Learning is a Hoot with the Peaceable Kingdom: Hoot Owl Hoot Cooperative Game #HolidayGiftGuide #Review + #Giveaway

With the cooler temps settling in to stay this season, it has sort of put a damper on the full days and afternoons we're at home. Cold, cloudy, rainy weather means that we have to stay indoors, and I'd be lying if I said that doing so doesn't bum me out sometimes. As a mom, I rely on outdoor playtime in the afternoons- for a bit of exercise (for me, and B), and so B can expel energy, so he'll be good and tired when bedtime rolls around. I know that I might as well go ahead and get used to spending more time inside, and I should have plenty of games and activities ready to keep us busy all fall/winter long. I try to select games and activities that are not only fun, but educational, as well. I believe that the learning should continue at home, and parents make wonderful teachers!

Having fun and educational games at home is important to me, and that's why we turn to Peaceable Kingdom. We have previously featured several Peaceable Kingdom games and products on MBP, and all of our past reviews of their products have been stellar! Check out some of our past Peaceable Kingdom reviews.

Peaceable Kingdom came onto the scene in 1983 (so they've been around as long as I've been alive), with a goal set to create fun, fresh products that educate, stimulate and inspire. It all started with just one product, and today, Peaceable Kingdom offers lots of products, ranging from greeting cards and stickers to cooperative games for all ages. Peaceable Kingdom's motto is one we should all strive to live by: 'Make good, do good, be good!' Peaceable Kingdom uses sustainable materials in their products, as much as they can- items like recycled paper, etc.

We have been seeing Peaceable Kingdom products popping up all over the place- in retail stores, online, etc. When I was offered the opportunity to select a Peaceable Kingdom game to review and feature this holiday season, I was thrilled! We have reviewed Feed the Wozzle, Stack Up, and Rainy Day, and I couldn't wait to surprise B with a new Cooperative Game from Peaceable Kingdom, to add to his collection of games.

Our Peaceable Kingdom package arrived, and B immediately knew that this package was for him, due to the bright, fun PK sticker on the box.

We chose the Hoot Owl Hoot Game by Peaceable Kingdom- sure to be fun and exciting for us!

B was thrilled when we opened up the box, and he found the colorful Hoot Owl Hoot Game, waiting for him! We love that Peaceable Kingdom games are so bright and colorful- they truly capture a child's attention, and make them want to discover what's inside. Another huge plus about the game packaging- everything is green! The game and its packaging are made from 100% recycled materials. Way to go, Peaceable Kingdom- we're with you in wanting to care for our planet! You and your efforts to do so, rock!

Peaceable Kingdom games are really beautiful. I love their characters, the colorful game boards, pieces, and the durability of the game's contents, as they are sturdy and can withstand being lovingly played with.

Here's what we found when we lifted the top from the game box- the colorful game board! I spy a nest- do you?

The back of the game box gives a bit of info about the game. So handy!

I love that Peaceable Kingdom takes the time to consider the parents or educators who will be playing their games with or instructing children. The back of the game box is a quick reference, letting you know how long the game take to play (about 15 minutes), that it's for 2-4 players, and is intended for ages 4+. It also explains more about the concept of cooperative games. This game has all of the players working together to reach a goal. No one has to be concerned with winning or losing- everyone is working toward the same thing. This truly helps children learn about teamwork, in a fun and friendly environment.

The inside of the game box cover gives more information about how to play the game, etc.

I love the detailed instructions that are included with every game by Peaceable Kingdom. This lets you know how many game pieces you should have, and what to do if you lose a piece (Peaceable Kingdom offers free replacement pieces, and has the number to call for replacement parts right on the box!). The instructions give you the object of the game, a reminder that it's a cooperative game, tells you how to set it up, and how to play. It also offers fun little extras to try during the game, to change it up, suggests what to do at the end of the game, and offers strategy hints to keep everyone happily involved in this fun learning game! There is also a QR code that you can scan with your smart phone, which will bring up a 1 minute demo of how to play the game! This demo is also available on the Peaceable Kingdom website.

Check out the Hoot Owl Hoot Game Demo by Peaceable Kingdom...

Here's a look at the contents of the Hoot Owl Hoot game.

All of the game pieces are packaged within this cute paper envelope, with lot's of encouragement printed on it, from the fun folks at Peaceable Kingdom!

We're ready to play!

In this cute game, the little owls have ventured out into the forest at night, and the players must work together to get all of the owls back to the nest before the sun rises. The game includes colored cards, and if a player selects a colored dot, they may move an owl (any owl, as all of the owls need to get back to the nest) to the corresponding color that was drawn. There are a few sun cards in the mix, and if a sun card is drawn, the sun moves one step closer on the board, to being fully risen in the sky. The players must pay attention to the owls, and try to move them together, so that none of the owls are left behind. Now that's what I call teamwork!

B, carefully moving one of the owls closer to its nest.

Oh, no- we couldn't beat the rising sun!

We have truly been enjoying this wonderful game. I love playing it, because it helps teach my son how to follow the game rules, and how to work with others to achieve a goal. I love hearing him say, 'Let's move the owl in the back, so he can stay with his friends,' if one of the owls has been left behind. It shows me what a caring, compassionate person he is, even at such a young age.

This game is perfect for the whole family, for B to enjoy with his friends, or would make a wonderful addition to any classroom that might have 'centers' with small groups of children at a time. I can't wait to pack this game in with our things when we head on vacation after the holidays. This will be a wonderful way for the family to spend time together- and I think we'll bring along some of our other favorite Peaceable Kingdom games, as well! Hoot Owl Hoot is just one of many award-winning games by Peaceable Kingdom!

Check out a few of these other great gift ideas, available from Peaceable Kingdom...

Fish Stix Board Game

Buzz! The Bizzy Buzzy Beat-The-Bear Cooperative Board Game GM110

Buzz! Cooperative Game

Noodle Speedoodle A Cooperative Game for Families Copy GMF3

Noodle Speedoodle Cooperative Game for Families

Pirate Match Up Game & Puzzle

Banana Spit Card Game

Secrets, Dreams, Wishes Glow-in-the-Dark Lock & Key Diary 5166

Secrets, Dreams, Wishes Diary

Jean Tats

With so many great games, stickers, cards, and more to choose from, Peaceable Kingdom offers something for everyone- from big kids to little loves! Peaceable Kingdom games and products make wonderful gifts or stocking stuffers! The stickers, card games, etc- would be perfect to tuck into a stocking! Imagine the joy on your sweet child's face on Christmas morning, when they find Peaceable Kingdom products under the tree! These are truly gifts that will keep on giving, and keep the learning alive!

Want It? Buy It!

Hoot Owl Hoot is available for $15.99 on Amazon.com, and you can purchase other Peaceable Kingdom items there, as well, or at select retail locations. Head on over to Peaceable Kingdom to learn more about their company and their award-winning children's games and products! Be sure to sign up for the Peaceable Kingdom Birthday Kid Club, and to follow Peaceable Kingdom on Facebook and Twitter!

Want It? Win It!

One lucky MBP reader will win their very own Hoot Owl Hoot Cooperative Game from our friends at Peaceable Kingdom! This holiday giveaway is open to US residents, 18 and older. No PO Boxes, please. Just use the easy peasy RC Giveaway entry form below to enter for your chance to win!

Special thanks to the wonderful folks at Peaceable Kingdom for allowing us to review and share about the Hoot Owl Hoot game, and for offering this wonderful giveaway for our readers!

Good luck!