[cid:image004.png@01DB51EE.C1BBD3A0]Whether they are crossword, jigsaw, or logic, there has been much written about the value of solving puzzles. Studies suggest that puzzles can improve memory retention and problem-solving skills, reduce stress, and even help develop fine motor skills. Several articles from the MeL eResources<https://mel.org/az.php> such as Finding Your Focus<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=6814263e-689b-3114-ada9-c8e54f140413> in Harvard Men’s Health Watch and Do We Ever Stop Learning<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=dfe02a43-0964-3958-b7e8-c82de00b3255> in Popular Science, both publications in Health Source – Consumer Edition<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebsco-hxh>, speak to solving crossword and jigsaw puzzles as a way to exercise our brains and stay mentally fit. In addition to articles about the healthful value of tackling a good puzzle, MeL eResources include other puzzle-related content. Digital Puzzles World Book Kids<https://www.worldbookonline.com/kids/home?subacct=O6106> has 5 different types of puzzles<https://www.worldbookonline.com/kids/home?subacct=O6106#games> for young learners to enjoy, including jigsaw and crossword. The digital jigsaws are among the most challenging, as they very much replicate the real thing and include a timer for those who like some added competition. There are also a handful of crossword puzzles that test students in the areas of explorers, geography, math, and medicine. eBooks The EBSCO eBook collections are full of many puzzle-packed titles. In the eBook Public Library Collection<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebsco-e700xna>, check out the Whodunit Puzzles: Mysteries for the Super Sleuth to Solve<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=041f564f-099f-30f7-bc9d-987bf51af678>, 60-Second Brain Teasers Pencil-Free Puzzles: Short Head-Scratchers From the Easy to Near Impossible<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=6212dadc-5d24-3d32-970b-4ae2302d4794>, 60-Second Brain Teasers Crime Puzzles: Short Forensic Mysteries to Challenge Your Inner Amateur Detective<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=392957f6-8ae8-36ba-a204-a8beb78d8aeb>, and Wooden Puzzles: 20 Handmade Puzzles and Brainteasers<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=50372c40-84b8-3201-a075-636cd1baf784>. In the eBook High School Collection<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebsco-e862xna> enjoy the Joy of Jigsaws: A Puzzler’s Guide and How to Make Your Own<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=1119c3ed-7a05-3a7f-aa0e-9ab0df91b4b6>. Puzzle Crafts If you’re feeling crafty, the long list of wooden puzzle patterns from publications such as Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Magazine, available in Hobbies & Crafts Source<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebscoprofile-hcrc>, offer full-color patterns that even the novice craftsperson can follow. A couple of examples include the Sunflower<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=a8b85217-7e8d-3481-b62c-afe766adde15> and Octopus<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=998fa33c-7cc3-399c-875c-21ab82f69946> wooden puzzles. For those who both quilt and love crosswords, be sure and check out the Crossword Puzzle Quilt<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=0bc72bd7-72d6-3ed0-8954-46299c87b78a> pattern from an issue of Quilter’s World. On the 21st of December we will celebrate Crossword Puzzle Day and kick off the winter puzzle season. To read more about crosswords and to access a curated list of online resources and 16 puzzles<https://americanenglish.state.gov/files/ae/resource_files/095-108-s2-crossword-puzzle.pdf> you can print and solve right now, explore the Britannica High<http://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebhigh> crossword puzzle<https://school.eb.com/levels/high/article/crossword-puzzle/28009> entry. If you have any MeL eResources questions or issues, contact melerhelp@mcls.org<mailto:melerhelp@mcls.org> for help. Brought to you by Ann Kaskinen from the MeL Team. Supporting Michigan Libraries by Putting You First. Want more information on MeL? Stay tuned for the next MeL Minute available on many Michigan library listservs, visit http://mel.org<http://mel.org/>, or sign up for the MeL Minute and other Library of Michigan e-mail lists via GovDelivery<https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MILOM/subscriber/new>. We encourage you to share MeL Minutes with your colleagues and networks. MeL eResources are available to Michigan residents or for Michigan library or school access only. The MeL project is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan. Ann Kaskinen MeL Engagement Specialist, K-12 Midwest Collaborative for Library Services 517-325-5333 kaskinena@mcls.org<mailto:kaskinena@mcls.org> [cid:image003.png@01DB51EE.850A9090] mcls.org<https://www.mcls.org/> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/mcls.org> | X<https://twitter.com/mclsorg> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwest-collaborative-for-library-services>
