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   

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 (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 (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 (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

Well-designed with lots of terrific detail, Learning Resources' Calculator Cash Register completely satisfies a young child's hunger to play with bills, coins, cash drawers, and big numbers. The chiming cash register features a built-in solar calculator as its keypad, thus allowing kids to act as bankers, shopkeepers, and accountants all at once. A large cash drawer holds life-sized bills in four denominations (1, 5, 10, and 20), and four coin holders make room for embossed plastic pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. There is even a credit card slot that dings when you correctly slide the faux VISA card through it.A suggested-activities booklet is included. Requires a 1.5V button cell battery (included) to make the chiming noise. No assembly required. Winner of awards from Dr. Toy, FamilyFun Magazine, and Oppenheim Toy Portfolio. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Solid, Great Toy
I bought this for my 2 year old daughter last year and she has played with it all year.It works well and the voice is not too annoying or loud. When you are cleaning up the money you can open the cash drawer without the voice coming on which, believe me, is a huge plus.It is a real calculator and when she presses numbers it says them out loud which is educational.And when she presses the minus key really fast over and over again, it says "Mine, Mine, Mine, Mine" which cracks us all up :)

This is the funniest toy ever
When I got this toy i played with it for such along time and still do. You only spend $29.99 on it and it is money well spent. You make the right choice if you get this toy. The age group i would say is probably 5-whenever. Let me tell you parents what when my mom and dad got this for me i lovedit and it made me happy for so long.Three words for this toy.
MONEY WELL SPENT!!!!!!!!! FUN
so you should get this toy. KNOW dont think twice get it...NOW
dont forget get the scanner and bar codes* that go with it.
*SOLD SEPARTLEY

A preschool favorite
I'm buying this toy for my son's 3rd birthday because he makes a beeline to it everytime we go to our parent-child preschool class.He usually sets up a toy phone nearby, too. I get to be the customer and bring a basket of toy food to him which he "scans" on the notepad area.It's nice when toys leave something to the imagination.He loves the play bills and coins and pretending to make change.I believe that this toy will grow with my child and still be fun for him in a few years.

I figure that if this toy has survived daily use by multiple 2-4 year olds, it will survive around our house.If it doesn't, then I will update this posting!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Pretend Play    3. Money    4. Learning    5. Math    6. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    7. Electronic    8. Preschool    9. Counting    10. Electronic Learning Aids   

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

The iQuest handheld provides a customized learning experience that revolutionizes the way students study for tests and quizzes--by making the process fun, fast, and effective. iQuest is the hip handheld that prepares students for tests in math, science, and social studies with study questions based on their textbooks. Small enough to fit in the front of a backpack, the iQuest also keeps students organized with a scheduler, address book, dictionary, and calculator. Use the Mind Station connector (sold separately) to download textbook chapter outlines and audio quiz questions onto a cartridge. Then insert that cartridge into the iQuest to learn chapter materials through two game modes: Pop Quiz, the fun beat-the-clock mode, and Chapter Challenge, a thorough review of textbook material. iQuest comes with instructions, a 4 MB reusable cartridge with 1,000 questions, and a snap-on cover/faceplate. Four AA batteries are required but not included. ... Read more

Features

• Tutorials, quizzes, and test preps
• Includes calculator, games, and removable faceplates
• Endorsed by Princeton Review
• For 5th-8th graders

Reviews (95)

Awesome
This is good for study time/study hall because if you have a big test, this would be very helpful

Good for both studying and cheating
I love the iquest!!! The only thing is a girl in my class brought hers to school than she would use the calculater to cheat. It's a nice toy but don't let your child cheat with it!

the best fun learning product ever
This product is the best, I have gotten so much smarter and have done so much better in school it is unbeliveable if you haven't bought this product yet you should!!! ... Read more

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

Reviews (3)

I was excited about this game but my kid doesn't like it.
My first grade son loves his Leapster and every other cartridge that he owns but he just doesn't like this one.I was hoping that Math Baseball would be a fun way for him to practice his beginning math skills but it hasn't turned out that way.The way the rules are re-explained is annoying for both him and me and even when you answer a problem correctly it doesn't insure that you won't hit a pop up that is caught or pitch a ball that gets hit.I guess thats the way the real world works but my son found it disillusioning and it only further contributed to his lack of interest in this game.My kid loves to learn.He loves to read.He loves to draw.We make up math games at home.I am always looking for a way to keep him stimulated but also encourage him to have a little fun.This game just didn't do it for him.

much more fun than using flashcards!
Overview (from the parent guide): Math Baseball supports number-fact drills through 12 in each of the following operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.Players select the correct answer to flash card-like equations that appear on the screen.By choosing the right answer from two answer choices as quickly as they can, players advance the game.If they click on an incorrect answer, however, their team loses the play.It's a fast-paced game that increases in speed and difficulty as players answer questions correctly and slows down with easier problems if they answer incorrectly to allow more time for mental computation.The faster they solve equations, the faster and farther the ball travels.If players answer too slowly, the opposing team might catch their ball - but if they answer quickly, players can hit a single, double, triple, or even a home run!
--
I hesitated in purchasing this game for my 4 year old daughter because it seemed to be geared more toward elementary grades.Much of it is too difficult for her, but there is one area where she has fun.The T-ball section doesn't operate on a timer so she can take as long as she needs to count baseballs or figure out easy addition or subtraction problems.

I had my 11 year old son try this cartridge to see if he thought the rest of the game was fun (even if it was too easy for him).He had fun for a little while, but after a few innings and a score of 40-0 he became bored.It also didn't take him long to realize that there are only 2 choices for answers and he has a 50/50 chance of getting the right answer without even looking at the math question.

The only real negative item that I saw with this program for children in the recommended age range is that it only saves one team and one game created by the user.If you have more than one child using this cartridge, they will be overwriting each other's saved games and teams.

Overall, I think this cartridge is a fun way for children to memorize their math tables.

Great game for getting fast at basic math.
This game is pretty brilliant.It has addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.You first choose if you want a combination or just one.Then you can choose practice or a real game. It works with kids just learning and really challenges those who want to get faster. If your up to bat the faster you answer the question determines how good you hit the ball.You answer really fast you might just hit a home run, and it you miss, then of course you strick out.When your playing out field, you determine how fast you get the other team out by how fast you answer the questions.It's very fun, and easy to learn.I didn't like how they reexplained things every time you change from out field to infield or started a new game, but then we found that if you hit I think it's the home key then you can pass that up, and your fun doesn't get interupted.I think it should also be known that this game is plenty of fun for kids from ages 6-11, and even longer if your kid just needs to strengthen their speed of their math, which coming from a High school math teacher is very important in Junior High and High School math. ... Read more

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

Reviews (6)

Great Game, but too simple for a real first grader
I bought this cartridge for my 4YO son. He loves it. The games are fun and very educational. His favorite is the "LetterPiller" game, where the child guides a little caterpillar to letters in order to form words. There is a cute show when the word is complete and the game is very forgiving of mistakes. This has really helped my son learn to keep trying. Before he got his leapster, he would get upset after making a mistake, now he doesn't care at all. There is also a bumper car math game which is a little advanced for him, but would probably be good for a 5YO. There is a "log ride" game which teaches grammer. My son really likes that one too.

While I think this is way to easy for a real first grader, it is perfect for a 4-6YO child. My 4YO absolutely adores it. So I think the game deserves 5 stars even though they got the ages wrong.

NOT WHAT I EXPECTED
MY DAUGHTER IS A FIRST GRADER AND SHE DOSE NOT LIKE IT THE CATRIDGE WHATCOMES WITH IT IS NOT EDUCATIONAL AT ALL SHE PLAYS WITH IT MORE FOR FUN I WISH THERE WAS A BETTER CHOICEIN CATRIDGES IT ISA LOTOF CASH TO SPEND AND THE CHOICE OF CAT IS POOR I THINK THE LEAP PAD IS MUCHBETTER SYSTEMSHE JUST FINDSNOT CHALLENGINGTHNAKS

great for 5-7 year olds!~
My son is in kindergarten and is enjoying his leapster!~! Along with the cartridge that comes with the leapster he also recd 1st grade! although it is not totally curriculum based he has the skills needed to use it without help!
The screen is very easy to see!! the pen is also easy! The touch screen feature is great and the directions are easy to follow!~! WE love this toy!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Math    3. Reading   

Reviews (4)

What is wrong with this thing?
We bought this V-Tech Tablet Notebook for our son (age eight) for Xmas.The thing never turned on!Put in fresh batteries, read the manual, called VTech, nothing.Amazon gladly exchanged it for another.Now, this one turns on but the screen freezes after 30 seconds of play time and then we can't get it to turn on again for hours.Very frustrating.I can say, however, that our son thought it was cool for the two minutes he got to play with it.What's wrong with this thing and why have the other "reviewers" not had this problem?

BestToyEver
I am a nine year old girl and I think this is a wonderful toy it is just like a real laptopanditis a Learning laptop.If anyone got this toy they would loveit you should get it. You can write things but if you are not in a place with light you can't see the screen. For $100 it isworth it and lots cheaper than a real laptop but just as fun. Happybuying! Oh one more word,BUYTHATTOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

VERY EDUCATIONAL
This is a very educational device. It features alot of membory organizers etc. This is exactly like a real notebook. This helped me alot. Before i used to get 85-90's. Now with this i am getting 97 and up. I learned already 2 languages already with 2 years of having this. Parents it's worth the money ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

This talking book comes with an interactive "magic pen" that works like a hand-held computer mouse pointer. Children can opt to turn the paper pages and listen to the story read with different voices for each character. Or they can interrupt the read-aloud session to play with the magic pen (permanently attached with a wire). They can point the pen tip to any word on a page and hear it pronounced, or touch a picture and hear a sound effect (such as "Strike one!" for the baseball bat). Very similar to the popular Living Books computer games, this 10-by-11-inch book is more portable than a home computer. Stories in this set include Lil's Loose Tooth, Richard Scarry's Best Word Book Ever, and Winnie the Pooh in A Sweet Good Morning. The set also includes a paper piano keyboard and map and human anatomy games.--Gail Hudson ... Read more

Reviews (398)

I would pick this over the writer's Leappad
I have both a LeapPad+Writing and regular LeapPad like this one, and I can honestly say that the extra writing feature is not worth the extra money.Stick with the LeapPad regular and get a lot of LeapPad readers.Make sure that you don't buy this if you have babies that tear things up, though.My son has all the LeapPad books, but half of them are unsalvageable because of my toddler that likes to chew on EVERYTHING.The LeapFrog customer service is awesome, though... they have replaced my books for $10 each so I don't have to go out to buy new ones!

Best Toy I have ever bought
I bought a pink and purple LeapPad for my daughter when she was three for Christmas. She is five now and still plays with it every single day. Everytime a birthday or Christmas rolls around she asks for more LeapPad books. This toy has been a godsend during car and plane trips, hotel and restaurant entertainment, and any other situation when children need to sit still.

She has learned the alphabet, numbers, spelling, and reading from countless hours on this pad. She owns several books and each get used all the time. I think this is honestly the best toy invented in a long time. She has been able to figure it out because it is well thought out for the young user. They can hit the stop button with the pen to stop it, or hit the Go button to continue each story. Each book also has games and other activities, so they are well worth the money.It is impossible for my daughter to get bored with it because each book is countless hours of reading, games, music, and excitement.

I encourage all parents of young children to buy this LeapPad. It is well worth the money. It is a toy that they will not grow out of in a short amount of time because the books range in ages.It is not only educational but very durable. Our LeapPad has been dropped countless times and is still intact.The only complaint I do have is that it tends to consume batteries quickly and you need a screw driver to take off the cover to put new ones in. Other than that, that is the only negative I have to say about the LeapPad.

Toooo sloooowww for my boy
My boy has the attention span of a 4 year old. Why? Because he is 4 years old. He has no patience for the slow pace of age-appropriate leap pad materials. The learning games are too short, too slow, and too repetitive for him. ... Read more

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

Reviews (1)

dont buy this laptop!!!!
This toy is a waist of money, dont bother with it. When I seen it I walked away. It dont play games, and it is Not a colored screen. This toy is miss leading & this biggest waist of money!!!!! ... Read more

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

Features

• Interactive talking handheld makes studying fun
• Personalized response on LCD display with graphics and sounds
• 1,000 questions, 2 game modes and 40,000-word dictionary
• Scheduler/calendar, address book and calculator

Reviews (95)

Awesome
This is good for study time/study hall because if you have a big test, this would be very helpful

Good for both studying and cheating
I love the iquest!!! The only thing is a girl in my class brought hers to school than she would use the calculater to cheat. It's a nice toy but don't let your child cheat with it!

the best fun learning product ever
This product is the best, I have gotten so much smarter and have done so much better in school it is unbeliveable if you haven't bought this product yet you should!!! ... Read more

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

Reviews (14)

Ideal baby shower gift
As a purchaser of the Money Savvy Pig for the past several years I am delighted with the new larger size and the ease at which the money can be taken out when it comes time to transfer the money to the bank or to spend on the goal that the child determined.I buy several at a time to have on hand for baby showers. Most of the other guests want to buy one for their children too.I also used them for Christmas gifts for my neighbor girls who were saving money for their summer camp. I've even had teens ask where they can get one.The Money Savvy Pig is a great tool to share with children during Teach Children to Save Week (scheduled for April 26, 2005).

Time to Pig Out
What a great gift for kids!I have 4 boys ages 1-8.They all love their pigs.In addition to helping teach them about money management and budgeting, it makes it fun to save.With the plastic pigs, you can see the money in the pig.The kids love fattening up the pig.Also, this was unintentional, but my 1 year old did a pretty good job stress testing the pig.Let's just say the pig can withstand a 1 year old pounding him on a hard wood floor.The kids love putting stickers on the pig saying what they are saving up for as well.

A Great gift to kids - Cute and Functional!
I recently ordered two Money Savvy pigs for my two young nieces. Besides for being a good tool to teach the kids about the basic family finance, Money Savvy pigs will help them to develop some important values in life, such as appreciation and being responsible. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Activity   

Editorial Review

Educational Insights brings a terrific idea to life in Math Shark, a combination skill-building tool and calculator. The shape, colors, flashing lights, and beeps--all reminiscent of a hand-held electronic game--will appeal to kids who may not otherwise be interested in practicing math. (Parents: the sound is unobtrusive, but can be turned off.) Math Shark offers eight different skill levels and seven skill groupings: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, fractions, and percentages. After every question a red or green flashing light and a corresponding beep let you know whether or not you answered correctly. If you get one wrong, the right answer flashes, and the question keeps appearing, along with any others answered incorrectly, until you get it right. After each set an encouraging comment--"You did it!" or "Way to go!"--comes up on the screen. The sets are timed, and your score, based on how long it took to answer all the questions correctly, appears at the end. When practice is done for the day, Math Shark becomes a handy calculator. Requires two AA batteries, not included. --Rachel Radway ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A Pleased Teacher
I ordered 5 math sharks for my inner city classroom.My students were having motivational issues and this really helped.I used it in centers and during indoor recess.You can turn the sound off if your student/child is using it during a quiet time.It tells the student what their score is at the end so they can keep track.My students were at different ability levels and they could choose something that was challenging for them.I did find that by the end of the year, the display was not as clear.

Great to keep in the minivan....
Our 6 yr old is enjoying this product. She needs help with getting quicker at drilling addition and subtraction and this is helping.She likes when the green light lights up to tell her she is correct.The levels are very good since my niece (8 yrs), nephew (10 yrs) and the adults have all tried it.If it's durable enough, it should last her for years as she gets to multiplication etc.She doesn't think it's FUN though - it's just something to do when she is bored.For this reason we keep it in the van.Our plan is working though because she climbs into her seat and immediately turns it on.We had it in our home for awhile but there were too many other FUN things to do besides Math! If your child enjoys challenging math facts, they will think it's fun though - our 8 yr old niece did and so do myself and my husband.

Good toy for practising math
I bought this for my 5-year old daughter. She really enjoyed using it and actually enjoyed the challenge of having to figure out the answers in the shortest time possible. The different levels of difficulty are useful so she can keep using it over the years. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Learning    3. Electronic    4. Math    5. Water Life    6. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)   

Editorial Review

This magnetic calendar is undated, so it can be reusedmonth after month, year after year. Use the month magnets to identify themonth, and then stick the magnetic numbers on the appropriate days ofthe week. Hinged panels fold out for hanging--the top half is acalendar, the bottom half is a blank white magnetic surface for storingmonth and year magnets and the colorfully illustrated "reminder"pieces. There's one for every occasion you can think of, so you'llnever miss an important date or activity--Test Day, Mother's Day,Canada Day, Kwanzaa, Go To Dentist, and so on. Consisting of 139pieces, the calendar measures 15.5 by 23 inches unfolded. --AlisonGolder ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Love this company!
I purchased this calendar for both of my girls (7 and 4).Like others, they both love this calendar and we update them together each month.The comment that I wanted to add was that soon after purchasing calendar #2, our dog chewed up several of the numbers.I attempted to repair the mangled numbers without luck.I resigned myself to the fact that daughter #2 would just have to do without numbers 28 and 14.When hanging the calendar up the other day, I noticed a toll-free number on the back for the company.When I called I found out that you can receive an complete set of all the magnets (numbers, months and holidays) for $5 an they'd ship them for free.They also included the most updated years through 2010!What a great company.

Excellent Product (A+)
I purchased this calendar for my 3 year old and both he and his sister (2 yrs. old) totally love it.Both my kids truly enjoy learning the days, months, seasons and various events (every Sunday we get together and "plan" our following week).My son loves it sooo much that now I am buying it as a birthday present for all of my son's friends and cousins (cannot beat the price !!).<br /> My only two suggestions to the manufacturer will be to make the daily squares a bit bigger and to make additional magnetic buttons available as a separate kit.<br /> This product definately gets an A+ from me !!

What A Great Idea!
I love anything with magnets and I have found the little ones in my life do as well.To have a calendar that uses magnets is wonderful.This calendar is colorful and useful.Teaches months and days and allows children to understand the time process.It is durable and the magnets stay put.That is a plus.Great idea....good product. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alphabet    2. Numbers    3. Activity    4. Arts and Crafts    5. Easels    6. Learning    7. Magnets    8. Time    9. Wood    10. Preschool    11. Reading    12. Math   

Editorial Review

Wouldn't it be great to have a personal tutor, helping you study, challenging you to excel in school, even keeping you organized? Well, say "how do you do" to your new tutor and personal assistant: the IQuest handheld! This nifty little device allows students in 5th through 8th grade to prepare for tests--and have a good time while they're at it! The expandable study system, in partnership with the Princeton Review, includes questions (and answers) based on over 260 most commonly used textbooks. Kids can quiz themselves on math, science, and social studies, look up words in the dictionary, do basic calculations with the calculator, and keep on top of their school, sports, and social agenda with address book, schedule, and notepad. There's even an anagram game! The IQuest comes with three faceplates and one 1,000-question cartridge, but additional cartridges can be purchased separately for a truly expandable learning experience. Four "AAA" batteries required (not included). --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Features

• Tutorials, quizzes, and test preps
• Includes calculator, games, and removable faceplates
• Endorsed by Princeton Review
• For 5th-8th graders

Reviews (95)

Awesome
This is good for study time/study hall because if you have a big test, this would be very helpful

Good for both studying and cheating
I love the iquest!!! The only thing is a girl in my class brought hers to school than she would use the calculater to cheat. It's a nice toy but don't let your child cheat with it!

the best fun learning product ever
This product is the best, I have gotten so much smarter and have done so much better in school it is unbeliveable if you haven't bought this product yet you should!!! ... Read more

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

Reviews (18)

Very disappointing
My step-son bought this for my daughter last year (she was five).She was so excited she couldn't wait to get it out of the box, and when I looked at all the activities I thought "wow, this is both a really great intro to a computer and a fun learning toy for her."She played with it for exactly one hour and then put it down and told me she had a headache.Since then she has tried on and off to use it, but she only gets frustrated.Reason:The screen is very tiny and the lighting of the screen is very dull which makes the child have to squint to see it.She was so disappointed she was practically in tears.I think in the year she's had it she's played with it a handful of times and always tells me she can't see it, and she gets very frustrated because the games are very interesting to her and she would really love to play them if only she could stare at the screen for longer than an hour at a time.

Come on, Mattel, I expect better than that both from you and the Barbie line.Barbie products are typically better made and more expensive than other toys, and parents buy them because their daughters are crazy for Barbie--as I was when I was a child.I don't mind being "locked-in" to buy a product line that is pricy if my daughter loves it and will use it, but this was a terrible waste of my step-son's money.With all the technology of today, and considering the size of this toy, couldn't you find some way to make the screen bigger so kids could enjoy it?

The only one who gets any use out of it is my 3 year old son who gets a kick out of Barbie's voice when he presses the buttons, but has no interest in the screen--and that's the only reason I haven't thrown it out yet.That's just sad for a Barbie product.

couldn't return it fast enough
Yuck. We didn't like it at all. We got it for our 4 1/2 year old. It's cute looking before you turn it on but that's all it's got going for it, in my opinion. The sound is awful. The screen is hard to see. And the games are way too complicated and confusing for the age it's recommended for. The child definitely needs to be able to read to use it. It was such a poor toy that we decided to just return it.

Great learning fun!
I purchased this for a 7 year old girl because she was really having problems with math.This laptop has lots of addition and subtraction with pictures for kids.This is a great product and really helps kids learn while having fun.Very durable. ... Read more

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

Features

• 019000081155
• sweet flavors
• 14.00 oz

Reviews (4)

Fun & Colorful Counting
This abacus has been loads of fun for my two year old who is just learning the counting basics.She loves to just sit and play with the beads or to count with the help of mom and dad.The wood and metal construction is very safe and durable like all Melissa and Doug toys. This will be a useful and fun learning tool for years to come.

Fun math toy
The colors are bright and the frame is thick and durable.It is a nice way to add a little fun to math.Plus since it is so well made, when my 10 month old wants to play with it I don't worry about her or the toy.

Great Learning Toy
Great for teaching the concept of 10's, adding, subtracting - in a fun way!Highly recommend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Learning    3. Math    4. Time    5. Toddler