Build A Snowman Review

An Orchard Toys game always puts a smile on my face. They are lovely. So well designed for the youngest children playing games and building those skills of learning to win and lose as well as taking turns and sharing an activity. Build A Snowman is another in their range that ticks all those boxes.

Gameplay

A game for 2 to 4 players and the winner is the first player to build their snowman. The snowmen come in 6 parts, a small jigsaw. Then there is the game spinner with the numbers 1 to 6 printed on it.

Players need a 6 first to get the main snowman body piece to get going. If you don’t you simply pass the spinner on, if you do, collect the body piece and then pass on. Numbers are printed on the back of the snowman parts to match up with the spin result. Once you have the body piece you can start assembling the rest of the snowman with the numbers spun. If you fail to get an eligible piece or already have said piece, you miss out and pass on.

As noted, the winner is the first player to fully construct their snowman.

Do you want to build a snowman?

It’s a lovely simple game produced by Orchard Toys. Don’t get me wrong, this game is purely based on chance. There is no strategy to be had, you either collect a snowman piece after spinning the spinner, or you don’t, nothing else can be done. This can frustrate young children so be aware here, if they are not collecting parts, there is jeopardy on how they react.

It is great for learning how to take turns in game play and sharing an activity. There is an excitement in the children's eyes when they spin and get to see their snowman be created. It gives them a chance to experience winning and losing also in a very light hearted manner, which I believe is a critical lesson, and needs to be taught in the right way so they can understand and manage their emotions around it.

Visually it looks very cool as well. It is a simple layout with a Christmas and Winter feel to the game, perfect for the time of year we are coming into (September at time of writing).

Given the use of a spinner and jigsaw pieces, it also helps young children build those fine motor skills in their hands as well as a little problem solving. Another little bonus touch. For me, this game is ideal for preschool aged children, maybe up to reception age but that is my recommended limit.

Final Thoughts.

Orchard games have done it once again. Build A Snowman is a simple and effective game for building some of the basics in playing board games for children to learn. A great starting point for young gamers.