Today’s NYT Strands puzzle, Game #167, brings a nostalgic twist with a theme that many of us will recognize from childhood. This puzzle is themed around a beloved classic, making it both fun and heartwarming.
Theme Overview: Carle Classic
The official theme hint for today’s Strands puzzle is “Carle Classic.” For those familiar with children’s literature, this is a nod to the iconic works of author Eric Carle. The extra clue for today’s puzzle is “A very hungry children’s book,” which should lead you directly to the theme of today’s puzzle.
Today’s Spangram: HUNGRYCATERPILLAR
The Spangram for today’s puzzle, which perfectly ties into the theme, is “HUNGRYCATERPILLAR.” This word references the well-loved book The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, a staple in children’s literature. To find it, look for the word horizontally on the grid.
Today’s Themed Words:
In addition to the Spangram, here are the other words you need to uncover to complete today’s puzzle:
- LEAF
- APPLE
- PICKLE
- SALAMI
- WATERMELON
These words are all foods that the very hungry caterpillar munches through in the story, fitting the theme perfectly.
Solving the Puzzle:
Today’s puzzle is a delightful throwback to a beloved children’s book. The theme was clear once the word LEAF was found, which then hinted at the presence of PILLAR—eventually leading to the realization that “CATERPILLAR” needed to be combined with “HUNGRY.” The rest of the words fell into place quickly after that.
Reflecting on the Puzzle:
This was a particularly enjoyable puzzle, especially for those with fond memories of reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The grid itself is visually appealing, with words like WATERMELON and HUNGRYCATERPILLAR creating a spiral-like effect. It’s a perfect example of how Strands can combine wordplay with visual elements to create an engaging experience.
Conclusion:
As you finish today’s NYT Strands puzzle, take a moment to appreciate the clever integration of a beloved children’s book into the puzzle’s theme. Whether you breezed through it or took your time, the nostalgic theme surely added a layer of enjoyment. Be sure to check back tomorrow for another exciting puzzle with a new theme.