Customer Reviews

Uncle Goose Hebrew ABC Blocks (27 pcs)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a great toy and made in the USA to boot! However, if you are looking for a toy to help teach your child the Hebrew alphabet, look elsewhere, as not all of the Hebrew letters are included in this set.

As a parent desperate to make sure my three year old gets doses of Hebrew, I got these blocks to make the letters more interactive. Right now it's just about trying to make little games with them. Sometimes just use them to build things, other times review the letters in some diverting way (handing a block for him to play with if he guesses the correct letter, for example). The blocks are pretty big (cubes with each side being the length of two nickels side by side) and feature the letters in colors, some protruding in three dimensions for extra feel for the strokes composing them. I try to spell words like my child's name and break up the parts to syllables pronouncing each part and shaking it so that his eye follows the sound along with the visual. Being able to move them around gets his attention more than just writing them on paper would. Seems a more kinetic experience. I saw a comment before about some letters missing but that doesn't seem to be the case (at least, I have yet to notice a missing letter when trying to spell something). As I put in the review's comment, it could be the close resemblance of some letters (the samech/mem sofit or the vav/zayin) that could be the cause of the confusion. All letters (including the ending letters, sofiyot) seem accounted for each appearing at least twice if not more. There are also numbers (with their word), symbols (like + and =) and pictures of animals with their words). 27 blocks and so 162 sides. The blocks are not so heavy as to burden the hand but not so light since they're wood and not plastic. So far, they're paying off.

We love these blocks. Unfortunately, our dog got a hold of one of them (and our son's name was on one of the blocks-a hebrew animal name) and I saw that they offered free replacements on their website. I called the number and a woman instantly answered the phone. I simply paid for shipping, and our set is now complete. Out of the reach of the dog. I'm happy to pay a little more for such a great toy; knowing it is made in the USA, from safe raw materials.

Overall the blocks are great in terms of durability, appearance and content. They do not have a "samech" letter on ANY of the blocks. Here's the breakdown:

Aleph-on 4 blocks
Bet-on 4 blocks
Gimmel-on 4 blocks
Dalet-on 4 blocks
He-on 4 blocks
Vav-on 4 blocks
Zayin-on 4 blocks
Heth-on 4 blocks
Tet-on 4 blocks
Yod-on 3 blocks
Kaph-on 4 blocks
Kaph sofit-on 4 blocks
Lamed-on 4 blocks
Mem-on 4 blocks
Mem sofit-on 6 blocks!
Nun-on 3 blocks
Nun sofit-on 4 blocks
Samech- NO blocks
Ayin-on 8! blocks
Pe-on 4 blocks
Pe sofit-on 3 blocks
Tsadik- on 4 blocks
Tsadik sofit-on 4 blocks
Qof-on 4 blocks
Resh-on 4 blocks
Shin/Sin-on 4 blocks
Tav-on 4 blocks.


It seems like they could've used some of the ayins and mem sofits to give us 4 samechs and another yod and nun. Hopefully someone from Lindenwood Inc will see this and correct the error.

I now buy these blocks for all Jewish babies/kids in my life. The parents are impressed and amazed. The kids are happy because it's a great block set, and blocks rule. And Uncle Goose is based in Michigan where all of their products are made. Everyone wins!

very sturdy wood blocks..I'm sure they will last forever. My son seems to love stacking, knocking them down and throwing them

we had these for years and were integrated with other blocks for building projects. it was always fun to see the hebrew words--a chance to have our heritage in our everyday life, even playtime. recommend it for any jewish "library" collection to bring Judaism/Hebrew closer to home.

I sell products in Israel and love the Hebrew letters. I bought this product to decorate my little store. I scattered them about. Whenever my children come to work with me they play with them. They are so attractive that customers wanted to buy them. I now sell them individually. One block at a time. Each one is like a tiny piece of art. I have run out of them and need to buy more. They are durable and perfect for a baby, toddler and older children. Even adults will enjoy them. I love them.