IT’s Game Night!: Mermaid Island Review & Giveaway

Our thoughts:

It’s fun! It has suspense, drama and most importantly for Kieran–Mermaids!  Although this game is recommended for ages 5 and up, Kieran turns 4 next month and still understands the general concepts.  We had a great time playing the game, and she could feel the anticipation as the Sea Witch would get closer to the mermaids!  We both let out a collective “Oh man!” when the mermaids would get sent back to the start.  There was also lots of giggling on Kieran’s part whenever she or I would land the spinner on the Sea Witch.  I love that this game is exciting and has us working as a team to beat the Sea Witch.  It’s also been great teaching her why we would choose to move a certain mermaid over another one (for example, so she can get away from the Sea Witch, or so the mermaid can get the magic wand for us to use on the Sea Witch later).  This is a cooperative game where we worked together to get all the mermaids to Mermaid Island before the Sea Witch could catch us!  We either both win or the Sea Witch wins.  So far, the mermaids have prevailed!

Kieran really gets into the game!

Will the Sea Witch catch up to the mermaids?

Game Play:

Ages 5+

2-6 Players

Time: approximately 20 minutes

Watch out Mermaids, that Sea Witch is on the move!  Players take turns at the spinner and move one of three mermaids or the Sea Witch across the board.  Mermaids move 1 or 2 spaces at a time and can take the bridge short cuts.   The Sea Witch moves only 1 space at a time and always goes the long way around.  Players decide together when to use the wands and which mermaid to move at a time to keep all three mermaids going.  Using the wands sends the Sea Witch back one space.  Looks deceptively simple, but is a lively and strategic game of chase!  This game introduces children to shared decision making and aids in emotional development.

Buy IT: You can purchase Mermaid Island and other cooperative games on Peaceable Kingdom’s website for $14.99.

What is a Cooperative Game? It’s a game where everyone plays together, no one is left out, and everyone has fun! Unlike a traditional game where there is one winner and one (or many) losers, in a cooperative game the players work as a team against a common obstacle, not against each other. Cooperative games emphasize play, not competition. Kids learn to work and play together in respectful and compassionate ways. They learn to share, make decisions together, and trust one another. Cooperative games encourage inclusion and build confidence. Most importantly, the kids play because it’s fun!

Peaceable Kingdom was founded in 1983 with a single product–a children’s poster based on the artwork from the classic children’s book Goodnight Moon (printed by the son of the book’s illustrator).  Twenty-eight years and more than 5,000 SKU’s later, the company has grown to be a leader in juvenile stickers and greeting cards and has recently expanded their product offerings to include cooperative games.  Their mission is to make good, do good, and be good.  They aim to create fresh, fun, award-winning products that elate, inspire, and tickle funny bones.  They also  are committed to socially-conscious manufacturing practices and to using sustainable and eco-friendly materials!  Their Hoot Owl Hoot cooperative game won Dr. Toys’ Best Green Product of the year (2011) and their other games have also garnered numerous other awards.

GIVEAWAY: Peaceable Kingdom is generously offering one (1) That’s IT Mommy reader a Cooperative game of their own (Winner’s Choice, based on availability). (ends 6/16/11)

REQUIRED MAIN ENTRY – To enter visit Peaceable Kingdom and tell which one of their Cooperative Games you would like if you’re the winner. Leave comments in the reply box below this post. That’s IT!

Remember if this REQUIRED ENTRY is not followed then no other entries will count.

Optional Bonus Entries – All entries MUST BE in a separate comment. All are worth 1 point unless otherwise noted.

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• Tweet about this giveaway (Copy – RT #Win a Cooperative Kids’ board game via @thatsitmommy http://thatsitmommy.com/?p=12700 #giveaway)  come back daily and leave us the link to the tweet (1 extra/day)

This giveaway will run through midnight on June 16, 2011 (PST). Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to contact us before another winner is chosen. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only (18+).

* We did not receive monetary compensation for this review. That’s IT Mommy received the mentioned product free of charge in order to facilitate this review.
 Giveaway items will be provided by That’s IT Mommy. This will in no way sway our opinion of the product or service.
The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ.