Clumsy Thief in the Candy Shop

My family has been playing the original Clumsy Thief game for about a year. It is still one of my 10 year old’s favorites. (See my Clumsy Thief review here.) However, that game, which involves adding to 100, is a little challenging for my 5 and 7 year olds. I was so happy to discover recently that the company makes versions for younger kids. These fun games are such a great way to reinforce math skills.

Clumsy Thief in the Candy Shop Info

Product: Clumsy Thief in the Candy Shop
Company: Melon Rind
Website: gamewright.com
Recommended Age Range: 6 to 8 years (younger kids will likely need help and older kids might not get much benefit, though they can still have fun)
Price Range: ~$14
Amazon Product Page (Affiliate Link)

Review

Of all my kids, this game was best at helping my 7 year old with her basic math facts. She can add, but since I don’t have her doing a lot of math practice, she is not super fast. I always think that maybe I should have her do more worksheets so she can build her speed and confidence with adding small numbers. However, since I know it will be an unpleasant struggle, I usually just let it go.

This game has completely remedied the need for me to do even think about basic addition worksheets. If we just play this game once or twice a week, she will be adding numbers quickly in no time. To play the game, players have to make pairs of cards that add to 20. Even my 5 year old knows that 10 plus 10 makes 20. However, 16+4, 12+8, pairs like these get a little trickier. Even after just playing this game a couple times, I see my 7 year old’s speed increasing.

The best part is that she doesn’t even realize that she’s practicing math. She just wants to play the game and is having so much fun, that she doesn’t mind all the adding that she has to do. Completely brilliant. If only all learning could be like this.

My 5 year old likes to play as well, though he currently needs a lot of help to remember what 2 numbers add to 20. He constantly asks me for help, but I don’t mind at all. However, to give him a chance to be fully up to speed with his brother and sister, and so that he can practice math at his own level as well, I just ordered Clumsy Thief Junior which involves adding to 10. I think it will be perfect for him.

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