Reviews (12)

Finding Nemo #1
This is a really Neat leap pad book!My kids LOVED the movie! And were ecstatic, to get the leap pad book.It has some entertaining games, and my kids ask to play this book alot more than others. I highly recommend this book!It has alot of FUN stuff in it.I hope your children like it as much as my 7, 6, and 3 year olds do.. :)

Like it pretty much
Pretty nice game.The illustrations do not look exactly like the characters in the movie.They are more like cartoon illustrated (see front cover-- the illustrations inside are similar).This was a little dissappointing at first. The voices are pretty good, it has some nice songs, and teaches some educational facts about the sea.My son's favorite part is the deep sea page.

grab shell dude!
Alex got this for Christmas and absolutely loves it! This is neck and neck w/Lion King as his favorite LeapPad book. The best part for the 'big people' in the house are the jellyfish game and the turtle game. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

This Storage Organizer from LeapFrog is a great way to keep your LeapPad, and all of the books that go with it, safe and sound and neatly organized. The 13-inch by 13-inch organizer is sturdy and well-designed, and has 12 pockets for storing 12 different LeapPad books, along with mesh pouches inside that will hold up to 12 cartridges. A sturdy handle makes it easy to grab and go, for LeapPad fun in the car, at school, or at a friend's house. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

doesnt hold enough
Its a nice case if u only have a few books but over a few and the books fall out and unless u are next to ur child they can not put the tape with the book.

Need space for more learning systems
This case is OK for holding the LeapPad learning system, books and cartridges, but it does not stay open by itself, and my not-quite 4 year old son can't hold both sides down to keep it open. We used it with his My First LeapPad, as well, and the spine has not softened up with age as we had hoped. He also has a PowerTouch and a Leapster, and I would be interested to know if anyone has found a solution to storing multiple leaning systems in one case. We spend a lot of weekends traveling to grandparent's house, and it would be nice to have one tote for all of the systems. We currently store the Leapster in an old cassette tape case, and the PowerTouch is in an old diaper bag.

Great organizer!
I bought this for my two-year-old daughter and I love it!I bought the backpack first, but it isn't nearly as sturdy as this, and it holds a lot less.This item is well made and it's a great way to store leap pad books and cartridges.The organizer sits on a toy shelf in my daughter's playroom, and I get it down for her when she wants to play with it.This case is too big and too heavy for a little one to carry.If you're looking for something compact that your young child can manage, this is not the item you want - the backpack would be better suited for that purpose.This item functions as a storage unit and keeps everything tidy and safe! ... Read more

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

Reviews (29)

Future American Idol!
My kids adore this machine!Not only does it go through all the ABC's, shapes, and favorite songs, but it gives them a chance to sing to the music too.They love the microphone effect.Make sure you stock up on batteries!My kids run them out because they use it all the time.I would definately invest in some earplugs if you don't like listening to all that music.I find it very cute when my kids go around singing those songs, though.

Leapfrog does it again.....
We bought this toy for my daughter's 2nd birthday and she loves it.I have had no problems with this toy at all.This has a volume feature and my daughter loves singing into the microphone.The songs this plays are great too!All in all, leapfrog has done it again with another great toy.

My daughter couldn't hear herself sing.
The volume for the microphone is so low that it is hard to hear the child singing.Also the microphone cord when moved causes static and if the mic is too close to the speaker it will cause high pitch noices. Lastly the voice comes out sounding muttled and that is not when I was using the voice effect. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Learning    3. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    4. Electronic    5. Math    6. Alphabet    7. Music    8. Activity    9. Musical    10. Counting   

Editorial Review

Baby Tad is a wonderful interactive toy that makes early learning fun andeasy. Baby Tad (short for tadpole) helps your preschooler learn shapes, colors, activities,and songs. When your little one presses a colored light-up button, Tad identifies the colorand shape indicated on the button. With his cheerful demeanor and infectious laugh, Tadoffers support and encouragement and will quickly become a close and trusted friend.Besides various greetings,a squeeze of Tad's hand brings forth favorite children's songs, sung in a squeaky, high-pitched voice. --Alison Golder ... Read more

Reviews (409)

Difficult to push buttons, turns off quickly
My 10-month old daughter always smiles when I bring out Baby Tad, but in my opinion the toy is not very well designed for babies. The buttons, embedded in fabric, are really hard for her to push. After a few seconds of not having any buttons pushed, Baby Tad turns off automatically, bringing a quick end to playtime unless I'm sitting there with her pushing the buttons. Could have been a great toy, but I think they missed the boat.

Baby Tad
I gave my granddaughter this toy on her first birthday, hoping it was not too young for her Every time I have seen her, she has been playing with it.She is 22 months and this time she started singing songs from it (unbeknownst to me).When I started singing with her, she brought it over and we sang every song together.What a perfect toy - colors, shapes, songs!

cute and playful but not for a 6 month old
My son learned to love this toy when he was about a 14 months old. It's a cute and now he enjoys it for about 5-10 minutes, but that's about it. The 6 month age suggestion is way too young! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Nursery    2. Crib Toys    3. Stuffed Toys    4. Electronic Learning Aids    5. Writing    6. Counting    7. Learning    8. Electronic    9. Reading    10. Phonics    11. Musical    12. Teaching Toys    13. Baby and Infant    14. Toddler    15. Activity    16. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    17. Preschool    18. Music   

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

Leap sets off to deliver invitations to the music recital but getsdistracted along the way in this engaging, interactive storybook designed to introduce basic math concepts to preschoolers. Set the book in the LeapPad(sold separately), and tap Go with the magic pen to hear the story. Optionalmath games on each page allow children to help Leap solve simple math problemsthat involve number and shape recognition, counting from 1 to 10, sorting andclassifying, and sequence and pattern formation. In the end, of course, theinvitations are delivered and the recital is a success. The final pages areparticularly fun: kids can tap the six individual instruments to hear them playalone, or tap the conductor to hear how all six parts come together to make asong. Like all LeapPad books, this one features excellent sound quality,pleasant narrative voices, fun sound effects, and adjustable volume settings.--Elisabeth Fredrickson, mother of three and former English teacher ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Not as much fun as...
the other LeapFrog books.I'm sure it has a lot to do that this book revolves around mathamatics, instead of Toy Story or Scooby Doo!All things considered, the only time we use this book is when I "make" my kids use it before they can play with the more entertaining, tv-like books.However, it is educational once they get involved.

I give 3 stars for durability, as I will for all Leap Books, only because the book does not provide storage for the cartridge. It sure would be nice if the books had small plastic sleeves for the related cartridge. We have a number of books and keeping the books and cartridges together are a little tough. The chances of losing the small cartridges will keep my durability rating lower than 5.

Also, the 3 stars for durability is related to a design "flaw". The wire from the pen and the bottom of the book are constant fighting for space. To turn the page, without possibly bending the page, requires you to hold the wire down so it doesn't interfere with the page. Easy enough for an adult to do, however my 5 year old doesn't remember to hold the wire down all the time. 50% of all of our pages have creases in the bottom of the pages...all in the same spot!

Age range should be younger
I think a more appropriate age range for this book is from 3 - 5. My 4 1/2 year old is now working with numbers up to 20+.This book would have been better for her a year ago.

Good Educational toy
This is a good educational toy, but my daughter is too impatient and does not want to listen to all of the instructions for the games.I would also suggest getting a box to put all cartridges and books in so that they can all stay together. ... Read more

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

Reviews (344)

Wow! My daughter loves her ABC's!
My daughter received this as a gift when she was too young (24 months old) for it.I held it off to the side for 6 months & then finally decided to give it to her right before she started preschool.

She loves to sing her ABC's now.The Fridge Phonics set reinforces the letter she is learning in school.We bought her a carry case for the letters & fridge magnet.She will carry it around & change the letter whenever she's in the mood.

I think this is one of the best educational toys out there for the alphabet.It tells the child the name of the letter, the sound(s) it makes & a few words.

Great learning toy
We have had this on our fridge for about 5 weeks now and my grandson loves to play with it, he now says the sounds before the little machine tells you the sound.

It is made very sturdy as my grandson has already had the peices thrown all over the place and the little machine too and there is no sign of any hard play with it, it still looks brand new.

Great, and durable toy
My 3 kids all love this, they can sing along with it and change letters so keeps them entertained.
One of them threw it in a sink full of water and it still works even after non stop singing for days!! ... Read more

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

Reviews (7)

Books for kids
My daughter loves her leapPad books, and i'll bet your 2, or 3 year old will too.Kids can click on pages in the books, and the items on the page tell a story, make a sound, and generally engage your child in active learning of letters, words, and colors.
Very educational, very cute.

My four-year old daughter enjoyed it...
...but it wasn't one of her favorites.It more or less introduces kids to a number of nursery rhymes, teaching them some reading, singing and rhyming skills.Nevertheless, with regards to learning these three skills, my daughter much preferred the "There's a Wocket in My Pocket" My First LeapPad Book.This latter book is based on the work of Dr. Seuss, who is still the master when it comes to entertaining kids as you educate them about reading and rhyming.

Best book of the My first Leap Pad series
My daughter takes speech therapy and one of the things they work on is rhyming. She just could not seem to get this concept down. I was at Toys R Us and since she loves her My First Leap Pad so much I was going to get her a new book. I saw this one and thought we will give it a try. By that afternoon something had clicked and she understand how to rhyme! It is now 6 months later and this is both hers and my favorite of the books that are out there for this system. I would have to say that I prefer the Leap books over the character books such as Dora and Disney Princess they just don't seem to be as interesting or educational. If you are going to add to your Leap Pad library this is a must! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

"Rut-roh!" There's nothing more frightening to Scooby-Doo than losing his munchies. Kids can help him and his human companions figure out a culinary mystery using LeapPad's multisensory, experiential learning interface. In Scooby-Doo and the Disappearing Donuts, kids see, hear, say, and touch throughout the book, making it easier to retain and enhance oral, vocabulary, and phonics skills while developing concrete reading-comprehension skills.

It's simple to use (just insert the cartridge and book into a LeapPad, and use the attached stylus to hear information), but this system is an innovative technology that provides entertaining, effective learning, designed by a Stanford-trained reading expert. As well, the system has been credited with the TMA's Educational Toy of the Year and People's Choice awards.

Two notes: Make sure the LeapPad book you get is appropriate for the child's educational level; this one should be a challenge for kids up to age 6. As well, know that some LeapBooks work on both LeapPad and LeapPad Pro, like this one, but some books only work with one system. --Diane Beall ... Read more

Reviews (18)

love that leap pad
Alex got this for his birthday and it was the ONLY thing he wanted to pay with for the rest of the day!

Lots of fun..
My 2 kids love just about every LeapFrog book that we've purchased.This particular Scooby Doo story is a lot of fun and the games that are included in the book keep the kids attention.

I give 3 stars for durability, as I will for all Leap Books, only because the book does not provide storage for the cartridge. It sure would be nice if the books had small plastic sleeves for the related cartridge. We have a number of books and keeping the books and cartridges together are a little tough. The chances of losing the small cartridges will keep my durability rating lower than 5.

Also, the 3 stars for durability is related to a design "flaw". The wire from the pen and the bottom of the book are constant fighting for space. To turn the page, without possibly bending the page, requires you to hold the wire down so it doesn't interfere with the page. Easy enough for an adult to do, however my 5 year old doesn't remember to hold the wire down all the time. 50% of all of our pages have creases in the bottom of the pages...all in the same spot!

another winner
The best part about this was that Uncle J was paying more attention to it than A - he said he just wanted to know how it ended. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

With all the high-tech electronic toys available for kids today, it would seem that the basics would be long forgotten. However, often the classic toys are the ones children want to play with the most. This classic block set includes 50 solid wood 1-inch-square blocks that are ideal for stacking or building. Two sides of each block feature carved letters or numbers in bright primary colors for teaching the alphabet or counting during play. The other four sides feature stamped letters, numbers, or pictures for additional practice in identification. Blocks come in a hard plastic storage case with a cord handle for easily transporting to Grandma’s house. This block set will most likely become the most used toy in the playroom. --Cristina Vaamonde ... Read more

Reviews (13)

These are the good kind
All alphabet blocks are good, but these are much better than the Imaginarium brand ones.The MYKIDS brand blocks are good too, but the color contrast is better on these.The most crucial characteristic is that a block has different letters on opposite sides, so you have at least two of each letter.There are a lot of words you can't spell when you only have one of most letters, and even if you have enough sets of blocks to compensate, it's still unnecessarily many blocks to look through.And if you aren't spelling words yet, there's still the same-versus-different play, which is sabotaged when you don't have any same.Then there's the spatial-skills aspect: if you turn the H block one way you get the 8, another way you get the U, and so on.These have it right on all criteria.

Very Classic
I love these blocks and they are actually going to be a decorating peice for our baby's room as well.I don't understand the complaints about how the pictures don't correspond.They never have.This set of blocks is the same as it always has been.If you want the letter to correspond buy some flash cards.I can't wait to play with these with my baby.

Toxic
I bought these blocks for my child. She licked them and the colors came off. I think they should develop a saliva-proof coloring for their blocks. Also, the licking caused my child to be mocked in kindergarden due to the strange colors of her tongue. This tramatic experience has left her and our family scarred for life. I hate blocks. I'll buy more tomorrow. Good bye. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Learning    3. Construction    4. Blocks    5. Wood    6. Toddler    7. Activity    8. Shape Sorting    9. Building Sets    10. Puzzles   

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   

Editorial Review

Little ones with a knack for building and creative play will be drawn tothese lightweight and durable cardboard building blocks. A staple item in many preschools, this set can spark endless imaginative play as children buildlarge, life-size structures. Builders practice mathematical skills as they addthe number of blocks stacked on top of each other, and the various-sized blockscan facilitate a conceptual understanding of fractions. When kids aredevelopmentally ready, parents can encourage them to discover that one large redblock is the same size as two medium yellow blocks or four small blue blocks.Made from 50 percent recycled cardboard, the blocks have a smooth, water-resistant coating that's easy to clean. These blocks won a Parents' ChoiceClassic Award and a Dr. Toy Classic Award. One word of caution: Make surethere's enough storage space to hold all 40 blocks once assembled. --LaurenBernard, mother and elementary school teacher ... Read more

Features

• Durable cardboard construction
• Water-resistant coating

Reviews (19)

Large blocks are best
These are great, durable, fun cardboard blocks for your kids to build structures they can play in (for example, mine like to build walls under tables to make a fort or "rabbit hole" while they pretend they are rabbits, or they build towers around each other which they then love to crash down on their heads.)I like them because they are a nice physical toy that encourages the imagination.They are strong enough for kids to stand on (although I don't encourage it because they will weaken over time) and light enough that they aren't hurt if the blocks fall on them.And kids learn some spatial, balance, and construction concepts as well. Warning: assembly required, and you should take care when assembling to make sure you get them right (don't bend the cardboard in the wrong place or you will weaken them).Also,the best blocks are the larger red ones.The yellow ones are much harder to build with (no stability for height) and the blue (brick-sized) ones are nearly useless.I'm buying more of the red only, and I expect I will actually throw out the blue and yellow ones since they take up storage room but are pretty much useless.These blocks are expensive if you are going to buy enough of them. I recommend that your kids will need at least 30 red ones to really build things that they can play in (even building in an open-space brick-saving fashion)... and that gets costly.They can be stacked awayin a 2x3x4 area... it's helpful to cordon off a section of your room or have a big storage box that helps your kids figure out how to put them away.5 stars for fun and child development, but I only gave 4 stars due to the expense and useless smaller blocks included.

Long lasting
These blocks have been in our church nursery for forty years! I played with these blocks when I was a child and now I am ordering new ones the all the children to enjoy for another forty years!

What They Don't Tell You
I ordered these blocks for my great nephews for Christmas and when they arrived I was very disappointed to see that they required putting the blocks together.No where in the marketing material does it indicate that "assembly is required" for the indivual blocks.

I would never give a gift that requires this kind of assembly.I find the material to be misleading [...]. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Blocks    3. Preschool    4. Learning    5. Baby and Infant    6. Toddler    7. Activity    8. Shape Sorting   

Reviews (22)

To The Recue...From Boredom!
This is one of my daughter's favorite My First Leappad books.The story is fairly simple.Dora and Boots find a lost baby blue bird and precede to return it to its mother.My daughter really enjoys the story, though.The book is very colorful and there are a lot of activities that would interest a toddler, especially music from the show.If you're only going to get a few of the My First Leappad books, I would put this one at the top of your list, especially if you're child likes Dora The Explorer.

Teaches young kids
Dora is a hit in my household.If your child enjoys Dora, you won't be disappointed in this fun little book.This book teaches lots of vocabulary both English and Spanish.It's a fun book for little kids.My younger brother loved this book a lot; I hope you will like it to.

Can you say kept them entertained
Well that is what dora the explorer does for my kids. as well as teach them to distinguish lengths (longer than, and SHorter than) Shorter and taller. it is a great book. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

What's really cute? A kid that can pronounce tough words with confidence and finesse. LeapPad's multisensory, experiential interface allows a child to do just that. With The Day Leap Ate Olives, kids see, hear, say, and touch throughout the book, making it easier to retain and enhance oral, vocabulary, and phonics skills while distinguishing between consonants and vowels. Leap and his friends help kids to identify, comprehend, and pronounce new and old words correctly.

It's simple to use (just insert the cartridge and book into a LeapPad, and use the attached stylus to hear information), but this system is an innovative technology that provides entertaining, effective learning, designed by a Stanford-trained reading expert. As well, the system has been credited with the TMA's Educational Toy of the Year and People's Choice awards.

Two notes: Make sure the LeapPad book you get is appropriate for the child's educational level; this one should be a challenge for kids up to age 6. As well, know that some LeapBooks work on both LeapPad and LeapPad Pro, like this one, but some books only work with one system. --Diane Beall ... Read more

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

Features

• Colorful graphics
• Excellent sound quality
• Friendly, encouraging voices
• 10 activities
• 190 lessons

Reviews (6)

A little tough for younger kids
Like others have said, the main object of this book is to find the hidden clues to unlock the safe at the end with the birthday present inside.Some of the clues are really tough for the younger kids.I would say that is book is more appropriate for kids in first grade and up.Finding the clues is really easy if you can figure out the secret (the little bug, Eddison, tells you exactly where to look for the clue on each page) plus the clues are given in order on the page with the safe.Like I said, it is a bit complicated for a child in pre-school or possibly Kindergarten, but it is educational.

Tasks dont make sense
This leap pad book requires kids to find a secret unlabeled spot on the page to get a clue which is just a number they are told on each page. At the end they have to press the numbers in sequence to unlock a safe holding a birthday gift. Both having to press "who knows where" on the page to be told a number, and to then have to remember them all, seems terribly strange. My daughter doesn't bother with any of it. I do not recommend this book at all.

Great Fun...with one reservation
I'm a big fan of the Leap Pad products - and my son loves every Leap Pad book we've bought so far, including this one. We have great fun playing the games on each and every page. However, neither he nor I have been able to solve the big master surprise - and I've heard from severl friends (one who actually IS a rocket scientist) andthey haven't been able to reveal all of the clues either.So while the book as a whole is still fun and educational, the missing ultimate resolution is a bit frustrating. ... Read more

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

Reviews (10)

Excellent Learning Toy
This toy is excellent.my daughter is 2 and she loves this toy.She can pick out the letter it asks and then she waits for the reward sounds from the toy.She knows all her ABC's by sight and sound!I give these leapfrog toys most of the credit!Thank you leapfrog..

excellent gift
I purchased this gift for my nephew.What a joy it is to watch him learn and play.He was so excited when he first started to use it, and after a year, he continues to reach for it.Let the child be the judge.He says 5 stars.

LOVE IT!LOVE IT!!
I bought this for my son's 3rd birthday.He is now almost 3 1/2 and still loves it.He can recognize all of the letters and knows most of the sounds that go with the letters.This is a great toy to take on trips in the car because there are so many things to do with it~identify letters, sounds, play games, spell words, and music.Leap Frog is a brand that we have never gone wrong with! ... Read more

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

Reviews (6)

Great Learning Puzzle!!!
Definitely a must buy!!!!My two year old learned her right hand from her left hand by using this puzzle.Not only does she understand the concept of counting from 1 to 10, but she also understands that each finger on each hand is different from the other.This puzzle teaches spacial concepts, counting, colors, and coordination.I wish there were more puzzles like this one. If anyone knows of any, please contact me through Amazon.

chrischem

Great Puzzle
My little boy loves puzzles, and this is probably his favorite one. And I like that it's so sturdy and will be able to be passed down to his sister!

Excellent for persistent little ones!!!
My little girl received this puzzle along with two other ones on her second birthday. I thought it would be a little too advanced for her but it turned out to be her favorite one!She showed me that with persistence little hands can achieve great things.She is two and half now and she still loves this puzzle, whether it is to count the objects on each finger or to learn the names of the fingers it keeps her busy each time she picks it up. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Toddler    2. Activity    3. Preschool    4. Learning    5. Puzzles    6. Math    7. Wood    8. Pegged   

Editorial Review

This classic first set of blocks in a handy pull wagon is onetoy that won't end up at a yard sale. Three toys in one, the AlphabetBlock wagon encourages toddlers and preschoolers to use the wagon as apull toy to test balance and stride, use the wooden blocks to learnletters, and use their imagination to build any number of wonderfulstructures. Each of the 30 colorful blocks features carved letters ontwo sides, and a simple lowercase symbol and line drawing on theothers. Nontoxic and 1.25 inches square, they are a perfect fitfor little hands. The 9-by-7-inch wooden wagon has four smooth orangeplastic wheels and a short pull rope to help kids maneuver blocks to anew construction site. --Deb Oroszlan ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Terrible buy
The quality of these blocks are really sub-standard, I think.I thought the fact that they came in a wagon was cute, so I got them for my son, but I didn't realize that they were so small.A few days after they arrived I saw exactly what I should've got at Walmart.No wagon, but bigger and much sturdier blocks.Take my advice, don't buy these!

Horrible Quality!!!
I ordered 12 of these toys and the quality was just horrible!Some people complained about the paint fading fast. . . how about - some of my blocks didn't even come painted!!! Yeah, terrible quality control.Also, I did experience some problems with splintering as I carefully examined each piece.Out of all of the blocks in one wagon, I can honestly say that on average only 2 to 4 were in perfect condition. . . that's pretty bad considering that I have ordered 12!You're almost better off going to Home Depot and buying some wood and paint to make them yourself; I'm sure those will last longer. Unfortunately, I can't even rate this product for fun - since my god son and his friends never even got a chance to play with the toy. . .

Totally unsatisfied with the quality
I never wrote a review of a product that I bought via Amazon before, but I just had to write in about this one.

I remember these wooden blocks from when I was a young girl, and loved them. When I saw them at Amazon I bought them for my 15 month old grandson.

When we opened the package and took the blocks out, there were two major problems.

1. I got a splinter from a block.
2. One of the blocks BROKE!

These blocks are not of the same quality of the alphabet blocks of old. The toy went right into the garbage. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Blocks    3. Wood    4. Alphabet    5. Preschool    6. Learning    7. Baby and Infant    8. Toddler    9. Activity    10. Shape Sorting   

Editorial Review

Made just for toddlers, My First LeapPad Book takes care to encourageprereading skills while giving tots a simple, interesting story that makeslearning to read a fun first experience. Just stick the included book chip intoyour child's LeapPad, put the book in place, and the LeapPad takes care of therest.

Leap himself is the main character in this story, adding even moreappeal to young readers as he explores the galaxy with his friends. As he goeson his quest, kids learn to comprehend the story's overall meaning, understandspecific events, and practice their listening skills. In addition, this bookintroduces primary math skills--like numbers, counting, and basic geometricshapes. It even sneaks in a bit of deductive logic, emotional exploration, colorrecognition, object matching, and positions (up, down, in, between, etc.). Flipthe book over and there's more fun: over 30 activities and 4 sing-along songs.Note: The book works only with the My First LeapPad Learning System, not moreadvanced LeapPad systems. --Diane Beall ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great
My kids love and enjoy My first leap frog books. This book is great for learning numbers and number recognition.

not as good
My daughter has 6 leappad books - this is the only one she doesn't like.I am not sure why, but it just isn't as good as the rest!

Not the best My First Leappad book
Our 3 year old does not like this book very much.Colors and shapes are too small.And there is too much other information around those items to make it clear that that is what they are supposed to be learning.It says it is supposed to teach numbers, but it only goes up to 5.If I had to do it over again I would have purchased another Leappad book instead of this one. ... Read more

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

Reviews (10)

My daughter can't get enough of this book...
Since the first time she visited a bookstore, my daughter fell in love with Thomas the Train.So we picked up this story book and cartridge for her.She was pretty excited and couldn't wait to try it you.She wasn't disappointed.Neither were my wife and I.It has helped my daughter with her reading, her phonics, and her pronounciation of words.

Our son loves this book!
Our son got this book last year for Christmas from his grandparents and he has played with this book the most of all the other My First Leap Pad books!
A great choice at our house!

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. ... Read more

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