Numberblocks Rainbow Counting Bus, By hand2mind - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:            Numberblocks-themed bus 

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:   3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Numberblocks fans! 

Numberblocks holds a special place in our hearts; it helps the kids visualise complex maths concepts through adorable storylines and characters, and master number skills in a cute and fun way! Introducing this new Numberblocks Rainbow Counting Bus from hand2mind (thank you Clover Street for providing it). 

Why I love ❤️ it?:  

(1) Interactive Rainbow Counting Bus With 7 Seats 

In this set, you get an interactive Rainbow Counting Bus and everyone’s favourite character “Seven”. Lucky “Seven” has 7 rainbow cubes (from red to violet) and 7 strings of multicoloured hair. He’s joyous, fearless, always ready to help - and definitely your top driver choice for some fun-filled adventures. The sky blue bus has 6 passenger seats plus a driver seat. It doesn’t come with the other Numberblocks characters,  but we can add the figures separately from the “Numberblocks Friends” playsets. I tested it with all the figures from “One” through “Ten” - they all fit well in the bus seats. 

(Apart from "Seven", other Numberblocks characters not included in the set)

(2) 12 Sounds Including Numberblocks Theme Song 

I avoid noisy toys like how my kids avoid broccoli. 😂 This bus comes with songs and sounds - BUT fear not, it is nowhere near the annoying type. The 12 sounds consist of counting from 1 to 7 by the respective character, few lines from the catchy Numberblocks theme song, a “Seven” song from the episode “Just Add One”, some short horn honking sound, and engine noises. There are 2 sound levels, and we can also switch the sound off. 2 AAA batteries are included. It took me a while to find the sound button - FYI:  it’s the press-able rainbow grate on the front of the bus. 

(3) Cute Features Including Fold-Out Rainbow & Hopscotch 

I love the few thoughtful features included in the bus to increase its playability. There is a slider at the top front for the kids to select their destination (eg picnic, castle, circus, seaside etc). The wheels are rollable, and the rear folds out to reveal a full rainbow, and a “hopscotch” area with numbers 1 to 7. 

(4) Stickers To Customise Your Bus 

You will also find a sticker sheet in the set for the kids to customise their bus. The kids had a blast decorating the bus with numberlings, number symbols, rainbow wheels, rainbow plate, backpacks, luggage, and more! Well, what can I say? This is a collectible for any true Numberblocks fan! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.thecreativetoyshop.com.au/products/numberblocks-rainbow-counting-bus (Australia) 

Check out my other reviews of Numberblocks products from hand2mind: 

• Numberblocks Race To Pattern Palace!, by hand2mind 
• Numberblocks MathLink Cubes 1-10 Activity Set, by hand2mind
• Numberblocks MathLink Cubes 11-20 Activity Set, by hand2mind
• Numberblocks Stampoline ParkActivity Set, by hand2mind
• Numberblocks Reusable Clings, by hand2mind
• Numberblocks Plush, by hand2mind

Enjoy the video! 

Numberblocks Race to Pattern Palace!, by hand2mind - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:            Board game for kids  

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   3 year-old ++ (but my two kids, 5 and 7 year-old, love it too!)

Who would love this: Kids that love games and maths. A must-have for all Numberblocks fans! 

Numberblocks is one of the selected few TV animated programmes that I truly enjoy watching with the kids - it’s witty, cute, and educational! Clover Street sent us this new “Race to Pattern Palace!” from hand2mind recently - and I can’t wait to tell you more about this spectacular game today! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Learn Counting/ Colours/ Patterns In A Fun Way! 

This game has 4 of our favourite Numberblocks characters as “heroes”- racing to the glamorous “Pattern Palace”, building bridges, whilst solving a series of maths-related problems! Seriously, how great is that! First, each player selects a Numberblocks Pawn (One, Two, Three, or Four) and places it on the starting space of the game board. Now, each player takes turn to press the dice popper. If you roll a colour, move your Numberblocks character to the next space with that colour/ or a multicolor space (whichever’s the nearest). If you roll a “6”, draw a “Six’s Tricks Card” and follow its directions (e.g. go forward 4 spaces, go back 3 spaces, roll again, skip a turn, move to the next bridge, and more). Along the way, players would also need to build “pattern bridges” to cross the rivers. The game reminds me slightly of the classic “Snakes and Ladders” game - but with more twists and turns, more cheerful and adorable graphics, and more “hidden” learning opportunities!

(2) Build Your Pattern Bridges With Challenge Cards 

The kids absolutely LOVE building their pattern bridges! The set includes 4 bridges, 25 bridge tiles (5 colours), and 40 pattern challenge cards (divided into 2 levels of 20 each). Each bridge has empty spaces where 6 tiles can be clicked onto it. Level 1 is pretty straightforward (eg patterns with two colours alternating between each other), and level 2 consists of mostly challenges with three colours and trickier patterns (and also a chance to create your own pattern bridge!). Solutions are provided. This is a GREAT game to promote pattern and colour recognition. 

(3) Great Components (Including A Durable Dice Popper) 

My two kids are “aggressive” dice-throwers - I love the idea of a Dice Popper that keeps the dice safe within a durable plastic dome. I also love the foldable game board and the solid storage box. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://sistersensory.com.au/product/hand2mind-numberblocks-race-to-pattern-palace-board-game/

Check out my other reviews of Numberblocks products from hand2mind: 

• Numberblocks MathLink Cubes 1-10 Activity Set, by hand2mind
• Numberblocks MathLink Cubes 11-20 Activity Set, by hand2mind
• Numberblocks Stampoline ParkActivity Set, by hand2mind
• Numberblocks Reusable Clings, by hand2mind
• Numberblocks Plush, by hand2mind

Enjoy the video! 

Kanoodle Head to Head, By Educational Insights - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           2-player brainteaser / logical puzzle

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Competitive gamers/ logical puzzle lovers 

Our family is super competitive. We also LOVE logical puzzles tremendously. So imagine our thrill when we discovered this crazily FUN “Kanoodle Head to Head” from Educational Insights , combining the two best game elements into ONE . Thank you Clover Street for providing a copy - This is THE ultimate 2-player challenge and a marvellous festive gift for anyone who enjoys the adrenaline rushes of a competitive game! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) TWO Players - Head-To-Head Puzzle Battle!

This set comes with a cleverly-designed game board that is divided into two sections for a two-player, head-to-head puzzle battle. Each player gets 8 colourful puzzle pieces. The puzzle pieces are in the form of 4 plastic beads, connected in a string of multiple arrangements. To play this game, select a challenge card, insert it into the slot separating the two board sections. Now, set up the puzzle pieces according to the arrangement depicted on the card. Once both parties are ready, yell “Go”, and race frantically against your opponent to assemble the remaining pieces so that all the beads would fit nicely onto the indentations of the playing boards. It’s a nail-bitingly intense game, jam-packed with competitive mode and excitement! 

(2) Special Button To Launch Your Opponent's Puzzle Pieces Into The Air 

Now, let’s talk about BEST part of this game - Whoever completed the puzzle first get to press a special button placed at the upper right side of each playing board, which would cause your opponent’s board to pop-up in a sudden, launching all the game pieces in the air! Our kids love this feature immensely - they laugh so hard watching the opponent’s pieces being tossed all over the place. 

(3) 80 Challenges Included

The set comes with 40 double-sided challenge cards - a total of 80 challenges. This game guarantees hours of laughter and nerve-wracking fun. I LOVE that it has fantastic replay value. 

(4) Compact & Sturdy Design - Great Travel Game! 

I love the sturdy components, and the vibrantly colourful puzzle pieces. I especially love the compact design of this puzzle - everything can be perfectly fit and securely locked within the storage areas underneath the two playing platforms. I love how light weight and portable this game is. This is an ideal on-the-go travel game - we’re loving it! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/kanoodle-head-to-head (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Kanoodle Duplexity, By Educational Insights - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Logic puzzle 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:   8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Older kids and adults who enjoy matching games & colourful components 

I like all the Kanoodle puzzles I’ve tested so far; I LOVE a few more than the others (eg Kanoodle Flip and Kanoodle Fusion), and some of them appeal to my kids more than the rest (eg. Kanoodle Jr and Kanoodle Gravity). Kanoodle Duplexity from Educational Insights is probably one of the the toughest amongst the range. We’re loving these unbelievably challenging puzzles (thank you Clover Street for another great recommendation. 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Matching Puzzle With Colourful & Refreshing Magnetic Take 

This is a matching puzzle with a familiar concept but with a refreshing magnetic take! Included within are 28 two-colour magnetic pieces, 100 double-sided challenge cards, and a carrying case that doubles as a game board. First, select a challenge card, place it on the magnetic game area. Now, use the two-tone magnetic pieces to recreate (and fill-up) the image shown on the card. It sounds deceptively simple, but trust me - this is tough! It requires loads of patience and resilience - reorienting, re-arranging, re-sorting, resetting - to complete each challenge! I love that this game is easy to set up and straightforward to play. 

(2) User-Friendly Magnetic Game Board & Puzzle Pieces 

I love that the game board and puzzle pieces are magnetic - so we can “lock” the position of the pieces when solving. 

(3) 200 Challenges - Hours Of Fun Guaranteed! 

I love that there are 200 challenges (hours of fun guaranteed!). There are 7 colours in it, each colour has its own “double tile” (eg green + green), and each also shares a tile with another colour (eg green + red, green + blue etc). I haven’t figured out the key of completing the challenges other than by trials and errors. Some puzzles are simpler, some are ridiculously hard, and some seem unsolvable. Personally, I wish there were solutions provided, but overall, I am enjoying the process of solving them.

(4) Sturdy & Smartly-Designed Carry Case/ Game Board 

I love the smartly-designed carry case design. It has a convenient handle, a special slot to store the challenge cards, magnetic surfaces to stick the tiles, and a lid that locks everything securely within. Whilst this might not be a game that I would put in my handbag everyday (given how weighty it is), this is nonetheless a great portable game for a car and plane journey. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/kanoodle-duplexity (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Kanoodle Flip, By Educational Insights - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Unique brainteaser with flipping mechanism 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:   7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids and adults that love brainteaser/ puzzle challenges 

Clover Street sent me Kanoodle Flip by Educational Insights , and we are in LOVE with the game. It’s compact, travel-easy, clever - the kids and I had hours of fun flipping and turning the blocks to solve the challenges! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Unique Braintaser With Flipping Mechanism & Engaging Challenges 

I love the not-so-commonly seen “flipping” mechanism of this puzzle (I tested a remotely-similar “flipping” puzzle a few years back, but I definitely prefer this Kanoodle Flip version MORE!). The rules are straightforward: Pick a challenge card and matching puzzle piece; set them up by placing the card on the base and close the cover, so that the card is visible through the translucent game board from the top. Now flip the block around until it lands on the finish space marked with a trophy. Each of the challenge card also has a number in a star at the top right corner that represents the “fewest moves possible” to complete the specific challenge. In other words, not only that we have to flip the puzzle block end-over-end to the finish position, we also need to get it done in the fewest moves possible! But there’s more to this game - there are 2 “obstacles” (or “untouchable” spaces) in the challenges where we have to avoid when rolling the blocks around! 

(2) 100 Challenge Cards & 3 Puzzle Blocks - For Different Difficulty Levels 

The set includes 100 challenge cards in progressive difficulty. The 3 blocks come in different colours, shapes, sizes - to be used in different levels of challenges. I love that this engaging game is deceptively simple - the challenges can really turn your brain “topsy turvy” especially the last few hardest ones! The set doesn’t provide any solutions (in other words, no chance of cheating!), but we can usually figure out the solutions eventually. 

(3) Solid & Visually Appealing Components 

I love how solid the components are, and I really love the bright “neon” feel of the blocks that give the set a cool “futuristic”appearance. The game board is smartly-designed with raised hurdles on the two “untouchable” squares, and physical ridges along the grid which make it easy to flip and move the blocks around. 

(4) Compact & Travel-Easy Design 

I love the compact, pocket-sized, and travel-easy design. All the items can be stored securely within the case / game board. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/kanoodle-flip (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Mental Blox, By Learning Resources - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Building blocks with challenge cards 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:   5 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids who love building and challenging themselves / Parents & teachers looking for educational resources to encourage critical thinking and teamwork 

Building toys and logical games are two of my favourite categories of educational resources, so when I saw “Mental Blox Critical Thinking Game” from Learning Resources, I was thrilled! Thank you Clover Street, we are loving this kit! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Memorise, Listen, Build - VERSATILE Building Blocks

Mental Blox kit is like a treasure trove - lift up the lid, you will see 20 geometric blocks - chunky, eye-catching, waiting to be explored! You get 6 cubes, 6 spheres, 4 pyramids, 4 t-shaped blocks, and 40 activity cards. The blocks can be sorted according to shapes, colours, or patterns (stripes, dots, plain). Our 4 year-old enjoys replicating the structures depicted on the cards - matching the shapes, colours, attributes, and arrangements. The instructions sheet also includes suggestions of a few creative ways to use these blocks. The kids can “look and build” (players look at the card for 10 seconds, memorise the structure, and build it). They can also “listen and build” - one player describes the structure, and another builds it based on the verbal instructions. The latter is probably the more challenging amongst the two; for example, the cross can be placed upright in t or x position, or facing downward. A block can also be arranged with the stripes facing horizontally or vertically. I love how versatile they are - sorting, stacking, matching, training visual memory, communication skills, and so much more! 

(2) 40 Critical Thinking Challenges 

I love that the blocks can grow with the kids and be used in many age-specific ways. On each of the activity card, there is a further challenge underneath the image of the structure. Players may be asked to re-arrange the structure so that all patterned blocks are at the bottom, or identify a common attributes of the blocks, or add a sphere to make a structure taller (but not wider) etc. 

(3) Chunky & Durable Blocks With Organised Storage Box 

I love the light-weight, durable, chunky components - these blocks are thoughtfully designed to be easily grasped by little hands. They are visually appealing, and I love the flatten ends of the spheres that make them easy to be balanced on another block. I also love that organised storage box with individual compartment for each block. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://sistersensory.com.au/product/mental-blox-critical-thinking-activity-set/ (Australia) 

https://www.sensoryoasisforkids.com.au/mental-blox-critical-thinking-game/ (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Kanoodle Gravity, by Educational Insights - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Travel-friendly logic puzzle   

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids + adults who love logic puzzles, especially one with colourful components + travel-friendly compact design. 

I have tested out quite a few packing puzzles in the past, but I have not seen many that were done “vertically” like this “Kanoodle Gravity” from Educational Insights . Thank you Clover Street for providing this amazing logic thinking game for review! 

Why I love ❤️ this set: 

(1) Unique Vertical Game That Challenge Your Sequential Thinking 

I love the uniqueness of this puzzle that challenges us to think “sequentially”. Unlike most of the 2D packing problems where the objective is to fit the pieces onto a tray on a flat surface, this “Kanoodle Gravity” is in 3D form with standing board. The set comes with 10 puzzle pieces of 7 different shapes (the smallest being a single cube, and the largest pieces are formed by 5 cubes arranged in different configurations). The vertical board reminds me of the classic “Connect Four” game where players take turn to drop a coloured token into a vertically suspended grid. To start a “Kanoodle Gravity” game, players select a challenge, set up the board as shown, and use the remaining pieces to complete the puzzle. The aim is to fit all and the entire puzzle pieces into the vertical board, without any part or corner sticking out from the tray. In other words, apart from figuring out where all the pieces should go, we also need to get the sequence right (ie which piece to drop first and which one goes next). The “order” of things plays a determinative role in the solution! 

(2) 40 Puzzles In Progressive Difficulties - A Game For All Ages 

The set includes 40 puzzles in progressive difficulties. The “starter level” has more pieces in place during set-up, and the advanced challenges show fewer clues. I love that the puzzles cover a whole range of skills and ages - my four-year-old can solve the first few beginner puzzles, but the last few puzzles are challenging even for adults! I also love that this game can be play solitarily, or competitively with another player. 

(3) Colourful Components With Compact & Travel-Friendly Design 

I love the bold and colourful puzzle pieces - visually appealing, chunky enough to be handled by little hands, and I love the waffle-like design with grooves. I also love how compact and travel-friendly this game is. The vertical board can be removed from the stand, and flat-packed with the base to turn into a carrying case. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.thetherapystore.com.au/kanoodle-gravity

Enjoy the video! 

Kanoodle Jr, By Educational Insights - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Logical thinking game for 4 to 7 year-old      

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  4 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Young kids who are ready for a next-level logic challenge! 

We LOVE logic puzzles - from matching challenges, logic and deduction, path-connecting, to solving packing problems of all forms. There are not many logic puzzles with young kids as target audience, so I’m really glad to have discovered Kanoodle Jr by Educational Insights (thank you Clover Street for providing a copy!). 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Logical Thinking Puzzle Designed For 4 - 7 Year-Old 

This is a logical thinking puzzle designed for the age range from 4 to 7 year-old, which is just perfect for my two kids! In it, you will find 6 coloured blocks in different shapes - made up of either 3, 4 or 5 squares. There is also a challenge booklet with 60 challenges. To start the game, select a puzzle and slide the booklet into the case. The puzzle images would show through the square openings of board (which makes it visually easy for kids to match and solve). Next, place the blocks by laying them flat on the puzzle tray. Solutions are provided. I love the kid-friendly design. The challenges are grouped in 5 levels of difficulty (from one to five stars). My four-year-old was able to solve most of the puzzles of 1 to 3 stars, but she struggled with the the harder ones. 

(2) 3 Types Of Puzzles Included 

I love the variety of the puzzles. They are 3 types of puzzles included; The first 40 challenges are “Colour-Matching Puzzle” - where player is required to arrange all 6 blocks to match the coloured icons. Challenges 41 to 50 are “Path Puzzle” - where player needs to select the correct blocks to cover the coloured icons, but leave the space above the “path” (grey icons) and the two circled objects empty. The third puzzle (challenges 51 to 60) are “Wall Puzzle” where we use selected blocks to create a “wall” between two objects/ animals (eg dogs and cats). 

(3) Chunky & Colourful Game Components For Young Kids 

I love the chunky pieces and the grooves on the blocks (they remind me of waffles). The pieces are easy to be handled by little hands, and the bright cheerful colours are naturally appealing to younger kids. 

(4) Compact & Travel-Friendly Game 

I also love how compactly packed this game is. All the pieces and the booklet can be stored securely within the puzzle board with a lid (which can be transformed into a cute carrying case). This is an ideal travel game! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.thetherapystore.com.au/kanoodle-jr (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Noodle Knockout!, By Learning Resources - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Ramen-inspired fine motor game   

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age: 4 year-old ++   

Who would love this: ANYONE!!! Adults who love Ramen, Kids who love realistic & fun kitchen play items or games 

Stay calm ALL noodle lovers - there is a Ramen-inspired game called “Noodle Knockout!” from my favourite Learning Resources that would make your heart beats in uncontrollable excitement! Thank you Clover Street for providing a copy - We Are LOVING It! 

Why I love ❤️ this set: 

(1) Japanese Ramen Toy With Cultural Touch 

I love the authentic cultural touch - the springy yellow wheat flour noodles (in two different lengths), seasoned boiled eggs (Tamago) with large juicy yolks, Narutomaki (cloud-shaped fish cakes with iconic pink/purplish spiral pattern), fresh green Edamame (beans in the pod), sliced red capsicum, one stunning spicy red chilli (for that extra kick), and carrot sticks. The only thing lacking is a bowl of hot broth with unbeatable flavour. My four-year-old was captured instantly by the fun and colourful ingredients once the lid was lifted. She put on her invisible chef hat - stirring, cooking, boiling, adding, arranging, serving - it was a flurry of non-stop noodle bowls preparation at her newly-established, imaginary Japanese Ramen-Ya. 

(2) Awesome Fine Motor Games For Young Kids  

Of course, Noodle Knockout is more than just a pretend kitchen toy; it’s also a fine motor game where players can do it solo or competitively. The set includes also a game spinner, 10 double-sided order cards, 4 sorting bowls in 4 colours, together with 4 chopsticks-style tongs in matching colours. There are multiple ways to play with this: prepare the bowl as per selected order card using the toy “chopsticks”, sort the toppings according to colours, race against each other to create a bowl of “complete” Ramen using the spinner. I love the child-friendly tweezers and the activity guide with interesting play ideas. It wasn’t easy to fit the longer noodles into the bowl (personally, I wish the bowls were a bit bigger), but that added challenge doesn’t seem to bother the two kids too much. 

(3) Great Quality Toy (With Springy Noodles) 

I didn’t expect the noodles to be springy and bendable, so it is a truly delightful surprise! I also really love the big round-ish, sturdy container with lid - which can be used as a game base, large cooking pot, big serving bowl, and game storage box. Love the versatility and functionality of it! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.thetherapystore.com.au/noodle-knock-out

Enjoy the video! 

Kanoodle® Fusion, By Educational Insights - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Matching/ logic game 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids and adults who love colours + brainteaser! 

Hands up if you are a colours-addict, maniac of everything bright and vibrant, and a believer in the power of paint palettes 👩‍🎨. Imagine my thrill when I discovered Educational Insights has a colourful puzzle game called Kanoodle® Fusion that is unlike anything I have ever seen before! Thank you Clover Street for providing a copy! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Brain Challenge With A Blend Of Colours! 

10 translucent puzzle pieces (in different colours/ shapes), 3 round black “blockers”, a booklet with 50 challenges, and a game board with a little surprise - that’s all you need for a day of stimulating brain challenges with a play of colours! I can’t think of a more exciting way to learn about primary and secondary colours in a visual way. Kanoodle® Fusion is a mix between a matching puzzle, and a logic & deduction brain-teaser. The aim is simple: select a challenge, and position the puzzle pieces on the hexagonal game board to match the colours combination and arrangement as shown on the picture. The twist? We may have to blend up to two colours by stacking and layering the translucent pieces - for example, yellow + blue = green, red + blue = purple, red + yellow = orange. The game is a fresh experience for my 7-year-old and he thoroughly enjoyed solving the challenges independently. What surprises me most is that even my 4-year-old (who doesn’t show much interest in logic games usually) was completely enchanted by the colours element and completed 18 challenges in one go! 

(2) Puzzle With Exciting Light-Up Board 

I LOVE the light-up game board with switch button. You will need two AAA batteries and a right-size screwdriver for this (both not included). The light-up effect on the translucent pieces are visually-stunning, and so delightfully beautiful! The backlight really enhances the appearance of the game! 

(3) Brainteaser With Awesome Components & Design 

I love the components and design of this puzzle. The 50 challenges are arranged in progressive difficulties, and solutions are provided at the end of the booklet. The game board also serves as a compact storage box, and everything can be fit and locked neatly inside the handy carry-case. This is a fantastic, portable game for an awesome road trip! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.thetherapystore.com.au/kanoodle-fusion (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Numberblocks Plush, By hand2mind - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Numberblocks Plush Toys 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  18 month-old ++   

Who would love this: Numberblocks fans!!! 

Our kids are emotionally attached to their collection of plush toys. They feed them, change their “nappies”, dress them up, have tea parties with them, and drag them to outings of all-sorts. These soft toys evoke warm and fuzzy feelings, and are incredibly fun companions. Today, I’m going to share about our latest additions from hand2mind - “Numberblocks One and Two Playful Pals Plush” and “Numberblocks Number One Plush” (kindly gifted by Clover Street). 

Why I love ❤️ these toys: 

(1) Adorable Numberblocks Characters (One & Two) - Two hands up 🙌🏻 if your family love NumberBlocks like ours! We are BIG fans of these block characters from the global hit TV series - they are entertaining, educational, and shows us that learning maths doesn’t need to be boring! “One” is a bright red block with single round eye. She’s cute as a button, sweet in nature, inquisitive, and full of curiosity. “Two” is made up of 2 orange blocks, and is also the BEST friend of “One”! He wears a trendy purple glasses, pair of white socks, and magical orange sparkly shoes. “One” and “Two” held a special place in our hearts - they are the first few characters that entered the show since Season 1. We were thrilled to have these familiar characters joining our plush toys family. You can get “One” on its own, or a slightly smaller “One” and “Two” pair from the Playful Pals Plush set. Our kids love them all, and have been affectionately giving them cute nicknames like “Big One-nie”, “Small One-nie”, and “Two-ey” 

(2) They Can Hold Hands! - “One and “Two” from the Playful Pals can hold their hands tightly like what best friends do (because everything’s better with two). I love that the characters have both their hands attached with hook-and-loop Velcro, so the two best friends can always clasp and fasten their hands to each other from either sides. 

(3) Glittery Shoes - I LOVE the touch of glitter on Two’s shoes, just like how it’s like in the show! 

(4) Cuddly & Soft - These NumberBlocks toys are stuffed with plush foam for a heart-warming, fuzzy hug; The fabric is velvety soft to touch, and the securely attached limbs are stuffed with polyester filling. I love our new cuddly, squeezable, perfectly-sized NumberBlocks companions! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Numberblocks One And Two Playful Pals - https://sensorypoodle.com.au/products/numberblocks-one-and-two-playful-pals-plush (Australia) 

Numberblocks Number One Plush- https://sensorypoodle.com.au/products/numberblocks-number-one-plush?_pos=2&_sid=1c2a5babe&_ss=r (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Numberblocks Reusable Clings, By hand2mind - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Reusable clings of Numberblocks characters 1 to 10 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++   

Who would love this: All Numberblocks fans! 

Numberblocks has a special place in our family: adorable characters, catchy songs, funny maths moments, sweet and short episodes. I absolutely love the idea of learning numbers cube-by-cube, visualising mathematics in the form of geometric shapes and wacky characters. We love all our hand2mind Numberblocks learning resources, and we now have a new favourite: “Numberblocks Reusable Clings” (kindly gifted by Clover Street). 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Build Your Favourite Numberblocks Characters! - Imagine gigantic puzzles in sticker form that allow us to assemble and build HUGE Numberblocks characters on glass window, whiteboard and wall? YUP, that’s what “Clings” is all about! Included in the set are 8 sheets of exciting Numberblocks Clings (with over 100 individual pieces) and an instruction guide. The building process is pretty self-explanatory - peel the Clings, apply them onto smooth surfaces, and build your characters! The kids were thrilled watching the Numberblocks characters 1 to 10 come into life - complete with cheeky facial expression, legs and arms, “Numberlings” (numeral symbols that float on top of the characters’ heads), and other fun features! 

We love the three red button balls and the unmistakable jetster hat of “3”. Lucky “7” is definitely our all-time favourite - seven cubes of rainbow plus unique multi-coloured strings of hair! We also enjoyed building “8” (love his 8 octopus-like limbs!), and shape-shifting the characters (4, 5, 8, 9 and 10). I also love the enormous hands of “5” and “10”, and the dice design of “6”. The two kids “divided and conquered” the assembling task. It was such joy watching them counting the blocks and assigning the right numeral symbols to the characters!

(2) Washable & Reusable - Most importantly, these Clings are washable and reusable! We placed them on our glass sliding doors, removed them, did a quick wash, and transferred the characters to a wall. Take note however that these Clings are not suitable for newly painted surfaces, and must be kept away from direct sunlight. 

(3) Thick & Durable - I love that the Clings are thick and durable, sufficiently sticky for the purpose, and easy to be handled by young kids. Such awesome product! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.thetherapystore.com.au/numberblocks-reusable-clings

Enjoy the video! 

Botley 2.0 Coding Robot, By Learning Resources - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Coding robot for young kids!  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  5 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Parents/ young kids who are looking for a smart coding / STEM/ screen-free technology / robotic toy with BIG potential! 

Our local toy library has a first generation Botley, and it has always been the boy’s favourite item to bring home (if we are lucky enough - because Botley is super popular and is always “on loan”.). Thanks to Clover Street, we have now officially “adopted” a Botley 2.0 Coding Robot from Learning Resources ! We are OVER THE MOON, and I can’t wait to tell you more about this smart robot that has just joined our family! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Learn Coding / Pre-Programming - Botley is a coding robot for kids as young as 5. The set comes with a 6-directional “remote programmer”. BUT, this is not your usual remote control - It doesn’t give us “instant satisfaction” or free movement command. To make Botley moves and performs tricks, we need to plan ahead and key in the instructions in advance. And that’s exactly what sets Botley apart from most RC monster trucks / robots in market. Kids can learn about sequencing, creating algorithms, and pre-programming. Botley is screen-free, meaning, no iPad or tablet or any downloadable app is needed. The kit includes other accessories such as removable “head gears”, detachable arms, coding cards, obstacle pieces etc. The new Botley can follow a sequence of up to 150 steps (130 steps for previous version), and perform a new skill of “45-degree turns”. It can push a ball around, navigate a maze, detect and avoid obstacles (with OD sensor).

(2) Night Vision & Light Up In The Dark - Botley 2.0 has night vision and light up eyes. We love to devise our visually-colourful light-show. There is also a “ghost” mode (with cute sound effect and “spooky” blue light in the dark) when we key in the secret code. 

(3) Pre-Set "Secret" Codes - The instruction guidance has pre-set codes that can transform Botley into a police car (with blaring siren), choo-choo train, shark attack (with bubbling water sound), stomping dinosaur and many more! Our favourite is the hilarious “yikes” mode - Botley would funnily roll away in “disgust” no matter what random item we placed in front of it. 

(4) Follow The Black Line - I love the “line mode”. Botley has sensor that can detect black line on white paper and it would scoot gracefully along the line (the kit includes 6 white boards with lines for this fun experiment!). 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

The Creative Toy Shop (Australia) 

OfficeMax (New Zealand)

Enjoy the video!