect Resources + Play Cards To Win Victory Points

In Everdell, players build a vibrant village by gathering resources and playing cards over four seasons. Starting with two workers, you’ll use them to collect resources or play cards from your hand or the central board. Each card adds new abilities or victory points. The challenge lies in strategically managing your limited workers, competing for the best resource spots, and deciding when to transition to the next season. Whether it’s chasing event cards, weighing short-term / long-term gains, or maximizing every resource, the tactical decisions make every turn thrilling. At the end of the game, tally up your points from your tableau, events, and coins—may the best village win!

(2) Endless Replayability With Ever-Changing Setup

Everdell offers endless replayability with its ever-changing setup. Each game feels fresh thanks to a few key variables: a random set of Forest cards that shifts resource strategies, Special Event cards that introduce unique challenges based on specific criteria, and a deck of 128 Critter and Construction cards, each with unique powers. The real excitement comes from pairing Construction cards with Critters, which lets you play certain cards for free, adding an element of luck and tension to each decision.

(3) Visually Stunning Tabletop Set-Up

The 3D, vertically set-up tree is a visual masterpiece. While some online reviews mention its non-functional aspects, for our family, it truly brings the game to life, adding a magical, storybook dimension to the experience. I also love the stunning foldable game board—its design perfectly captures the enchanting world of Everdell, making every playthrough feel like stepping into a fairytale.

(4) Unique Resources & Whimsical Artwork

The resources—twigs, resin, pebbles, and berries—are distinct in shape, size, and material, adding a tactile richness to the game. The artwork captures the whimsical world of anthropomorphic creatures building a city.

P/S: Resource crates are not included in this set

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

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

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/my-lil-everdell-standard-edition-board-game

https://www.hobbyco.com.au/products/everdell-2

Enjoy the video! 

Fantasy Series - Mermaid, By Let’s Play Games - REVIEW

 Nature / Type:             Wooden puzzle 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     14 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Puzzle lovers - especially those who love Mermaid-themed with unique shapes 

Get ready for an enchanting adventure under the sea with the stunning Mermaid puzzle from the all-new Fantasy Series from Let's Play Games ! This isn’t just any puzzle—it’s a breathtaking, brain-bending challenge for the brave-hearted. So, if you’re a fan of all things magical and mysterious, you’ll absolutely want to check this one out! 

Why I love ❤️ this puzzle: 

(1) 200 Pieces Mermaid Puzzle

This Mermaid puzzle comes with 200 pieces, and it’s no walk in the park! Unlike your typical puzzle with a nice, neat border, this one embraces the wild, swirling beauty of the sea. We started off by sorting the pieces based on their beautiful color palette: the mermaid’s fiery red hair, the soft purples and blues of her scales, and the vibrant coral reefs and bright green kelps. But the real magic happens in the ocean—the deep, mysterious blues that seem to go on forever. It’s like trying to solve the ocean’s secret, one piece at a time. And trust me, when you finally find where that perfect piece fits... it’s pure enchantment. 

(2) Uniquely-Shaped Pieces With Surprises Await!

These aren’t your ordinary puzzle pieces! Each one is uniquely shaped, twisting and turning like little treasures from the deep. Forget the boring standard shapes—you’ll need all your spatial skills and a pinch of intuition to make it work. And as you put it all together, surprise after surprise awaits: a starfish, a jellyfish, a playful seahorse, a cheeky dolphin, a mysterious anglerfish, a scallop shell, an unmistakable pufferfish, wavy kelp, a worm snail shell, and even a treasure chest hidden within the design! Each little discovery makes the experience feel like an underwater treasure hunt, filled with delightful details that make every moment of assembly a joy.

(3) High-Quality, Laser-Cut Wood

Crafted from high-quality, laser-cut wood, this puzzle feels as premium as it looks. The colors pop, the pieces slide together smoothly, and the artwork is absolutely mesmerizing. It all comes neatly packaged in a charming wooden box—convenient for storage and a lovely keepsake. This is a puzzle made to last and to enchant. If you’re ready for a challenge that will transport you into a world of mystery, this puzzle is the one to try! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where can I buy this: 

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

https://www.gameology.com.au/products/lpg-puzzles-wooden-fantasy-puzzle-mermaid

Check out other puzzles from Let's Play Games here: 

• Oceanic Animals Series 1 - Kangaroo, By Let's Play Games 
• Oceanic Animals Series 1 - Kookaburra, By Let's Play Games

Enjoy the video! 

Brilliant Bugs – Playing Cards, By Kaddo - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Card game  

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:     6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Bug + card game lovers 

“Brilliant Bugs – Playing Cards” by Kaddo (an imprint of Quarto) is a must-have for every bug enthusiast! This deck showcases extraordinary insects from around the globe, transforming a card game into a fascinating entomological adventure. 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Battle The Bugs - In Size/ Lifespan/ Number Of Eggs

The rules are simple—but with a brilliant bug-themed twist! Inside the gift box, you’ll find 54 beautifully illustrated cards, each featuring a fascinating insect. Battle it out in 3 exciting categories: size, lifespan, and number of eggs. The card with the highest stat wins the round! To play, deal the cards evenly among players and keep them in a face-down pile. Each player flips over their top card, and the starting player picks a category—say, size. Everyone reads out their bug’s size, and the player with the highest value takes all the top cards and adds them to their pile. Keep playing until one bug lover conquers the deck!

(2) Learn Fun Bug Facts As You Play

Learn fun and surprising bug facts as you play—just watch out for the “strongest” and “weakest”! Drawing a “22-spot ladybird” might be your downfall, with its tiny 3mm size, but score big if you get the mighty “Hercules moth” at a whopping 360mm! Some bugs are definite duds in certain categories—like the “bumblebee (worker)” or “garden ant (worker),” both with zero fertilised eggs. But land a “driver ant (queen)” and you’ve hit the jackpot: she lays an incredible 20 million eggs and lives up to 3,650 days! The game also comes with a handy booklet full of bug trivia, game rules, and tips for spotting these creatures in the wild.

(3) Detailed Illustrations - Highlighting Each Bug's Unique Anatomy

The card design is a real standout. Each one features both the common name and the scientific name. I love the clean white background and the detailed illustrations that highlight each bug’s unique anatomy. We love the blue morpho butterfly (Morpho peleides) and its vibrant, iridescent blue wings edged with black, and the green milkweed locust (Phymateus viridipes) with striking red and blue hindwing. 

(4) Classic Deck With Clever Packaging

The cards double as a classic deck, complete with numbers and the four traditional suits. The packaging is cleverly designed with a push-out tray that feels like a mini matchbox.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.booktopia.com.au/brilliant-bugs-kelsey-oseid/book/9781836004103.html

Check out more reviews of Kaddo's products here: 

• 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! 

Unlock! Kids - Irish Folklore Trilogy, By Space Cow - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Escape room for kids  

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:     6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Kids and adults who enjoy puzzles and solving mysteries 

“Unlock! Kids - Irish Folklore Trilogy” from Space Cow is a magical game inspired by the enchanting world of escape rooms. Players embark on a journey through Irish tales, unlocking mysteries in a tabletop experience that feels like stepping into a realm of ancient secrets! Thank you VR Distribution for providing a copy.

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Escape Room For Young Kids With No Reading Required

There aren’t many escape room games designed for younger kids - this set feels like a breath of fresh air. It includes 212 beautifully illustrated cards, 58 cardboard tokens, and special components. It unfolds through a numbered card system, where players use their materials to uncover hidden clues and symbols. What makes it so special is that it’s completely language-independent – no reading required! All you need is a sharp eye to match symbols and follow the whimsical pictures. The artwork itself is a visual treasure hunt, making it easy for kids (and adults!) to dive right in without reading skills! 

(2) Unique Items & Special "Choice" Cards

I adore the unique items that are incorporated into the puzzles. You’ll sometimes discover translucent cards that, when layered on top of an art card, reveal new symbols to decipher. You may also come across special “choice” cards where you have to select between two items—choose wisely, or face a tricky trap! Another delightful feature is combining cards to create larger pictures, each revealing new symbols that unlock further mysteries.

(3) Mini Tutorial Set - Guiding Players Through Unlocking Process

Unlock! Kids has a mini tutorial set, introducing 11 cards and 2 items to gently guide players through the unlocking process. While designed for young kids, the puzzles aren’t a walk in the park! My 8-year-old was able to crack some of the more cryptic puzzles, relying on the hint cheat sheet for nudges along the way. The challenge intensifies as the game progresses, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults.

(4) Immerses Players In 3 Irish Tales

What truly sets this game apart is how it immerses players in 3 enchanting Irish tales, each inspired by the breathtaking animated films of Tomm Moore: The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea, and Wolfwalkers. Players embark on adventures with a young monk, a mystical selkie, and a spirited wolf-girl, navigating through 6 games spread across the stories. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gamesworldsa.com.au/products/unlock-kids-irish-folklore-trilogy

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/unlock-kids-irish-mythology-trilogy-card-game

Enjoy the video! 

Let’s Learn Action Words 让我们学习动词, 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 introduce Let’s Learn Action Words 让我们学习动词— a brilliantly crafted bilingual book by Mandarin Prodigies that’s a game-changer for young learners! This book stands out for its fun and engaging approach to Mandarin, making exciting for kids to master essential action words (动词). 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) 30 Essential Action Words 

This board book brings to life 30 essential action words that children encounter in their everyday routines. From 洗 (wash/clean) and 刷 (brush) to 穿 (wear/put on) and 画 (paint/draw), each word is carefully chosen to resonate with young learners. The book presents each action in Chinese, Pinyin, and English. With bold, easy-to-read characters and helpful translations, young readers will feel confident as they explore new vocabulary and its real-life applications!

(2) With Simple Sentences + Vibrant Illustrations

The book brings the action words to life with simple, impactful sentences and vibrant illustrations. Each sentence is thoughtfully presented in Mandarin, complete with Pinyin and English translation, while colorful images capture the essence of the words. Take, for instance, 妈妈和我一起做饼干 — “Mom and I make cookies together” — which is accompanied by a heartwarming illustration of a mother and daughter joyfully baking, rolling pins and cookie cutters in hand. As an added bonus, each page showcases two additional examples of the action word used in different contexts — like 玩游戏 (play games) and 玩积木 (play with blocks) — each with Pinyin, translation, and smaller, playful illustrations to deepen understanding.

(3) Sturdy and High Quality Board Book

The board book is crafted from sturdy, high-quality material, designed to withstand the wear and tear. Its compact, travel-friendly size makes it the ideal companion for learning on the go, allowing children to discover new vocabulary and concepts wherever their curiosity takes them.

(4) Exceptional Collection Of Bilingual Resources

Mandarin Prodigies provides an exceptional collection of bilingual learning resources, featuring board books in both Simplified and Traditional Chinese. From engaging busy books and interactive activity workbooks to helpful writing tools, there’s something for every young learner. Be sure to explore their full range of educational materials!

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

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

Enjoy the video!