Child development experts agree: puzzles are one of the most educational toys parents can introduce to their toddlers. In addition to teaching crucial hand-eye coordination and motor skills, they've been linked to earlier reading ability and better social collaboration. Crafted from solid wood by the award-winning Melissa & Doug toy company, our Shapes Peg Wooden Puzzle uses bright, vibrant colors and friendly animal characters to foster shape and color recognition. The eight puzzle pieces are fitted with secure pegs for easy grasping by little hands, removing to reveal vibrantly colored artwork that provides your little one with a visual reinforcement before sliding easily back into their designated spaces. Each common shape from the Shapes Peg Wooden Puzzle is also spelled out to encourage letter association by early readers.