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

Reviews (2)

Wonderful for Transport
My 6 year old daughter loves this item and it is so easy to take anywhere.She plays with it in the van, during her brother's soccer games and even during church (occasionally).The sound can be turned off and all the games can still be played easily.My daughter is 6 years old and spells at a 5th grade level.I'm not sure that this toy contributed to her spelling ability but it could have only been beneficial.The only negative that I have for this toy is that it takes 3 cell batteries and if your child plays with it as much as mine does this toy can become very expensive very fast.I am now considering the Expert Turbo Twister which takes AA batteries since I really don't want to spend another $10.00 to make the Mindmania operational again.I do recommend it but just be aware of the batteries.

Great for making good use of down time at school
My 7 year old son loves this toy.He takes it to school and plays with it during recess (when its too cold to go outside) and while waiting for the bus and during the ride.He has both the math and spelling versions and brings both to school to share them with his frieds. They are a huge hit in his class and some of the other children have now purchased their own.I would highly recommend this toy.Its much more educational, and almost as much fun as a game boy. ... Read more

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

Reviews (7)

Waste!!!!!!
If I could, I would give this 0 stars. I used to want one when I saw the commercial, and then I saw them at target. First of all, they don't respond to you! All you do is push two buttons, they dance, they make a noise; that's it! Don't waste your money. Instead, I would highly recommend getting a tamagotchi.

FUN FUN FUN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just got a aquapet. It is soooooooooooooo fun. If you want you'r children to learn how to take care of a pet, you should get one. It will keep them busy for a long time.I think that they are cute.

responsibility
before u get rover i strongly seggest that u get an aquapet. they are a very good lesson in responsibility and they r very cute!! peace out!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Electronic    2. Interactive    3. Walking    4. Talking    5. Noise-Making   

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

Reviews (3)

The best of both LeapFrog and Dr. Seuss!
I think we own about half of the LeapFrog products on the market.My oldest daughter is four and this is by far her favorite!(I must also confess it is my favorite, as well as one of my wife's favorites.)

It brings together classic Dr. Seuss silliness through rhyme, as well as teaching kids to read by inventing silly creatures.The activities re-enforce the lessons in reading, rhyming and vocabulary, and these reinforcement activities are just as fun as the book's storyline.

I definitely recommend it to any parent seeking to expand their child's My First LeapPad library.You will enjoy it just as much as your children.

Disappointing
My son (3 1/2) loves the characters in the First LeapPad book series, but doesn't really enjoy the LeapPad books. The pace is s-l-o-w. The orientation is instructional -- and not very fun. The system depends on the reader pressing a green "Go" button to identify which page is active. Every page is framed by a border that is reserved for the successively located "Go" buttons. This works fine until your little pre-reader zips the stylus over the full page looking for hidden treasures and triggers a "Go" button for a different page. Then everyone's confused. If your child is used to structured learning, they'll probably like this a lot. If your child is used to the pace and interactivity of computer software, save this until they have some preliminary reading skills.

Five Year Old Son With Autism Loves It
We had bought the entry-level Leap Frog Pad for our son (five years old) who has autism, but he ignored the thing for months until the release of Dr. Seuss' "Wocket."His fine motor skills are not good, so it was INCREDIBLE to see him using the pen properly to touch the "Go" button when first turning a page (I showed him how but the book itself also offers an automatic prompt upon turning on the pad).This is a BIG deal (parents of children with autism will understand this), and I have never seen him using a pointing device or pen like this.

He likes Thomas the Tank Engine but did not take to the book for the pad (this is probably because we read Seuss so much and he is fanatical about Seuss while Thomas is more of a video-watching activity).I only gave this product 4 stars since one needs to flip over the book to finish the story, and that is problematic for my son.I know they save money by utilizing both sides of a book page, but the makers should rethink this since beginner-age users (normally developing or not) may have trouble doing this.

Once again, my recommendation is aimed at parents of children with autism and/or difficulty with fine motor skills, and of course, it will depend on whether he or she is so "motivated" by Seuss, but there are other pad books (Bob the Builder, Thomas, Dora). Seuss just happened to work for my son.

UPDATE: My son has moved on to the regular pad (which utilizes both sides of a book without having to flip it over).The books are less durable so we had to re-purchase one because my son did a number on it over a couple months.At times I worry that he "stims" too much with it (i.e., repeats listening to a particular, selected sound), but this has become one of his favorite toys. ... Read more

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

Reviews (3)

repitch
I bought this for my 13 yr old grandson, but it was slow enough for my 3 yr old grandaughter, so i took the boat and flipped it over did a modification to the pitch on the propeller .... now it zooms across our pond at a reasonable speed. the rudder control is very weak but it works... battery life wasnt affected by pitch change... still a good first R/C boat for learners

Good starter boat -- good value
This is our family's second RC boat -- this one is faster and is the kids' favorite. The motor seems pretty powerful and it is a fairly fast boat, yet not too fast that my 7 year old daughter can't control it. It turns responsively and accurately and even looks good as it's cruising along.

It has a water tight battery compartment that is easy to open and close although the re-chargeable battery pack is a tight squeeze in the compartment and a little difficult to remove. It also has two ports to drain any water that may have leaked into the hull -- so far, we haven't taken on any water though.

The only disappointment is that the rechargeable battery pack is not included, which means another purchase is necessary for the battery and charger. However, we had two other 9.6 volt ni-cad batteries from RC Trucks that we use with this so we didn't have to buy any batteries. I chose this boat over the less expensive models that only used regular alkaline batteries since it's more convenient and probably cheaper in the long run to just use the rechargeable battery packs.

I'd recommend this one as a good quality, somewhat inexpensive RC boat --especially if you already have the battery pack.

Not for Adults
This remote control boat, which I received for X-Mas this year, goes about 2 inches a second. I was expecting something fun to race around the pond behind my apartment. What I got instead was a sluggish, useless, plastic toddler toy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Reading   

Editorial Review

Need a few disco lessons before heading to your school dance? This electronic dance teacher shows you all the moves so you can boogie down with the best of them. The kit includes a dance mat with colored squares and an electric screen with a matching layout that lights up and shows you where to step and what to do with your arms and hands. The Wave offers four different dance programs to learn from and offers three different skill levels so you can work your way up to expert level. A scoring system reports your progress and lets you know when you''re ready to advance to the next level. You can get down to any of the three pre-programmed songs or you can use the Dance Maker with your own music. The Wave runs on three 1.5-volt C batteries (not included). --Cristina Vaamonde ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Strange Reaction
I suspect this toy will not be extremely fun. You just try to press on the star on the mat to match which ever light flashes on the panel. The Wave Dance Maker will be put aside by kids and forgotten about. However, our daughter got a similar product called the Dance Maker 2 as a gift which seemed to go over better with kids. We thought it was awful & a piece of junk, but when her friends came over for a birthday party, they couldn't stop playing it! We were surprised. I think that because Dance Maker 2 has you compete against someone else, it was more fun for everyone. In that product both people try to copy the lights with their feet, whoever does better wins. Kids would just watch the competition and want to go next. Even parents got involved. There is no music on the Dance Maker 2, we just put some dance music on the stereo and it was fine (better than the lame music a machine like the Wave Dance Maker could produce (however when you play your own music, there's no correlation between the lights and the music) but the kids didn't seem to care. It's just a game of reflexes (matching the lights as quickly and accurately as you can). So I guess if you get anything, get the Dance Maker 2 as long as you think you have 2 or more kids who would like to play. Even dance maker 2 is pretty cheap. At the end of 3 minutes of competition, it calculates who won and flashes a light indicating who won (no score readout or anything thing like that). Honestly I can't even tell if it counts steps correctly - for all we know it randomly picks the winner. But most people didn't care, they just wanted to try and beat someone. Who would have figured! My wife almost returned the item but pulled it out when kids came over for the birthday party and it was a huge hit (we were dumbfounded). We've had people calling asking the name of it ever since, (but it seems very hard to get now - most places were out of stock around Christmas time). Either it was a hot seller or they stopped producing it because it was junk. Who knows.

This is the worse product i've ever seen
This product never work at the begin. Dont waste your money on this.

This product sucks
Do not waste your money on it. I bought this for my 5 year old and was very disappointed with it. It never worked from the start. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Electronic   

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

Reviews (8)

Ate tape within five minutes of use
I purchased this cassette recorder for my daughter's third birthday. She was excited by how colorful it was and the microphones. While she unwrapped her other gifts I placed the batteries in what should have been a screwed on compartment for the age range of the item. I placed the tape in and within five minutes of the tape playing it ate the tape. We could not get the tape out at all so I am returning this item, especially after reading a review with the same problem. I was trying to save money by purchasing this item and I guess I got what I paid for.

Constantly Tipping Over
The product is very durable.That's a good thing since it has an incredibly poorly designed base that causes the recorder to tip forward with the slightest shake or bump.The recorder sits on a tripod of legs - two out the side and one in the back that allows it to lean back a little.But it does not lean back far enough and is very front heavy, so it tips forward very easily.If you leave it on a shelf or piece of furniture, you will find it lying on the floor with the battery compartment popped open and batteries all over the place.And never put it up somewhere where it will fall on your child as it will cause injury.

My advice to potential buyers - buy something else.My advice to Little Tikes - try actually testing your products before putting them on the market.

Great concept- Poor design
We purchased this cassette recorder for our two little girls. They had so much fun with it the first few days, though it kept tipping over. When a cassette tape was inside it was heavy in the front and kept falling down. That was alright, we just laid it down on the speaker to play. It was dropped and the battery door fell off. Then just by lifting the recorder the battery door would fall off. So I went to get some tape to secure the battery door when I noticed one of the springs that holds in the battery (and supplies current) was missing. So the recorder after 4 days did not work. If the spring had not falled out it would have needed tape to keep it functional. Not a very good quality toy. I would suggest another brand. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Electronic   

Reviews (5)

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I read the comment from the other reviews and I found them to be quite interesting.I brought the LeapPad Phonics Program Book 1-10 that is what the other reviewer was talking about (this set focus on abc's, short-long vowels, consonant, etc.)...my daughter liked it but she didn't understand their concept, but once she knew her ABC's by heart (lowercase and uppercase) she was able to enjoy the bookset more. And true, true about what the other reviewer was saying, this book (I know my letters and letter sounds) is boring, boring, boring, if you want entertainment.This book is for hardcore learning and memorizing. On Leapfrog.com this book is a called a workbook.

I'm a homeschooling mom of two (3 and 4 years old).I spend big bucks on all the gears and books for all the topics from: LeapPad, art and crafts, science, history, reading, gym, math, english, stragety games, spanish, etc.... You name it I got it.Funny thing is I found the best way for my kids to learn happens to be the cheapest way...FLASHCARDS ($3 or make it yourself).With repetition and practice with an adult your kids can master the basic such as learning ABC's, #, planets name, presidents name, states, etc.

Kids can learn everything from LeapPad and other electronic learning tools, but trust me...it takes a lot longer (by then they will be considered behind by state-school standard). Hey... if it's out of your price range, your kids don't need it. PERIOD. I only buy it because I don't let my kids watch tv...except the Brady Bunch DVD if they're lucky;)

Greateducationaltoy for every kid
Our daughter is 3 years old and we baught leap pad for her b'day and this is first book which she is enjoying.She really enjoys playing with it.Good thig is she is learning all the sounds also while playing. I recommend this book for every kid.She is able to play alone without any help from us.

Boring, boring, boring.
My son loves his Leap Pad and we have bought some really good books for it, unfortunately this is not one of them.This activity book is not fun at all, and it is hardcore learning there is nothing engaging about this book.Usually my son will sit and go through a whole book, but with this one, the few times he has chosen it he has only done a page at a time.Your kids will learn from this book, but it will take a lot of time because there is nothing really to engage them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Reading   

Reviews (1)

Outstanding
When I bought the Leap Pad I thought it was a bummer because it did not come with this book although it was shown on the cover of the box. However, once I learned that this book was available I purchased it.

My just turned five year old pre-schooler has not put it down since I bought it two weeks ago. He works hours at it. Never tires. His progress has been spectacular. My wife who taught phonics for 30 years is very pleased not only with the book but the way it teachesphonics. My pre-schooler has not only learned his phonics but he is beginning to read.

I have had difficulty getting him interested in other Leap Pad learning books but not with this one. He thirsts for knowledge and this Leap Pad product has really turned him on.

I would highly recommend it for children who have already learned their alphabet and are beginning to write. The only drawback is that it way too expensive. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

No one is likely to mistake this for a pro drum kit, but for some casual messing around, it provides a pretty good time. There are five pads to whack away at, each producing a different sound (high hat, snare, tom-tom, etc.),a foot pedal-activated bass drum, plus a number of canned rhythms (rock, funk, and so on) you can turn on and off with the keypad. The sound comes out of either the tinny but serviceable speaker or the included pair of headphones. The drum stand is easily snapped together, and connecting all the various cables is a color-coded, self-explanatory affair. There are, however a couple of egregious design flaws that detract from the drum kit: There is no power adapter, so the four C batteries will need to be replaced with some regularity, and some of the pads at times fail to produce any sound at all. --David Stoesz ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Difficult for kids to use and operate
Our kids found this toy to be very difficult to operate and understand all the buttons.The noises are very muffled and it often doesn't operate properly. We've been unhappy with this purchase.

piece of crap (a blunt description but accurate)
Like the other reviewer, Santa brought this for one of my kids.It worked partially for the first hour.I say partially, because I had to turn the volume up the whole way to get any sound at all, and then it was a bit too loud.Turning the volume down any less than "all the way up" resulted in no sound at all.After the first hour it wigged out even more and my wife had to perform some kind of voodoo to get to work.Later it stopped altogether.It's not a battery problem.It's going back to the store (Toys R Us).It was a neat concept with all of the pre-programmed rhythms and tunes that kids could play along with, but unfortunately, this is one toy in which I think in trying to keep the cost of manufacturing as low as possible, the quality and durability fell below any practical minimum standard.My summary statement on this toy is that it's a piece of crap.I will say that the kid's electric guitar that Santa brought for one of my other kids seems to be pretty nice.I find myself playing with it too.Now as for the other reviewer trying to explain to his/her child about why Santa brought a broken toy, my advice is to explain that Santa "outsourced" some of the toy making to the Bangalore Toy Company and this is the result.Santa will take care of that toymaker! Okay, just kidding; nothing against outsourcing.Just thought I'd have some topical political fun...really.:-)
It was really poor design and quality control requirements provided by some idiotic American toy manufacturer at kgiproducts.com.I like Amazon, but you might want to avoid any toys from that KGI manufacturer.

Santa delivers broken toys???
Yes, Santa delivered to my 4 year old son this toy. It worked for less than 5 minutes.Then no sound, no drumrolls, no fun.The speaker still works - he can hear himself out of the microphone, but the drums and other sound effects no longer work.Now two days after Christmas and Toys-R-Us does not have these in stock and my son is asking why Santa brought him broken toys.Explain that one! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Electronic   

Reviews (18)

U can be a POP SUPERSTAR!!!
Its a Friday night, your with your two best friends in the world, but THERES NOTHING TO DO!!! Never fear, E-KARA IS HERE!! With E-kara, its karaoke fun all night long!! You can even dance and show off your moves cuz E-kara has a headset, just like a real POPSTAR!! Groove to all of your favorite karaoke tunes by stars like Britney, Christina, J.LO, Backstreet and many more.

Where are the cartridges???
I paid $80 for this and have not been able to find cartridges.I have looked everywhere and I refuse to have to pay a high price over e-bay.The next time I buy any product from this manufacturer, I'll be sure to check and see if the accessories are available.My next step is to contact the manufacturer and do some complaining.

Where to find cartridges for e-kara
I bought e-kara for my daughter for Christmas and she loves it.I haven't been able to find cartridges in the stores, either on-line or in person.Whenever I can't find anything I ALWAYS try Ebay and sure enough there are quite a few auctions featuring NEW CARTRIDGES for e-kara.As an added bonus they are offered at a great price.

After reading some of the other reviews for this product, complaining about not being able to find cartridges, I thought I'd write this review. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Electronic    2. Music   

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

Editorial Review

From Wumps to Mr. Gump to Zeds to flying kites in bed, Dr. Seuss's One Fish, Two Fish is probably one of the more well-worn books in any child's bookcase. And now 21st Century kids can move one step beyond reading this classic…to interacting with it! LeapPad's microphone-enhanced book and cartridge allows first-grade readers to practice word building, phonics, rhyming, and reading fluency, all to a musical accompaniment. This abridged version of Seuss's picture book fits into most LeapPad portable units. Youngsters use the "magic pen" to point to words and pictures to make them come to life, or to initiate games and activities, including some that allow them to hear themselves reading aloud! Kids will have so much fun, they won't even realize they're learning a thing or two! --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This book my kids LOVE!!!
My kids LOVE this book! It is so fun for them to get to record their voices on their leap pad with microphone.They loved the games on this book too!I hope leap frog comes out with more microphone enhanced books! ... Read more

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

Reviews (1)

A Camera for any Princess
This camera is great.We got it for our 4 year old to take to Disney with us and it not only took decent pictures but was very durable as she dropped it a couple of times.She loved being able to put all of the pictures with her and the princesses in the album and take to school for show and tell!!!!! Great buy for your little picture taker ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Electronic    2. Cameras   

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