Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and aka Associates to bring you this post.
Do you want to keep your kids learning this summer? Or maybe you need something for them to do for a car or plane ride? Or maybe it is just a rainy day, and you are sick of hearing, "I'm bored." Today we are sharing the perfect activity book for your kids. It is Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles by Helene Hovanec. There is a giveaway at the end of this post!
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About the Book:Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles Written by Helene Hovanec
Ages: 6-12 | 78 Pages Publisher: aka Associates (2025) | ISBN: 979-8989035755
Publisher’s Book Summary: Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles is a two books-in-one treasure trove of learning and laughter, created by an Ivy League-educated former teacher. In the first book, kids will delight in solving hilarious riddles—some guaranteed to make them giggle, others sure to earn a groan. The second book challenges them to place each word into a crisscross diagram, sharpening their minds and bringing words to life.
The real magic lies in solving these puzzles with pencil and paper. This hands-on approach boosts learning by engaging fine motor skills, improving focus, and minimizing distractions from digital devices. Writing on paper reinforces memory, builds cognitive connections, and nurtures problem-solving skills in a purposeful way. Unlike apps, which can sometimes lead to passive engagement or overstimulation, physical puzzles encourage deep, meaningful learning. Most importantly, kids will feel an incredible sense of accomplishment with each puzzle they solve—a reward that lasts far beyond the page!
Purchase Links:
About the Author:
Helene Hovanec has been hooked on puzzles since she was six years old. She is a former elementary school teacher and is the author of more than 60 puzzle books. Helene is the creator of Dynamic DoubleCross and Plus One puzzles and the producer of Puzzles4Kids for King Features.
For more information, visit puzzlepooch.net and akabooks.com.
From Me:
There are two kinds of puzzles in this book, and each has a page instructing the reader how to solve them. The first type asks a riddle and then has two columns of words with spaces between the columns. The words on the left have an extra letter from the words on the right. If you write that letter in the space eventually the column of letters will read the answer. These are good for the younger aged kids. I could even see younger than 6 enjoying them with some help. It could be a parent-child activity for a child who is learning his or her letters and how to write.
The second kind of puzzle is a crisscross puzzle. The page looks like a crossword puzzle but instead of clues are words divided by the number of letters they each have. The reader's job is to figure out where each word goes so they form a crossword puzzle. This one is a little harder and is for the older age group. I think probably about 8-10 would be an ideal age, but even older may enjoy them.
I love how these two types of puzzles can entertain various ages and give kids something to do when in a car, plane or on a rainy day. They are educational and keep their brains working in summer to help avoid the summer slide. Plus, some of the words may be new to them so it could help beginners with their reading and vocabulary. The puzzles are fun, and I can see kids enjoying them. I know I would have when I was young.
And my hat is off to Helene. I cannot imagine how hard and how long these puzzles are to make. Coming up with the two lists of words that differ by a letter and that letter has to be the letter in the answer. Wow! Then also the crisscross. Each is themed so she managed to come up with the words around the theme and fit them into a crossword style puzzle. Lots of work to create this fun book that will keep your kids entertained and learning this summer!
Giveaway:
