Review : Orchard Toys Cheeky Monkeys

by Leyla [Thisdayilove] - 18:09

As it begins to get darker on an evening we are tending to be at home more. Instead of our usual walks, bike rides and general fun outdoors we are returning home much earlier than in the summer months. The girls still have quite a lot of energy left by the end of the day, as they are used to playing outside and it is at this time of year we start to play more board games together.

Cheeky monkeys from Orchard toys has been the latest game the girls have been putting through its paces. Some assembly is required to play the game as it features a 3D tree! This in itself makes the game different to other games and once set up is a real draw for the girls to come and play. It doesn't take long to set up, a minute or two, and is really easy to do.

To win the game you need to have the most bananas. There is an element of risk involved too. You choose if to play or if to pass, and it is knowing what to do without becoming too greedy that is the real skill. This proved to be a challenge to the girls. Knowing when to pass their turn over, and still collecting the most bananas.

Cheeky monkeys tests maths skills and problem solving abilities, it also test hand eye co ordination as you balance your monkey on the tree.

I love games like this that encourage the use of mathematics in such a fun way. Getting the girls to add up their bananas, especially my 5 year old. Knowing there was only one monkey who had 6 bananas made it even more fun! Cheeky monkeys is certainly a fun game and I would agree with the age rating of 4 - 8. The game can be a little complex the first time you play it, but subsequent games are much easier.