I do like that the 2021 version removed 38% of the spaces to bring it down from 134 to 83, and that since the 2002 edition the rules have included a "special optional rule for younger players" where picture cards only move you forward. On the other hand, the only-forward rule should be the default (if no one's young enough for it this is the wrong game) and 83 spaces is still a bit long for this age.

For people who like to think about gaming, taking a board game intended for adults and radically simplifying it and then introducing elements as they progress is a lot better: with how quickly kids learn almost any game will either start off too hard for them or quickly become too easy.

Candyland does fill a niche for non-gamer adults playing very young children, however, and I do think something like it should exist. I'd like to see it shortened a little more and the "only forward" rule there by default (or have that rule apply to anyone 10+).