Melissa & Doug Children of the World Floor 48pc Floor Puzzle

This is a really nice big puzzle - 32" across! The pieces are heavy cardboard, fairly sturdy, and nicely finished, each one roughly the size of an adult's open hand. The overall learning concept is easy to get across, and to use as a conversation starter about how we are all far more similar than we are different. The 'traditional dress' that is used for each of the 12 nations represented is very colorful and there is a nice mix of skin tones, if not very broad. Great place to start from, though.The pieces are easy for littler hands to maneuver, but the puzzle is not for kids who are easily frustrated, or don't know how to be patient, or not to walk on toys, so likely under 4yo will need adult supervision.

I bought this puzzle for my pre-K/Kindergarten Sunday School class (kids range in age from older 4's to very young 6's). The kids LOVE it: what a great investment! It is big, durable, and beautifully designed, especially for the price. The circle shape is great: it makes it easy for small groups of kids to work on it at the same time without anyone feeling like they're looking at it upside down. The novelty of a round puzzle also adds some extra interest for kids who do puzzles a lot. As a previous commenter mentioned, the pieces are cleverly laid out so that each figure leads into the next. The flags and country names are also a big help!Besides being very cute and charming, the picture has a lot of educational value, without being heavy-handed. The kids like looking for the represented countries on a map when they're finished, and enjoy talking about the different places. Since I'm using this in a church setting, I also like to talk to the kids about how this can help them remember that God is with people all over the world, and loves them all. Finally, I like that the picture seems to encourage a positive attitude toward diversity, showing people from around the globe as potential friends. All in all, great buy!

What a neat puzzle! My children (ages 2 and 4) have really been getting into puzzles the past few months, and this one is a fantastic addition to their collection. I love that it's round, and poses a little extra challenge for them. I also love that it teaches diversity, and that we can talk about different countries and how people dress differently and may participate in different activities in other countries.The pieces are a perfect size for little fingers. After three times with help, my 4-year old can now put the puzzle together by himself, which makes him very proud! It's also held up well to repeated use. Another neat thing about the puzzle is that each "character" piece has a little corner with the outfit of the person next to them, so if you're working on Denmark, you can see you'll need Germany next, etc.Overall, highly recommended for all puzzle lovers!

This is a really fun puzzle for preschoolers and even younger kids (one of mine is 2.5yo). The puzzle is huge and is meant to be assembled on the floor, which the kids love, but the pieces are also large and easy to put together. Both my kids are able to do it together, though it's easier for my 5yo, and they both have fun and enjoy that it can be done on the floor, and is circular! What a fun puzzle. I love the conversation starter that the puzzle is. We can talk about all the different countries and clothing and ethnicities in an approachable way for children. High-quality pieces that go together easily and won't fall apart. The box is also sturdy. I highly recommend this puzzle, especially for the price!

My daughter purchased this for her preschool classroom, and she says that it is great!Puzzles are really good for teaching fine motor skills, and forming the neural connections needed to build later math and problem-solving skills. This is a more challenging puzzle for little ones, as it is round, instead of the usual rectangle. This makes it really unique, too!My daughter has a few of her 4 year old preschoolers who are ready for this puzzle, but others who do not yet have the skills, and will use this puzzle later in the school year. She really likes that this puzzle includes a variety of people pictured, allowing her to also have discussions with her preschoolers about celebrating differences, and finding similarities. A larger version of this that included more people, would be a great additional puzzle!

pros: the idea is great, particularly for young children to see "hands round the world". I have really liked this kind of puzzle since my old childhood. It made me want to travel around the world to meet those children! The pieces fit together well--cons: -- I do not consider it a "jumbo" floor puzzle. Just large.--All the "children" in this "world" look like adults--well, maybe teens, if you stretch it. So an artist who knows how to draw children would make for a better, puzzle, one children could better relate to. .-- Some of the "traditional clothing" looks hokey. For instance, I think the American is supposed to be a pre-1777 (white) American.

Our kids love this puzzle. Good for kids ages 3 and up. Not very easy; gives them a bit of a challenge.

Melissa and Doug are always my go-to when I am looking for puzzles. My son has Autism and literally since he was 1 year old was putting together 50 piece puzzles by himself. He is always doing puzzles and really prefers them more than toys. He really enjoyed this one! I think we spent about 10 minutes on it! He is really fast. I should have videoed it. I really love the puzzles are durable. I work in a clinic and after my son finishes a puzzle he does not want to do it again, so I donate them to the school I do social lessons in or the clinic for the kids to use. You rock Melissa and Dog.