<![CDATA[The urgency of this research is to increase reading interest among children aged 5–6 through engaging puzzle books based on local culture. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the feasibility of Bigzel (a Local Culture-Based Puzzle Book) as a learning medium to enhance the reading interest of Group B early childhood learners (aged 5–6 years). The study employed the Research and Development (R&D) method using the 4D development model, consisting of the stages of define, design, develop, and limited disseminate. The development of the media was based on the developmental characteristics of young children and the principles of literacy learning that are concrete, visual, interactive, contextual, and rooted in local culture. The feasibility of the media was evaluated by media experts, subject matter experts, local culture experts, and early childhood education practitioners. The validation results indicated that Bigzel was classified as highly feasible, with feasibility scores ranging from 97% to 100%. These results covered the aspects of content suitability, language readability, visual design quality, material safety, and the integration of local cultural values. An empirical trial was conducted in five early childhood education institutions involving 73 Group B children. The findings demonstrated that the use of Bigzel was effective in improving children's reading interest. Based on ten assessment indicators, 36.9% of the children achieved the Very Well Developed (BSB) category, while 63.1% were in the Developed as Expected (BSH) category. No children were classified as Beginning to Develop (MB) or Not Yet Developed (BB). During the learning activities, the children showed active participation, greater attention, and positive responses while reading and assembling the puzzle. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that Bigzel (a Local Culture-Based Puzzle Book) is a feasible and effective learning medium for enhancing young children's reading interest. It also represents an innovative literacy learning resource for early childhood education through the integration of play-based activities and local cultural values.]]>
