Customer Reviews

Thomas & Friends 3 Puzzles and Story Book Set

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My son loves the book. However the puzzles bother him. The pieces are tiny...much smaller than other puzzles in this age category. Although they are durable, I would recommend the company making them bigger so they don't get lost. This seems very pricey for a paperback book and 3 mini puzzles.

The fact that you get three puzzles and a book in this one package is what really makes this set a good deal. The puzzles are sturdy, with cheerful scenes of Thomas and Friends. The manufacturer was clever enough to put different patterns on the backs of the three puzzles as well, so you can separate them into three piles before trying to build them (and thereafter keep them in separate baggies, if you want). Or, you can mix them all together from the start for an additional challenge as your child grows up.

The 5-7 age range is probably pretty accurate. My son is 4, and these puzzles are still a little beyond him, but he loves to "help" me put them together by finding pieces for me, talking me through them and placing an occasional piece.

The book really rounds out the deal. At first my son didn't seem to show too much interest in it (he has tons of other Thomas books), and didn't care for me to read it to him for several days after we got it. But after the very first reading, I was surprised to hear him talking about the stories the next day and for days after. He was particularly struck by the character of "Cranky" the crane, and now he refers to all cranes that he sees as "Cranky."

This was most definitely the highest quality puzzle we have ever bought. Our son has put it together many times, and it has not bent or broken like so many other puzzles we have bought.

I would highly reccommend it to any Thomas fans!!!!

My son's teacher (very generously) acknowledges special occasions for "her kids." Thomas & Friends 3-Puzzles & Story Book Set was given to him on his 3rd birthday. I was a bit surprised by this gift selection, since it's recommended for children 4 and up. Donna knew William liked puzzles, and the Thomas character was a given, so maybe that was her reasoning. In any event, the puzzle pieces were too small for my little guy. It's embarrassing to admit, but my child was still mouthing things at 3. Thus, I was concerned he might choke, or swallow a puzzle piece.

On the upside, the book was an instant hit. William's now 4, and still enjoys it immensely. Cranky is a favorite of his, so as far as he's concerned anything that includes the cantankerous crane is a winner. Personally, I'm a bit disappointed in this series of Thomas & Friends books. The stories are based on Reverend W. Awdry's tales, but they don't convey as well in these picture books. The images are still photos from the television series, which isn't a bad idea, because kids connect the books with what they're seeing on the tube; however, the narration is the same, and it doesn't flow very well. That said, William loves these paperback books. 3 to 6-years is probably a more accurate recommendation though.

About 6-months after William received the set, I pulled the box out, and tried again. For the most part, the boy had relinquished his addiction, so I was less concerned with the small pieces. We had a good time working the puzzles. With assistance, it took him about 40-minutes to complete all three puzzles. Now, a year later, he'll complete each puzzle in about 10-minutes. The set has occupied my boy, as well as amuse him. The quality is excellent for cardboard puzzles, and we both appreciate the patterns on the back of the pieces. I also like that all 3-puzzle images are displayed on the front of the box to assist young ones. On the whole, the Thomas & Friends 3-Puzzles & Story Book Set is a fine set.