Description:
When the Brain Quest series moves from preschool age to the first-grade set, it transforms from a playful question game into a sort of elementary school version of Trivial Pursuit. (In the spirit of this new grown-up air, there is no longer a cheerful animal guide appearing throughout the decks.) Now, each card features one question from each of five category sections: Reading, Math, Vocabulary, Social Studies & Science, and Grab Bag. The rules are gentle: Playing in teams, with partners, or solo, you can stick to your favorite subject category or play the whole card. Keeping score (they offer three different versions) is optional. Though the framework of the game feels very grown-up, the questions are not out of a first grader's league. A math question asks, "What coin is the same as 25 cents?" A sample science question reads, "Name the force that keeps you from floating in the air." There is much good humor in these questions, and the name references are nicely up to date, though not completely contemporary (Beanie Baby references can be found here, but Pokémon's not mentioned). (Ages 6 to 7). --Jean Lenihan
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