Chess, Clue, Monopoly, and Catan – board games have entertained and brought friends and family together for thousands of years. Board Games describes the origin of early games and the development and evolution of more modern games.

Of the books in the Favorite Toys Series, this title has some less than ideal formatting issues. The map references Egypt from the previous page, but not India which is on the map page. Additionally, unlike the other books in the series, the timeline does not reflect the whole history covered in the book – the oldest games are not on the timeline. Finally, on the page with board game types, the game name precedes the game type and the type is in parenthesis, implying it is the less significant information.

Bellwether Epic Favorite Toys series is sure to appeal to young readers. The short sentences and simple text are enhanced with colorful images. Familiarity with the toy will make many of the names recognizable for young readers while new details and historical information will expand a reader’s knowledge. Pictures include young people, historical figures, and toys. Early in each title, a map highlights the geographic location of the toy’s origin. Each title also includes a timeline of the toy’s evolution. In addition, by showcasing an event celebrating the toy, each title demonstrates how toys and games nurture a community of shared interests.

Bold terms are defined in the glossary. Endpapers also include a To Learn More Section with both print and digital resources. Digital resources are found through accessing the title on factsurfer.com. Three curated age appropriate digital sources are available for each title. Index included.