Find The Dots, by Andy Mansfield - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Creative interactive book designed by a paper engineer  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Playful and interactive book lovers  

I have a list of favourite children writers, including the whimsical Harve Tullet (you gotta love his colours-bursting fun collection like “Press Here”, “Mix It Up”, and “Let’s Play”). BUT, have you ever heard of “Find The Dots” by paper engineer Andy Mansfield? This book is insanely fun, jam-packed with happy surprises, and non-stop activities! We were THRILLED exploring this book, and we are absolutely IN LOVE with it! Thank you Kids Develop Store for sending this over for a review! ❤️ 

Why I love ❤️ this toy (ehem, I mean, book): 

(1) 10 Fun Puzzles - This book doesn’t just think outside the box, it chucks away any shape resembles a box and creates a brand new experience of reading! 10 marvellous puzzles hidden within this unassuming hardcover book; each page brings us smile and delightful discovery! It started with a playful “Find 1 red dot” that requires the reader to fold in four flaps towards the middle to reveal a hidden red dot. We also get to challenge ourselves with a “two spinners game” to discover 3 pink dots, looked for 6 blue dots using the reflection of mirror, pulled multiple tabs horizontally and vertically to spot 7 red dots, and busily searched through an inventive pop-up 3D polka dots cube to find 10 elusive orange dots! This book is unique, clever, simply irresistible! 

(2) Engaging Games for Fine-Motor Skills Training - It’s fascinating to watch my three-year-old lifting, pulling, folding, spinning, and exploring the book in all-sorts of creative ways to solve the puzzles and locate the dots! This is a super smart concept book that makes training of fine-motor skill extremely entertaining and engaging! 

(3) Colours + Counting - This book is fantastic for colours recognition and counting exercise. We love the brilliant palette of colours, and I really like how the book arranges the challenges in progressive difficulty levels. 

(4) Good Quality - Lift and flap books are notorious for being easily destructible. But this book, despite all its simple to complex mechanisms, has survived the repeated testings and multiple handlings by my two kids so far. It is still intact like brand new. 👍 

This innovative book is available for purchase from Kids Develop Store. I highly recommend it! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Kids Develop Store 

Enjoy the video! 

Wooden Donut Game, by Kids Develop Store

Nature/ Type:          Vertical play designed by occupational therapist 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Donut lovers + parents looking for toys with focus on fine-motor skill 

It is always a JOY to discover new unique toy that makes your heart dances! I had never seen anything (not even remotely) like this “Wooden Donut Game” from Kids Develop Store . I’m truly grateful to Ellena for providing it to me for review. This toy truly sparks, generates, and doubles-up JOY! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Vertical Play- The set comes with a beautiful blue donut board with a cheeky white word “donuts” painted on it, two removable bases, 9 wooden dowels, 18 distinctively designed donuts in 5 mouth-watering flavours, instruction and game idea cards, and a drawstring bag. I LOVE the vertically-standing donut board; not only that it’s visually appealing like some artistic piece, I find that the upright surface captures my kids attention longer by encouraging them to gaze forward at their eye-level (rather than bowing their necks downwards). I have read about the numerous benefits of vertical play (mind-concentration, optimal wrist movement, finger dexterity etc), and I’m really glad to see a professional-designed toy by occupational therapist that put kids’ development at the forefront. 

(2) Games with Yummy Donuts Theme- Our stomachs gurgle in protest looking at these scrumptious “feast” of caramel, hundreds-and-thousands, strawberry spread, vanilla glazed, and chocolate delight! How cool is it that the toy combines our childhood classic games with these delectable treats. A game of tic-tac-toe, memory game, and sequencing arrangement never felt that delicious and wonderful in my life! The kids played with the games repeatedly, and ended with a “cafe” serving game and a teddy bear picnic with these colourful donuts. I love how versatile this toy is! 

(3) Materials- The stand and dowels are made of wood, the donuts are made of polymer clay, with non-toxic paint. I love that the toys is locally-made in Australia with sustainable material. 

(4) Kids Develop Store- I also want to talk about Kids Develop Store - a business started as a passion by Ellena (an occupational therapist with vast experience working with kids and young people), with the aim of sharing personally tested products with parents and educators! I’m instantly drawn to her range of fantastic products! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Kids Develop Store 

Enjoy the video!