When the holidays hit, hosts often search for ways to keep their family and friends entertained. While movies tend to be the go-to activity for many, the theater doesn’t always encourage interaction. A great alternative? Board and card games. While my family loves group games like Five Crowns, Yahtzee, or Qwixx, since this is a book-related blog, I decided to focus on games based on literature. Maybe one or two will find their way onto your Christmas wish list!

For ages 13 +- Bestselling fantasy author Brandon Sanderson’s fan favorite Mistborn series has several spin-off games for two to four players. I own Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game and Call to Adventure: The Stormlight Archive.  They provide endless hours of play time—we can’t seem to get enough!  I recommend you check out this game review HERE. There are other Sanderson book-inspired games I have not yet explored— The Reckoners, based on his book Steelheart, and Mistborn: House War and Mistborn Adventure Game. I plan to check them out soon.

For ages 8 +- Wonderland Words is a game for two to six players is based on the Alice in Wonderland books by Lewis Carroll. This treasure has been compared to a mashup of games like Codenames, Mysterium, Apples to Apples, and Crimes Against Humanity. The rules seem to suggest that players must use a combination of teamwork and creativity to win. There appears to be an endless combination of how the game gets played. Read a review of this game HERE.

For ages 3 +- Pete the Cat: The Missing Cupcakes Game might just be the right fit for younger readers. With a whopping 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Amazon, this game encourages teamwork while players sing songs, act out silly moves, and collect cupcakes. Reviews claim this game is good, clean fun!

As the holiday season goes into full swing, I hope you’ll investigate these community-building, memory-making games for yourself. Or, if you are feeling especially adventuresome, create your own book-related game with your child.

Do you have any family favorite games you’d like to recommend? Please let me know in the comments. I’m always on the lookout for fun!

Blessings, Lori Z. Scott

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