Melissa & DougWooden Alphabet Sound Puzzle - Wooden Puzzle With Sound Effects (26 pcs)

I was worried about buying this puzzle after reading other reviews, but we are very happy with the purchase. True, the puzzle is not a PERFECT tool for learning the alphabet, but it is still a good way to become familiar with the letters. Most of the concerns shared in other reviews are based on the fact that the puzzle spaces are light sensitive, but we really didn't find this to be a problem. For example, if a piece is missing, every time we turn the light on or off, the puzzle announces "G is for Guitar" (or whatever piece is missing). That was easily fixable, though, by covering the puzzle so that the light wouldn't hit it (until we found the missing piece). Another concern shared in other reviews is that the spaces are not letter specific. For example, if you try putting the G in the space for the A, the piece will not fit, but the puzzle still announces "A is for Apple" since the light sensor is covered. So, this may cause some confusion. However, I just work with my daughter while she does the puzzle. If she tries to put the G in the space for the A, the puzzle says "A is for Apple". I tell her, "Oh, it looks like that piece doesn't fit there, and the puzzle is telling us we're looking for the A." Overall, this is a fun learning tool & works just fine.

I bought this for my 3-year-old granddaughter. She loves puzzles! The voice when placing the letter in the correct position is a bit fuzzy in some of the letters, but the concept is great. She can sit and learn all by herself. But it is fun to sit with her as she repeats the puzzle sounds. The purpose is only for letter recognition. The letter sound is not given. Two AAA batteries are needed for the sound to work. These will have to be purchased separately.

I bought 2 of these as gifts for two children who just turned 1 year old. I had gotten my own child a magnetic board on her first birthday. But, they don't make that kind anymore. I loved the fact that the holes for the letters are the same shape as the letters (that's what I was looking for). And the letters are thick wood that will last. They are also raised a bit to be easy to pick up from the board. The bonus in this letter board is that it speaks to the child. It says the letter name and an object that has that letter sound. My friend and her sister (had their babies within same month) were both happy with their child's gift. If I need another one for someone else... I know where to get it! <3 When my kids were small, I would sit with them and take out one letter and say its name. Then they put it back and repeated the name. It was a game we played. Eventually, we took out 2, 3, etc. She knew her letters before going to school. Play with your child, it's more effective.

I read the reviews on this product thoroughly. My 3 year old has been working with a similar puzzle (no sound) at the library and loved it and asked for it to be on her Christmas list. Santa brought it for her and I wanted to let people know even though there are several negative reviews, I believe this to be a good learning tool for a young preschooler. One of the things people commented about was how annoying the puzzle was when it wasn't in use and when something scanned over it, the voice came on. I have ours on a shelf with all the letters in place and have not had a problem. This is because I have all the letters in place so every sensor is covered. After my daughter is done with the puzzle, I make sure she cleans it up so the 1 year old sister doesn't lose them. Problem solved. Also, the other complaint was that any letter that a child tries to put somewhere will set the voice off even if it's the incorrect letter. An older child may realize where the letters go anyway but I work with my 3 year old while she's putting it together to help reinforce the letters and sounds, so we have not found this frustrating. I will say that the reason it did not receive five stars is because the voice clarity is not that great, which is another reason I do it with my daughter so she can hear the sounds in person, clearer. The quality is great and the puzzle is definitely sturdy and well made. I love Melissa and Doug products and will continue to purchase them. I would recommend this product for sure and hopefully this review helps with your decision!

My two year old loves this puzzle. It is very well made and keeps my kid entertained. However, he lost the M and all I hear from him is "where the M?" I called Melissa and Doug and, even though they do not carry replacement letters (each puzzle has it's letters cut from the that board), they were able to pull an M off a puzzle they had in office and ship it out to me. Hopefully it fits. This is a great company with great customer service.I originally bought the puzzle here on Amazon, but had to return it because it was damaged. In the end I bought it from Target.com. I was able to get both the numbers and letters puzzles in a bundle for around the same price as just one here.

Bought this as Christmas gift for my 2yo granddaughter. Did not open package so do not know how the sounds are, but it seems sturdy. Colorful. Under the letters are picture of an object starting w/that letter for easy identification. For the money and for a toddler who’s going to be rough on toys I think it’s a good deal.

This puzzle had the potential to be really educational, however when we received it I confirmed what other reviewers had said. If you take a letter and hold it over the space for another letter, the wrong letter goes off! This is a problem when my child is trying to learn their alphabet. My two year old was arguing with me holding the letter M in her hand and trying to put it in the O spot, saying “O”, “O”! I really wish the puzzle was letter specific. I think it was a huge design flaw to make the puzzle this way. I also purchased an animal sound puzzle at the same time and if you put the cat in the cow spot, it moos! I might return both of the sound puzzles as they are really confusing my child. I expected more from Melissa and Doug. I would think twice about ordering this, unless the child already knows their alphabet. Also, the puzzles just go off in the middle of the night, which is a little freaky.