around the world – but let’s start with sam

by mari

Around the World cultural open-ended puzzle for kids

Pals, I’m so excited. I’ve finally convinced my good friend Sam to join us on this little blog. I swear, if I haven’t seen the coolest thing, she’s seen it instead. We met thanks to grad school – shout out to MCAD! Helloooo! – but actually we really became friends when we moved in to the new world order we know as Kidville. She’s a “Rock of Cool Mom” in my life, and you’re going to love her. So please. let’s give Sam a warm Small for Big welcome!

Mic check… one two… one two.

Hi.  My name is Sam.  It is so wonderful to meet you.  I am a good friend of Mari’s (and Birdie!) and will be happily contributing to the Small for Big blog here and there.  I feel so lucky to be a part of the Small for Big family and look forward to contributing posts that focus on beautifully designed products for kids (and adults), not compromising on style or price, and the occasional arty project to partake in with the kids (great excuse for to get the kids together with Birdie!).

A little bit about myself, I am really fascinated with ancestry.  I am obsessed with finding toys and books for my little boy and girl that bring up issues of being multiracial with a global perspective.  Our bloodline epitomizes the phrase—East Meets West.  My ancestry includes Southeast Asia, in particular Indonesia, while my hubby’s Scandinavian heritage includes many generations of Norwegian farmers.  We get a lot of double-takes in public when I have my little boy and girl in tow who have sparkling blue eyes which contrasts with their mamma’s dark skin and hair.  Who would’ve thought blue eyes were dominant?  Apparently in our family they are.

I stumbled across this incredible puzzle, Around the World Puzzle($14.99), by Micah Player, and it was love at first sight.  It satisfies my desire to encourage open-ended play (we dig the Montessori theory) while simultaneously educating my children about different countries with these unique and quirky illustrations that piece together in the shape of a circle.  They are double-sided and very durable (my daughter still likes putting the pieces in her mouth once in awhile, darn teething!).  It is so fun to watch my son place new combinations of people/countries together and it definitely keeps him occupied for quite awhile.

As for me, I tend to favor the adorable illustration of the Balinese dancer (go figure), but the Australian guy stole my heart too with his cool surf shorts.  The Around the World illustrations surpass the cliché representation of different cultures in a very sophisticated, subtle, and playful way.  You can tell this person did their research.  There is a reference to the style of dance and face tattoos of Maori culture in the New Zealand piece, which contrasts nicely to the little blond girl in traditional costume who represents the Sami people in the Norway piece.  Other countries include Iraq, Estonia, Cuba, Israel, Greenland, Peru, and Japan… The world is getting smaller by the minute and we now have the world at our fingertips, thank you technology.  This puzzle could help bring up those conversations about different cultures, religions, and traditions in a very visual and fun way!  (please cue: “We are the World” music…)

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Sally May 2, 2012 at 4:34 am

Snap! My girls have these cards too. Aren’t they the cutest?
Although, I must say that as an Australian our “national costume” of shorts and a surf singlet is a little embarrassing in the style stakes!

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2 mari May 2, 2012 at 7:56 am

Sally, that’s hilarious! I bet everyone feels their own country is somehow not-quite-right? :)

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