Moshi Monsters - social networking for kids with puzzles

Completing the Daily Puzzle on Moshi Monsters

I was resistant at first when my boys came home from school wanting to play Moshi Monsters as it looks like it will require a subscription, but I've come to find it a very useful - and free - resource for my children.  

Children adopt a virtual monster when they register, which they then need to take care of by feeding, playing and dressing it. The game requires players to earn 'rox' which are then spent on anything you need. Most rox are earned by completing puzzles, and this is the most valuable part of the game. Kids can't just do the easy ones over and over they have to try all sorts of activities.

Example of a puzzle in the Daily Challenge to earn Rox

Children who can't read will need a fair amount of help to understand the puzzles, but should be able to complete them on their own once they can read independently or are familiar enough with the puzzle formats.

100 Rox is enough to buy an item of clothing or a few treats for your monster

The game also has a social networking aspect, you can become friends with other monsters and leave notes on their walls. This all seems very safe, and all messages need approval by your child before they appear on the wall.

There are aspects of the game that require membership, but so far my boys have been more than entertained with the options available for free.