This is a very cute puzzle but the puzzle pieces themselves are very thin and the puzzle board is shallow. When stored, the pieces fall out all over because of how shallow the map is and how thin the pieces are. It could be better quality. I am used to Melissa and Doug Puzzles where the pieces are thick and sturdy and do not fall out of the puzzle when the puzzle moves. Nonetheless, my five year old likes the puzzle.

This puzzle packs a lot of learning potential into once space and for that, I like it! However, the pieces are flimsier than I was expecting (I believe they are thick, finished cardboard), so I do have doubts that this puzzle is meant to last through several children, like a wooden puzzle would. Additionally, the "red" crayon in the puzzle we received looks very orange (I would call it a burnt orange, as opposed to the deep fire engine red I was expecting), which is disappointing because it is obviously meant to teach children their colors. My daughter kept trying to but both the "red" and orange crayons in the orange slot!

Such a great learning tool for kids! It's great for not only learning how to work puzzles but our grandson is having a lot of fun learning the different states. As he continues to learn, it's nice that the state capitols are listed behind the puzzle piece so he can learn that also. We have used it to show him where different relatives live and the pictures of items from the states are really good for helping him learn about the different states and he's only 4.

We own this one and the Mellisa and Doug Jumbo. I like both for different reasons. This one has more pieces that are jagged and look very much like the actual geography. However, the pieces are not chunky which will make it quite challenging for little hands. My son who is a preschooler first started out with the chunky Melissa and Doug version, and once mastered really enjoys this one because again, it is challenging. I like it because of the good representation of geography and also the colorful presentation. I highly recommend

Since we moved to USA, I have looked some ways to help my four year old to learn about the local culture. This puzzle has been a very nice choice. The puzzle is well built with light wood, and has the name of all the states on the puzzle-pieces. Once you remove the pieces, you can see the names of the capitals under them.

The puzzle is very easy since the pieces have distinctive colors, and the pattern on the board after removing the pieces has the same colors. So if a state is red, my son just needs to look at the red "shadows" to see which one has the same shape. I think this is good, since it allows younger kids to solve it. The pieces fit well, maybe a little too tight once you complete the puzzle, but my son has no problems with that.

My only complain is that the lines to show the names of some states (New Hampshire, Massachusetss, Rhode Island) are not aligned with the pieces, but this is a small issue in an otherwise great puzzle. And my son loves placing the pieces of the states we have already visited!

Additionally to the puzzle, we also got him this book: America's 50 States, with interesting facts about each state.