Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders?

         Ever since I was a little girl I have been fascinated with the world that existed on the game board depicting Candy Land.  I first encountered Candy Land when I was a mere preschooler at my babysitter’s.  It was so colorful, and the idea of following the rainbow road through the Candy Cane Forest and over Gumdrop Mountain and reaching King Candy’s castle before anyone else was invigorating for the preschooler in me.

          When my daughter was born I could not wait until she was old enough to play Candy Land with me.  While some parents waited with baited breath for their little darling’s first word and first step, I added the day when my little one could finally join me in a rousing game of Candy Land.  The box says the game is for ages 3 and up, so as soon as my daughter approached the age of 3 you can bet your last buck I rushed out and bought Candy Land for her.

             Amazingly enough, I had never played Chutes and Ladders as a kid.  I wasn’t going to have my kids grow up without having experienced Chutes and Ladders, so I made sure I had that game too.  To be honest, I have quite a collection of children’s games.  After all these years of playing alone, I had playmates!  Willing participants to play whatever games I wanted anytime I wanted.  Although my son will occasionally agree to play games, it is my daughter who is the game playing kindred spirit of my heart.  She is always up for a game with mommy and for that I will always be eternally grateful.

           Since I have grown up I like games with a lot more challenge than Candy Land and at this point, if I had to choose between the two I would go for Chutes and Ladders.  I love the unpredictability of the game.  It is entirely fate whether you land on a space that sends you up, up, up or on one that sends you sliding practically back to start.  I love the challenge of getting to the top.  My son throws a fit if he lands on a slide, and does everything in his power to cheat.  He is 6 and all about winning and doesn’t consider a game fun unless he does win. 

             I am glad I grew out of that!  I love the thrill of the game.  Still, Candy Land will always have its charm with its colorful graphics and engaging characters.  The powers that be have even created a very entertaining computer game and animated movie based on the classic game.   I discovered a video on You Tube announcing that a live action full feature film is in the works starring and directed by Adam Sandler.  Very few details are available from what I could find, but it is in the works.  In my opinion Adam Sandler would make a perfect Mr. Mint!  Naturally, my kids can’t wait to see any movie about Candy Land.  I may be 44, but the kid in me would love to see Candy Land brought to life by the magic of Hollywood.  So, the question is…“what’s your poison, Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders?” until next time when I give you another glimpse into the life of a trucker’s wife.