Editorial Review

Designed for children in preschool through second grade, and easily portable, the Leapster multimedia learning system offers educational games, reading exercises, art tools, and interactive videos in one electronic device. Atop an ergonomic silver body sits a 4-inch, 12-bit color backlit display protected by a blue rubber shield. Slide a Leapster cartridge into the slot, and learn letters, sounds, colors, shapes, numbers, and more, using the touch-screen stylus and multi-directional control pad. This unit comes with a bonus cartridge of six learning games; other Leapster cartridges are sold separately. Control knobs let you adjust volume and brightness; there's also a stereo headphone jack. Required are four AA batteries, not included. --Andy Boynton ... Read more

Reviews (475)

The best toy of all time
My parents gave this to my four-year-old for christmas with five games.She hasn't stopped playing with it yet and it's mid-May!We're going on a trip to Scotland this summer, so I bought her two more games to play on the plane.That should keep her going for the entire 8 hr. flight.She just loves it so much she plays it non stop.As for the battery life, I have only changed the batteries twice in all this time.I think it does really well for batteries.This is by far the best toy she owns because she's having fun and learning at the same time.It's like a cross between game boy advance and an educational computer game.Buy this toy.It's worth it.

BEST ITEMIN STORES TODAY
I purchased this item for my son at Christmas, and he has played with it everyday since. My son is 9 years old and has Autism and he loves this item.

PIECE OF JUNK!!!
I am so disappointed in Leapfrog!We purchased the pink leapster for my daughter for her birthday and it doesn't even work.I don't know how on earth this product made it past Leapfrog's quality assurance team... or should I say what quality assurance?

Leapfrog cannot even warranty their product because they don't carry the pink ones. All they can do is send a replacement one in a different color. That didn't work with my 4 year old that wanted pink and got one for her birthday. So, we are having to pay double the shipping to return the defective product and pay the shipping for the new one.

The most frustrating thing is that this isn't the first Leapfrog product we have had to return that was defective.We also had to return the letter magnets because they wouldn't recognize the correct letter.NOW THAT'S EDUCATIONAL.

We won't be purchasing any more Leapfrog products because their quality assurance is sub-par. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Electronic    4. Math    5. Alphabet    6. Preschool   

Editorial Review

LeapFrog is well known for their interactive learning toys and now they've paired with Disney for a princesses' tour of language and math. Cinderella and Belle will help guide your child through various learning activities, such as: letter hunt, spelling games, addition and subtraction games, and number find. Both Belle and Cinderella tell jokes, sing songs, and are generally encouraging with sweet and cheerful voices. If your child decides to stop playing and doesn't turn the laptop off, the princesses ask, "Would you like to play some more?" and if there is no answer, the computer shuts itself off. An LCD screen displays letters, numbers, and other pictures during all the activities. Moms and dads will be glad to note that there are two volumes and virtually no set-up. Requires 4 "AA" batteries (included). --Megan Sullivan ... Read more

Reviews (33)

This is a good learning toy
My daughter loves Disney Princesses and she wants to get on my computer sometimes but is still too young to do things herself,so I got her this and she loves it!! She has learned quite a few things from it also. It is very durable, I think you get your money's worth. It makes them feel so big!!

Great learning toy
I bought this laptop for my daughter's 3rd Birthday.I think she has used it everyday since then.It really helps her learn her letters.She knows just about all of them now, after using it for about 3 months.I like that it is teaching her but she is having fun at the same time.She really enjoys playing with it.She says she is going to check her email when she uses it.There is a volume control, which is good.It also seems very durable.I haven't had any problems with it so far.I would definately recommend this toy for any little girl.

Great Toy
I bought this based on reviews for my 2 year old and she loves it.It keeps her busy while I am on my computer and she is learning new things. It will be a little while till she is totally using this product but well worth the money - I recommend to all parents. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Electronic    4. Math    5. Alphabet    6. Preschool    7. Counting   

Editorial Review

Outfitted in orange and purple, this electronic learning system for preschoolers plugs directly into a television, and at first take looks a lot like a video-game console. Insert any of Vtech's "Smartridges" into the unit for lessons on language, math, phonics, problem-solving, music, and more. Children can choose between two difficulty levels. Included are a large joystick, adjustable to right- and left-handed kids, and an Alphabet Park Adventure cartridge; other cartridges are sold separately. There's also a storage compartment on top that holds up to six cartridges. The system can run on either three C batteries or an AC adaptor; strangely, neither are included. --Andy Boynton ... Read more

Reviews (260)

Don't Buy This
This started out to be a wonderful toy for my 4 year old son.But after a month (and after I'd spent quite a bit of money on the cartridges) the problems started.The power goes on & off at will.When I called the V-tech 1-800 number they walk me through the re-set process which takes 2 minutes & is a pain the he heiney.And within a few days it happens again.What a pain...

vsmile a bit disappointing
I bought the vsmile thinking it looked cute and would be a great way for my child to learn.From the beginning, the controller had a loose part rattling around in it.After about two weeks the "enter" button kept getting stuck.I had to pay shipping to send it back, but it was replaced with a new one.I will be calling tommorrow to have the unit replaced.Often the power button would stay on and now after replacing batteries, the power won't even come on.A bit disappointed at this point because my child rarely got to play with it.

stopped working
I thought that this was a cool toy until it stopped working afer about 2 weeks. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Games    3. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    4. Electronic    5. Math    6. Alphabet    7. Preschool   

Reviews (5)

Worth every penny.
Bought this for my 3 year old daughter who gets a new toy just about every other day.As a result, she is really spoiled and will typically discard her old toys for the latest present.Not so with the Leappad.She loves it!It really is neat.The books that come with it are great -- one asks you questions, like your name, favorite food, favorite color, etc.; you talk into the microphone; and then it uses your responses throughout the story.The other book is about a frog (the Leapfrog?) and it has a story and games -- like rhyming games -- and helps out with your letters (something she is very into right now).She also has a PowerTouch system, and while she will tote that out from time to time to play a song from Blues Clues or Elmo, she never had much interest.I have a feeling this is something that she's not going to lose interest in or outgrow too quickly.A steal for $20!

leap frog microphone is AWESOME HERE!
This is a DEFINATE MUST HAVE!My kids LOVE the fact that they can hear their voices reading what is written.... I have bought like 3 additional microphone abled books. They are a BIG HIT in this house hold.We buy lots of leap frog products, and this one is my children's favorite.They could play and play and play.... I love the fact that they like this item so much!It is suppose to help with fluency and it does, my daughter absolutely loves reading and is doing wonderfully with this item.... To give you an idea what products we have from leap frog: My first leap pad, original leap pad, leap pad with microphone, and quantum, and the leap pad plus writing, turbo twist, spelling and a brain twist one, 2 leapsters which my kids love too! 40 some leap frog books......imagination desk, leap frog princess computer....This one is my families FAVORITE other than the leapster!Hope they come out with more microphone type books...A+++ leap frog! Keep up the AWESOME job!!!! :)

BEST TOY MONEY CAN BUY!
This is by far the BEST toy I purchased for my children this Christmas.I actually purchased it in exchange for the InteracTV that I was very disappointed in.Boy am I glad I did.All four of my children, ages 2, 3, 8, and 11, have fun playing with this Leap Pad. And I love that it will last them for years, and is also compatible with the Quantum books.
I bought my 11 year old his first Leap Pad when he was 5, and paid over $50 for it, but he used it for years.The Leapfrog company even sent me a new stylus when the original no longer worked. Unfortunately, after years of being banged around, our old leap pad now doesn't read cartridges, and I decided to purchase a new one.This particular Leap Pad with Microphone is worth every penny!When your child points to a red dot, it asks a question like, "What is your name?""What is your favorite food?""how old are you?", etc etc... and incorporates your child voice into the story.Easy enough for my 2 year old, but fun enough for even me!I'm so glad I returned the InteracTV and bought this instead.(Same price at my local Toys R Us!) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Math    3. Reading    4. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    5. Electronic    6. Alphabet    7. Preschool    8. Counting   

Reviews (54)

Absolutely Wonderful Toy!
The whole family enjoys this toy! It took us a few minutes to get the sensitivity just right, but once we did, we loved it.My 2-year-old loves to dance and run around to make it play music.My 9-month old laughs as it plays music when she crawls around it.It even makes music when the cat approaches it!This is a great toy.I would highly recommend it!

We Love Musini
My 6yr & 15mo old both love the musini, as do my husband and I.The volume is loud enough and the machine has been tough enough to withstand being dropped by my 15mo old.There are a lot of different sounds and songs, especially with the extra cartridge.The only problem we have encountered is when it gets set at the highest sensitivity (10)it doesn't play but if I turn it down slightly it works perfectly.This has provided hours of entertainment for my family.

Never worked very well.
Maybe we were using this incorrectly, but it never seemed to work very well. Music stopped and started sporadically. Kind of a disappointment for [$$].

... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Electronic    4. Music    5. Activity    6. Musical   

Editorial Review

LeapFrog's range of educational toys is exceptional, and this interactive flipbook really has that "wow" factor. In the box it looks like an innocent book, but once assembled it provides absolutely hours of entertainment with a preschool teaching focus. The book reads the text to the child, then its magic pen allows the child to touch the text and reread difficult words. Rather like a computer game, the pictures in the page also respond to touch. Each page has two to three games on it where the child has to answer questions on the text or the pictures. The child only needs to respond with the pen, so children as young as 3 can easily play all the games. LeapFrog has made sure that this two-sided book packs in all the elements of a balanced preschool curriculum. Numbers, phonics, prereading, and numeracy skills come alive through the activities. Both nonfiction and fiction text are included with a variety of musical activities. There is even a volume control on each page for weary parents on those long car journeys! Be prepared with four AA batteries (not included) and a small screwdriver. The instructions included are not specific, but the illustrations on the box are self-explanatory. Perfect for a rainy day or a long journey, My First LeapPad provides great value for the money, as your child will be entertained and educated for hours. --Jo Fitzgerald

My First LeapPad is a sturdy unit with an integral speaker and a magic pen, which reads the spiral flipbook included with the set. Other books and cartridges can be bought and used with the same unit. My First LeapPad flipbook consists of both an interactive story introducing the characters of Leap and his family, and (once you have flipped the book) a selection of interactive games pages which encourage learning of numbers, colors, shapes, and music making. A pleasant and encouraging voice reads the story, which is written on the page, or if just one word is touched, the voice says that one word, encouraging word recognition. In game mode, the voice asks the child to find a specific number, color, or object and gives praise when the child succeeds. The pad is easy to use, provided children remember to always touch the Go button with the magic pen every time they turn a page. If they forget, the pen will read from another page, which causes much confusion! After a few tries, mine soon got the hang of it and could play independently. Everything is worked using the pen, including the volume control, and the pen is impossible to lose as it is attached securely to the unit. In comparison to their interactive PC games, the LeapPad failed to hold my children’s attention for prolonged periods, and although I found it amazing that the pen could recognize so many different words and objects, they were less easily impressed. There is no movement, unlike in a PC game. On the other hand, the unit is portable, so can be played anywhere, unlike the PC. The unit certainly has lots of educational value and is well made and durable. A large selection of interactive books can be purchased separately, so once the children are comfortable using the magic pen, they can try other activities. They can also choose more difficult material, ensuring that the pad grows with your child. --Rachel Elvidge

In common with other LeapFrog products, My First LeapPad is exceptionally well designed to be both educational and fun. The unit itself and attached pen are chunky enough for little fingers, and the single large button, integral carrying handle, and bright color will make it appealing and easy to use for preschoolers. My First LeapPad comes with a ring-bound book and accompanying cartridge which fit easily into the unit (you also need four AA batteries, not included). Placed right side up the book reads through a simple story, and when turned over the reverse sides contain a wealth of activities and games to play. For anyone who hasn’t previously seen the unique way that simply touching the pages with the pen produces voices and noises of all sorts, it seems like a miracle! Even for those who are familiar with it, it is still endlessly fascinating, and each page has lots of scope for discovery. The clear English voices read the story in sentences or single words as well as introducing games and activities involving music and instruments, shapes and color, reading, numbers, counting, matching, and much more. Each picture reveals a whole world of sound effects, voices, and speech from the characters according to the individual touches the child makes with the pen on the page. This makes play genuinely interactive and absorbing, and hugely valuable in terms of learning and pleasure. I recommend this product highly; it is suitable for all levels of learning between under 3 years and over 5, with each age range getting different benefits at different stages of development. --Caroline Parsons

My First LeapPad learning system by LeapFrog is a portable electronic toy incorporating the format of a flip-over book which teaches children to master skills such as writing, basic numbers, ABCs, phonics, listening, and comprehension. The desk layout includes a side handle and a special touch-sensitive pen which gives children the opportunity to develop the coordination required when they begin to write. With the pen the user can activate the different activities such as touching pictures to hear them come alive, touching words to hear them read aloud, playing a game by pressing the lily pad sign with the magic pen, activating a new page, listening to music, or adjusting the volume. The unit comes with an activity book, Leap’s Big Day. Leap is a frog with a happy voice and an English accent who introduces us to his family and different activities on each page. Although the toy is labeled for children aged 3 years and over, the activities are not incredibly difficult and would also suit a slightly younger child. For example, number work only goes up to five, and the page on what Leap will be when he grows up gives the child a number of pictorial choices and they have to select just one answer to say what a firefighter would need at work (hose, hat, boots), or what a doctor would need (stethoscope, white coat, etc.). All activities require use of the pen, which does require a steady hand at times. More books are available to buy separately, with titles such as Leap to the Moon, featuring Leap again, and Pooh's Honey Tree, which features Winnie the Pooh. The books are double-sided with a story side, which is interactive, and an activity side. The battery-powered toy provides preschoolers with a good introduction to interactive learning aids, including computers, and promotes readiness for reading and writing. --Sarah McNamara

This is a nice-sized interactive electronic learning game by LeapFrog. It consists of the LeapPad unit with carrying handle and a small, easy-to-maneuver electronic pen attached. There is a compact microchip unit which plugs into the side and a cardboard flipbook which attaches to the front. The book has two sides: a story side and an activity side. The sound is activated by touching the green Go circle on the page with the electronic pen. On the story side of the book this triggers a female English voice which reads aloud the words on the page. Your child can then touch each word with the pen to have these read aloud, or touch objects and characters on the page to hear them speak. There is a lily pad and a note symbol at the bottom of each page. When touched with the pen, the voice leads your child through games such as finding objects and people on the page. The activity side is centered on learning games such as parts of the body, colors, shapes, and counting. My First LeapPad is designed for preschool children to teach prereading and premath skills. It contains over 30 games and activities and is indicated to be suitable for ages 3 and over. My son will sit and play with the LeapPad on his own for a short time, but is only 3 and a half, and prefers me to help and guide him a little. My First LeapPad is a good learning aid and value for money as the flipbooks can be replaced with different books in the range to keep your child interested in learning. --Julie Illingworth

Learning to read has never been so fun, until now. This interactive system is an ideal tool for teaching various skills important in early years. My First LeapPad teaches ABCs, numbers, phonics, prereading skills, and premath skills. When children encounter the LeapPad for the first time, they may choose to participate in an interactive story book Leap's Big Day (included) or alternatively they may play 30 games and activities. If they choose a story they will be amazed at how involved they can become and how much they will learn. The games and activities on the reverse of the flipbook feature counting and singing songs as well as a section on parts of the body. The LeapPad comprises a spiral interactive flipbook that when used with the integral magic pen enables the story to come alive! The child may touch words and hear them read aloud or if they touch pictures in the story they too will make appropriate sound effects. This system is certainly an innovative concept that makes learning to read exciting while also challenging. --Tiffany Prescott ... Read more

Reviews (255)

I think this is an excellent educational toy
My daughter loves it. She is 3, and we got this as part of her Christmas this past year. She has no problem pressing the Go button, knowing what to do, etc...it challenged her each time...and she found it very interesting. She has not tired of it yet and it has been nearly 5 months. now though, she is ready for another one, as she has mastered all of it. It is great for learning numbers, colors, shapes, etc., and has lots of games that they can play. I love the fact that is has music too.

Malfunctions after about 6 months-both of ours did
We bought this for Christmas 2002.Our daughter was a little young for it at the time, so we didn't give it to her right away.When she started using it, it wasn't long before the stylus cord wore down. LeapFrog replaced it for free, but then other problems started.The cartridges weren't being read properly.Again, LeapPad was helpful to get it working again.Now even cleaning the cartidges as recommended doesn't make it work properly.Either the pen isn't working again, or there is an error message about wrong cartridge.
We bought the pink version in 2004, thinking surely it would have improved by that time.We ran into the same problems right away, within 4-6 months.

Now we have about 7 books that might or might not work...very disappointing.

We have the bigger kids regular LeapPad in pink, too.We have not had trouble with that one.

Great educational toy, but issues with product quality
I agree with other reviewers about this product.It is a good educational toy for 2 - 3 year olds.My son played with it all the time.However, I have had issues with the quality of the product.

As mentioned by another reviewer, sometimes the cartridge is not accepted by the machine and it says "Oops, this isn't a Leap Frog cartridge."I spoke with a customer service representative from Leap Frog about this and he said to blow in the cartridge slot of the machine, as well as the cartridge itself in case any dust had settled on the connections.We still had the same problem and I was able to return the product to Leap Frog and get a new one.Then we had the same issues with the replacement.

Another problem was teaching my son to carry the Leap Frog by the handle and not dragging it around while holding onto the pen.The cord of the pen is now almost torn out of the machine and now it no longer works.I don't know whether I will be purchasing another My Frist Leap Frog again, so that my 2nd son will be able to play with it when he's old enough.We have a lot of the books and cartridges. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Reading    4. Electronic    5. Alphabet    6. Preschool   

Reviews (18)

**A great leapster game!**
Santa brought this cartridge, the Leapster and some additional Leapster cartridges for Christmas to our little boy who is almost 4.Each game we have for the leapster my little boy has really liked but he does have his favorites and this is one of them that he will play longer than some of the other cartridges he has.It is full of learning games and the little carnival and little monster you get to build is so cute!You would have to play this game to understand, but it definately is worth every penny!If you are looking for something for your child to keep playing with after 3 months and to keep learning from daily- then purchase this cartridge!

Can you say ten stars
There is not much to say about this reinforcer, You have to buy it to see what We are talking about. An the game it comes with is ok, but not hours play like this. It keeps my son occupied for about an hour (because I encourage him to do other things and I want to keep this exciting for him) But I love it. I hear him go, oh, mom, Just a little bit more. I am like five minutes. His brother is always over his shoulder, we will get him one for his birthday. :).

The Leapster is BEST $ Spent
My daughter got a Leapster for Christmas along with the Dora cartridge....she was 3 1/2 years old.She has played with it every day.We have never had any problems with it and just changed the batteries for the 1st time at 7 months.We got her this kindergarden cartridge for her 4th B-day in May.It is amazing what she has learned!!!!!! We also just purchased The Letter Factory cartridge for our last trip....it has taught her all her letter phonics...and in such a short time!!!!!!Thank you Leapster for such an awesome educational toy!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Don't buy a Leapster without one!
I was scanning through the Leapster games looking for something new for my daughter and noticed that this rechargable battery kit didn't have a perfect 5 stars.I was shocked!It has been *fabulous* for us!I got my daughter her Leapster last October (for her 3rd birthday) with this rechargable kit and she's been using it frequently ever since. It was a very easy install for me...just take off the old back and put the new setup on.It sets easily on the cradle, although I do wiggle it a bit after I set it down to make sure it has a good connection.I'm not sure if I need to do it, but I do it out of habit just in case.

I personally have not noticed any problems with the light going out before the unit has fully charged, but I don't watch it closely either.It must be working correctly though, because the charge lasts AMAZINGLY long, which I find incredible for this kind of a unit.I expected to have to charge it every few days, but it's been more like every MONTH OR TWO!My daughter gets daily use out of her Leapster, but it's only during car trips (maybe 30-45 minutes per day).Nonetheless, that's pretty incredible battery power in my opinion.

My son is quite jealous of his older sister's Leapster, and I can see now that I will be buying another one soon.I can assure you I will NOT be buying one without this recharging kit however!

leapster recharging system
I love this product.We had no problems at all installing and using.I recently bought a second leapster for my younger son (the fighting was outrageous) and was pretty upset about not being able to buy battery packs and the recharger backs separately.I read the manual and it mentioned that after 300 charges or so the battery pack will lose power and need to be replaced.Folks, this means that we have to buy a whole new recharging system.I called the company and they told me that the market reasearch found that it wasn't "cost effective" to sell the batteries by themselves???That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.What are we to do with the extra dock and back?Throw them in the landfill???
I think that Leapfrog has done wonders to the toy industry.My children own just about everything that they have produced.I have been very happy with everything we've tried but, I do find this issue disturbing.Having to buy an entire new recharging system because you need new battries is neither cost effective or environmentaly friendly.I believe that we should all contact the company and get this isssue changed.Besides that, it is a fantastic accessory.A definate must have for any leapster owner.

Burned Up Unit!!
This item we *thought* would be an awesome alternative to batteries but it wasn't! After a few weeks of using it, it actually burnt up my daughters Leapster, We were able to exchange the Leapster threw the company but still out the $25.00 we paid for the charger when we got it. I am not sure if I am going to purchase another one either. Company says there has been a handful of complaints about them...we will see if they actually upgrade them before I do actually buy a replacement. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Electronic    4. Alphabet   

Reviews (8)

So much better than a gameboy!
My first grader loves this game/toy. It is great for rainy days or car rides (especially with headphones) and it isn't just an empty gaming experience as it is all learning based.Sad but true, I've even learned a few social studies facts that I should have known as a 1st or 2nd grader!!!The head to head game is a lot of fun and my daughter really loves to beat Dad at that.
Bottom line, it is entertaining, it is educational, and my daughter enjoys playing it. In fact, she has asked for the next higher grade level cartridge...and I am only too happy to oblige!

Finally - All in One!Great Toy!
We really like the multi-subject format, as my son was asking for multiple Turbo Twists (Spelling, Math, Fact Blaster), and that wasn't going to happen.It holds his attention, and in fact, the adults pick it up and play with it as well.Very happy with this product - glad Santa brought it! They just need to come out with a carrying case of some sort, so we stop misplacing the cartridges!

A Fun Way to Learn
My first grader really likes this.I wish the screen was in color and had a backlight but the adjustable volume is wonderful!I'm learning a few things from this toy too! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Math    3. Reading    4. Games    5. Talking    6. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    7. Electronic    8. Alphabet   

Reviews (3)

This is awesome!
I like the language tutor and the music stuff! I also like the screen savers! It's given me great ideas! I play withit in a different way than you are supposed to. Like if I need a story starter I go to the "Magic Act" and read the sentences for an idea!

why
I BOUGHT THIS ITEM JSUT 2 YEARS AGO THINKING IT WAS COOL HAVING E-MAIL AND THINGS BUT NO ONLY WELL MATH AND HTINGS LIKE THAT IT IS A VERY GOOD LAPTOP FOR LEARNING AND IF YOU WERE TO CHECK YOUR E-MAIL YOU WOULD HAVE TO HOOK THIS WIRE TO THE COMPUTER NO REASON JUST USE THE COMPUTER (...)

WELL WORTH THE MONEY!!!
I purchased this laptop for my daugher 2 years ago and paid almost double the price.It was well worth every penny!Over and above any other education tool I have bought for her, she goes for it first.When taking long car trips, it goes with her.Rainy days she can't play outside, she takes it to her room.Very educational & she has learned a lot, especially with the foreign language tutor (Spanish, French, Italian & Porteguese). It has also helped with her keyboarding skills which are very important at her school.She loves beating each level and seeing how high she can go.I hope they develop a new product to match her skill level as she outgrows this one.A definite must buy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Electronic    4. Math    5. Alphabet   

Editorial Review

This durable little unit packs in a lot of functions, all of them eminently kid-friendly. Most basically, it’s a tape player that can be easily operated with big, colorful buttons, but it’s also a kind of karaoke machine, letting kids use the included microphone to sing along with the music, or sing a cappella. As if that wasn’t enough, there are multiple settings to warp your voice to sound like a monster, robot, bunny, or Martian. You might have to use your imagination to hear how some of the settings sound like what they’re supposed to (and what does a bunny sound like anyway?), but once you start experimenting with Voice Warp, it’s addictive fun even if you’re a big person. Don’t worry though, you can turn the filter off to hear your normal voice. --David Stoesz ... Read more

Reviews (36)

very durable
I have the older version of this player. My daughter got it for Christmas when she was 3 and she still plays with it. (she is now 10) Her brother has also used it and now my Granddaughter has started to play with it. It has been bounced up and down stairs and even banged against the wall a time or two. It still plays and sounds good. My kids have enjoyed it so much that my Granddaughter is getting one of her own for her birthday this month.

Fun Voice Machine!
We bought this recorder for our son when he turned 3. I wanted him to have freedom to play his own tapes and also the fun of doing the cool voices. I didn't realize just how much he would actually like this. Not only does he carry it around and talk on it constantly- so does his 1 yr. sister (and his parents, too!). We have laughed so much playing with this as a family. I was hesitant about purchasing this at first but now I am so glad I did!

Playback broke very quickly
As at least one other person noted, there is sometimes too much feedback when singing in to the mike. The unit seams built very strongly and is very heavy (too heavy to be carried and played with at the same time), but after very little use, the play button has stopped functioning on the tape player. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Electronic   

Reviews (8)

Finally a LeapFrog toy my son and I both agree on!
LeapFrog products have disappointed us in the past, so it took a lot of research on my part to consider a LeapPad for my son.Overall, I'm satisfied with the quality of this toy, but question the overall educational value of the LeapPad books.It amuses my son for hours a week, and when traveling, which we do frequently, it's a godsend.William took to the LeapPad immediately, and was able to operate the features of the books with little assistance.He's not yet 4, but instinctively follows along even though he may be working a Kindergarten book.

LeapFrog has very few books that are microphone enhanced (only 7 so far), and the stores don't seem to stock them.My husband was able to find one at Staples of all places, but he didn't happen to notice it was for 1st graders.My son was so thrilled, we opened it anyway.Initially I thought the microphone feature was ridiculous.I couldn't understand why a parent would want to hear their little one chatter back to a noisy machine.Part of the purpose of this toy, is to encourage quiet time, and learning.Right?Well, this feature has proven to be entertaining, and actually has the potential to be educational especially when working on phonics.A pair of headphones really comes in handy when listening to your child play the microphone enhanced books.I definitely recommend a set!

The writing aspects of the toy encourage me for the future.We have 2 writing books, in addition to the writing book that came with the unit, and they have gotten a lot of use already.When in writing mode, it's one on one interaction between parent and child.These books work without the pencil insert, and sometime William opts to work them that way.Unlike some of the regular LeapPad books, the writing books are educational in my view.The Kindergarten books show children how to trace letters & numbers, work mazes, draw shapes, and so forth.I question the age recommendations on the books though, as my child has already mastered the Pre-Kindergarten book, and understands a good portion of the Kindergarten book.LeapFrog has recently added more writing books to their library, so they are not as limited as the microphone books.My biggest problem with the writing feature is that erasing crinkles the pages, and the lead leaves grooves behind.It might have been better had LeapFrog designed this product with a dry erase type of insert, and coated the pages with plastic.That probably would increase the cost of the books, but how many tracing letters & numbers books do you need?

This brings up another problem I have with the LeapPad in general.The books are expensive.If one pays the suggested retail price for this product, and adds just 2 books, that's big bucks!I personally don't think the books are worth the suggested retail price, so I bought a bunch at 50% off, and plan to stock up when the next sale comes along.

We have encountered cord malfunctions too.The first time it was user abuse.My son bit the stylus pen, and must have damaged the cable.William is a lefty, and even though the cord is long at 16", it must annoy him, because it's installed on the right side giving right handed folks more room to work.I recently discovered the replacement pen is malfunctioning too.I went ahead and order 2 more pens at $5.00 each.Toy stores carry replacement pens, but they don't sale the stylus pen yet, so we have to wait 2-weeks for another.Because of this, the LeapPad is a somewhat supervised activity.I definitely don't trust my son with the Magic Pencil yet, and since I've already paid $15.00 on replacement pens, I can't quite image how much more I'll be pouring out on additional books, and batteries.I've replaced the batteries once, which isn't bad considering he played with his LeapPad for hours upon hours during our recent trip to New England.In addition, I don't trust him to remember to put both the book and cartridge back in his backpack when he's done.Thus, for the meantime, I control those aspects of the toy.

The LeapPad Plus Writing & Microphone Learning System works with the entire LeapPad library, except for the My First LeapPad books.LeapFrog selects the maximum age recommendation of this product to be 8-years old, so that it will confuse consumers into purchasing the Quantum LeapPad four-years later.This platform is compatible with the Quantum library, so there's no need to buy another LeapPad.This irrates me a bit, but overall I am satisfied with this toy, and my son loves it.

Great educational toy.
My 3 year old daughter received this as a gift.It's the same as the LeapPad, except that it has the added writing feature and microphone feature.The writing pen is the same as the LeapPad, except that you can twist the stylus to allow real pencil lead to come out, and then you can write on certain LeapPad Plus Writing books.The downside of this is that after they write on the book, you have to erase it!But you can also opt NOT to use the pencil lead.(You don't need it for the large majority of books).I simply took the stylus out and let my 3 year old play without it.For those who already own the LeapPad Plus Writing system, you can buy a separate microphone attachment.But this system has both already.

I would say that 3 years old is the youngest age that I would try this system, and probably 4 years old is better.My daughter knows all the letters and their sounds already, but she still enjoys the simpler books, like the Princess Book, over the more academic books, like the Phonics program books.

It's a pricey toy, and I still think that reading old-fashioned books is more important.But for a certain subset of kids, having the electronic features makes it more interesting.If you're trying to save money, then just get the systems without the writing or microphone features.You will still get a lot of benefit.

The younger kids, like ages 3 and 4, will still need parental supervision, although they seem to learn how to use it quickly.My 3 year old knows how to insert the cartridge, press ON, and tap on the "GO" sign on every page.

We're very happy with this item, and I would buy it again!

Excellent for early writing!
LeapFrog does it again! I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that they keep coming out with the best educational toys. My 5 year old daughter loves hers! She won't put it down, she wants to play with it first thing in the morning and it's the last thing she sees at night (besides me:) What a wonderful toy, and I feel good about it because it's educational and she loves it because it's fun! You can't lose:) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Electronic    4. Math    5. Alphabet   

Reviews (8)

Very Educational 'n Fun
I bough this for my 4 year old. He had just started with "Phonics" at school. This toy helped a lot. He made many of the words that they work at school on, but when he starts putting new one, and changing some letters, he was pretty happy that he created new words. He took this toy to show and tell a couple of times, and the teacher said it was a "Big Hit" with the rest of the class. It does though fail in it's limitaions of words. There are some words that are not programed in, and the voice just makes the sound of the letters for it, and the child would not know what the word sounds like. But then again some of these words may be too advanced for the children. All in all it is 5 out 5 for my child, I only gave it 4 because of the word limitaion.

Wrong Letter
I purchased this toy a month ago.Now, it reads letters wrong.I'll put a J in the space and it will say S.I love this toy but, now, I need a new one.Otherwise, a great idea.Also, the Leap Frog DVD's are amazing.My 21/2 year old can spell simple words on command!

Tinny sound, but still worth it
I was delighted to find out the magnets from the Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter set also work with this!So if you have both, you can spell out double lettered words (such as "dad" and "mom" (and it is programmed to read those words, as well!)

The only problems we've been having with it are related to the tinny sound.The Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter set sounded nice, but the Word Whammer sound quality is poorer.I know I had a hard time telling "Find the 'F'" from "Find the 'S'".Lucky for us adults, if we know what word it wants us to spell, we know which letter, but it confounds the kids.

If it weren't for the sound quality the toy would be *perfect*.It is really well designed, and very effective at keeping the kid's interest long enough for them not to realize they're learning while they're having fun.If you don't mind needing to translate what the machine said every so often, I highly recommend this. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Electronic    4. Alphabet   

Reviews (4)

Great!
Another of my 3 year old's collection - he loves it and has mastered it well.Very well done.

Finding Nemo
My son loves this game. He likes to read with it. I think it is a nice addition to the collection.

Great game !
My 4YO son loves this cartridge. The children have a choice of reading the Nemo story or playing one of four games. My son does not really like the story, but it is cute. Admittedly it is difficult for an electronic toy to beat mom's reading!

The games are great. They all have multiple skill levels and are fun and challenging. I often have to force my son to let his Leapster "rest awhile". His favorite game is trying to find the fish in the deep dark ocean. On level 2 words are displayed and you have to find the fish by listening for where the word sound is the loudest. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of fish, but my kid hasn't noticed, he is happy every time he finds one. And, instead of sounding out the A like they do with the other letters, they say "Ay".

The Nemo cartridge also has a hide-n-seek game which teaches comprehension skills. Various Nemo characters and props appear in bubbles and the Leapster asks a question such as "Who helped Nemo escape from the tank?" and the child would need to select the "Gill" bubble. I haven't seen logic games like that on the other cartridge we have.

Overall, the characters are cute, the games are educational and my kid loves it. I'd give this more stars if that were possible! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Games    3. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    4. Electronic    5. Math    6. Alphabet    7. Handheld   

Editorial Review

Sally, Stevie, Stanley, Sophie, Stewie, and Sid are six colorful, lightweight bowling pins--each with their own personality--that talk to kids while they bowl. Taunts such as "C'mon!Roll the ball already!" get kids started, and phrases such as "Whew!That was close," keep them aiming for the pins. Bells, whistles, and cheers are heard if a spare or strike is bowled. The tan plastic base has six colored circles to hold the pins in place, but it is not required that colors match up for a game to begin. Silly 6 Pins only keeps score one frame (two balls) at a time, so keep a pad of paper nearby if you're playing as a family. Three AA batteries are required, but not included. --Pam Lauer ... Read more

Reviews (81)

Fun for the whole family!
My little boy got to open this on Christmas Eve, his grandparents got it for him.My little boy was so shocked and excited when he saw the game!He had wanted this game for several months but I was'nt sure he'd like it as much as he wanted it but it was one of those games that I was wrong about- He loves it!I have to admit it is really a fun game.Thebowling pens shake and talk to you as you play and they say funny, cute phrases.My little boy who is almost 4 can set the game up him self and play it without anyone else or if he wants we can play with him.I like games that he can understand and be able to play without having a second player all the time.It makes this game even more a good purchase because being an only child there is'nt many games that are like this.He loves this game and still plays it a lot even 3 1/2 months later.I would reccommend it!

FUN FOR ALL AGES
I was reluctant to purchase this toy for my son's third birthday simply because he has never been bowling or knew anything about it.However, based on your reviews I decided to try it out.My son is not easy to keep busy and this was the trick!This toy is a blast!He loves to set the pins up just as much as he loves to knock them down.He plays it with his 12 year old sister and it seems to be the only time that they don't bug eachother.They have a ball!we all do, the voices are cute, but I wish it was louder.Easy to clean up, and just plain fun!I think we will get lots of milage out of this game.

FUNNY game
My girls were given this game a couple years ago. . .ages 2 and 3.They crack up over the voices and play it still.I like it also b/c it's so darn cute! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Games    3. Preschool    4. Party Games    5. Wacky    6. Tabletop Games   

Editorial Review

Sibling to the award-winning Explorer Globe, this junior version can help children become interested in geography before they even start school. The Junior Explorer Globe is jam-packed with fun facts, trivia, and useful information about every aspect of the geographical world. It has four modes of interactive play, ranging from having kids search for certain pictures on the globe to playing regional music from each continent. The globe sits on a sturdy base, which features a dial to the four play functions, an on/off switch, volume control, and the attached penlike stylus. This stylus is the key instrument: kids use it to touch virtually any point on the surface of the globe to hear information and answer questions. --Pam Lauer ... Read more

Features

• Four modes include Explore, Music, Search the World & Adventure Raps
• Kids will learn about our oceans, continents, animals and landmarks
• Offers a taste of regional music and foreign phrases
• Volume control
• On/off switch

Reviews (13)

great learning and entertaining toy
My 4 years old LOVES to play with this globe and has been learning a lot from it. Yes, it doesn't say much about countries but let's not forget this is the JR version. I think it is great that they give emphasis in animals since kids like them. Also, all different languages and typical music that it includes. I think it is great that kids learn the continents at least they are aware that USA is not in this world alone. PULEASE... they didn't pay for someone's furniture to be cleaned... Don't get me wrong but this person must go around the world a bit. People have to know how to take care of themselves for a change instead of blaming someone else everytime. Gosh!
I recommend this toy. This is not a Geography professor substitue just a way to get kids interested in other areas and cultures. I suppose the more advanced version may bring the countries. I don't know. I am sure there is only so much they can fit inside this toy and as parents we can't expect to relay on a toy to teach our kids everything they need to know. We think this toy is awesome.

Watch out for stains on furniture
The toy has little rubber feet on the bottom which will leave little purple circle shaped stains on wood furniture.My son's brand new furniture was damaged and Leap Frog will not pay to have it cleaned.They were aware of the situation, however, they did not issue a recall.They simply changed the rubber feet on the toy for the new production runs, but they left all of the old ones on the store shelves.So which one will you get - the new or the old?This toy isn't worth the trouble.Leap Frogs' customer (dis)service is horrible.I will never buy another leap frog toy again.Watch out for this company - all they care about is making a buck.

BETTER THEN I THOUGHT
When my brother bought this for my 3 year old daughter I thought he had wasted his money, there was no way my daughter was going to pay attention to this globe. I was wrong! My daughter loves it and within 5 minutes she was telling me about the Statue of Liberty and the Great Wall of China. She and I love it so much that I am buying one for my neice's birthday present. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Geography    3. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    4. Electronic    5. Math    6. Alphabet   

Reviews (34)

Lots of fun!
My 3 year old loves this, as does his 6½ year old step sister.Highly recommended!!!

Love this game!
As the mother of a 5-year old who has difficulty with small motor skills, I absolutely love this game.Yes, sometimes the game doesn't allow for the human factor in tracing a shape or a letter, but overall, I think this game is very beneficial for my son.I would certainly buy it again.

Wonderful Fun!
I bought this for my 5 year old daughter as she loves playing with her Leapster and she also loves to draw.What a combination!She loves the mazes and especially loves the Double Doodle, where she draws a picture and Mr. Pencil mimicks her drawing. I find it very educational and extrememly entertaining to any children who love to draw.Also, I haven't heard her complain once about having to try a little harder and I don't mind Mr. Pencil being a little strict with her either. I highly recommend this game. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Electronic   

Editorial Review

Toddlers love to hear their favorite nursery rhyme songs, and of coursethey love anything with sound effects and flashing lights. This electronicmusical toy is 45 inches long and 11 inches wide, with a large, one-octavekeyboard sporting a plastic handprint on each key and a red button above thatflashes when the key is played. The keyboard can be played in five differenttones: piano, bells, doggie barks, kitty meows, or birdie tweets, and in severalmodes: complete songs, free-play mode, or preprogrammed mode. The preprogrammedmode is an interesting feature that will help preschoolers (or their parents)learn to play the eight familiar songs. The tiny red light flashes, you playthat handprint, and follow along until--hey, you're making music! The musicalmat has a wipe-clean plastic surface, and it requires two AA batteries (notincluded). --Marcie Bovetz, mother and former children's librarian ... Read more

Reviews (10)

No Good
I bought this for my daughters birthday and when we got it, it was a piece of junk the buttons worked for one day then the next day when you tried to push a cerain button it would give you a different noise or it would not work at all, the things are hard to push you have to really push hard on them, this toy is not worth it not even the amount they are asking for to be honest I think it is worth fifty cents, I am very disapointed in it.

Fun toy
This was given to my 18 month old son last Christmas. He enjoyed playing with it daily for awhile. I recommend not putting this in the toy box. Now a year later it has some problems - it only plays when IT wants to. I do like this toy, but it needs to be well taken care of to last.

Musical Hands mat
This toy does not work.I do not recommend it.There is no quality to the workmanship.A total disappointment ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baby and Infant    2. Preschool    3. Learning    4. Toddler    5. Activity    6. Music    7. Musical Instruments    8. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    9. Electronic    10. Hand-Eye Coordination    11. Musical   

Editorial Review

The Pixter is like a personal digital assistant (PDA) for kids. But instead of storing boring appointments and phone numbers, they get to draw, do puzzles, and learn a little, too. The Pixter is about the size of a small book, and has a pretty solid weight to it. It's made out of brightly colored and durable plastic. The main action of this toy is drawing with an attached stylus. The Color Pixter offers much better graphics then the black and white version, which comes in handy with activities like Paint-by-Numbers and Connect-the-Dots. You can draw a picture free form, or you can use one of the starter backgrounds. There are tool buttons, like on a PDA, that give you access to fun stamps, special effects, and the eraser button. You can also save your creation in the Pixter's memory. There are some boppy tunes playing along with all this creative activity, but luckily for parents, there's also a jack for headphones and a volume adjuster. An expansion slot on top of the Pixter accepts ROM-based expansion cards that contain additional software and games. Requires 4 "AA" batteries. (Not included.) --Megan Sullivan ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Don't buy Pixter...Go for a Leapster
My 3-year-old loves her Leapster and plays with it in the car on long trips as well as in the house when I have to do things that leave her on her own. That's why, when I saw what looked like really fun and educational games for the Pixter, I put it on her wish list for her birthday. It'll be twice as much fun when there are more games from which to choose, I thought. But it's turned out to be a major disappointment. The screen is grainy, the interface is not intuitive, and one really has to press hard to get the screen to recognize the stylus. It's not easy even for an adult! The drawings skip and you can't drag items once they're placed: You never know where they're going to be centered before you place them. The games are not as educational as those on the Leapster, either. We bought Global Passport, Creative Genius, Barbie Fashion Show, Pet Shop, and Symphony Painter (that one is the worst!). She's using the Pet Shop a little, but that's it. Don't waste your money. Go for the Leapster...It's elegant and fun with a clear picture and sound. Now I wish I'd taken to heart the previous reviewer who bought the Leapster instead because I'm stuck with all this expensive useless nonsense. I had also bought the math, Barbie writing and Clifford cartridges, but I'm going to return those because they were bought in a brick and mortar store and haven'tyet been opened.

Great fun!
How cool is this?! A color computer for little hands. It is a great set.The game cartridges that go along make it just as exciting as any gaming system.The basics to it are drawing and other artistic works such as stickers, shapes and fill-in colors.My son got one at the age of 4 and loved it.He broke the first one by falling on the screen, but we bought a new one because of the use of the first one. Now, nearly 2 years later, he is expanding his artistic talents by drawing with different styled lines, creating his own coloring themes and the like. Works great, day or night, as the screen is lit.We often take ours in the car because of the headphone option and volume control.

Get a Leapster instead
I was very disapointed in the Pixter. We returned ours and got a Leapster. The graphics and controls are so much better on the Leapster and the games are much more fun and educational. Also the Leapster is much more intuitive, a child can pick up a Leapster and figure everything out - there is even a "hint" button if the child gets stuck. A child that gets stuck with the Pixter can only look at the grainy screen and wonder where they went wrong. This toy is not worth the money. ...