Leap Frog Tag Junior

Leap Frog make so many cool things for kids!  We have been introduced to another of their products, thanks to being Toyologists. Freddy has been sent the Tag Junior and I am officially impressed! Using amazing optical technology, it encourages toddlers' to develop a love of books and introduces pre-school skills through playful book-based activities.

Designed for kids aged 2-4, the Tag Junior reading system brings board books magically to life with fun sounds and activities.  The 'Book Pal' is a cute, little character, which is chunky and easy to hold in little hands.  As it is placed on the specially printed pages of the Tag Junior books, the words on the page are spoken aloud, and characters speak to your little one.  It works on both words and pictures which is great for inquisitive toddlers, encouraging them to explore. You can even program it to say your child's name (from a list of 1900 names online).  Freddy has started talking back to his book pal when it speaks to him!

Each book focuses on an early learning skill such as counting, social play or letter recognition.  The talking pal allows the toddler to take charge of the experience, to hear the sounds from the characters and objects on the pages. Some pictures lead to open ended questions making the Tag Junior really interactive. It works using a tiny optical scanner... I haven't got a clue how it does it. but it is very clever!

Perfect for little hands.

Up to five books can be stored on the book pal so children can go from one downloaded book to another.  One book is included "If I Were..." which is about animals and has a lovely rhyming text that Freddy really enjoyed.  We were also sent four other titles Cars 2 World Adventure, Thomas and Friends Best Friends, Toy Story 3 To Imagination and Beyond and ABC Animal Orchestra.  It's good to see so many favourite children's characters in the choices of book available. Each one has lots of different sound effects and audio responses.  They are a lot of fun!

Plenty of favourite characters.

To use Tag Junior you need a PC with the internet to download the audio to the book pal. Connecting cable is included.  It was very straightforward to do with clear online instructions.  The book pal requires 2 AAA batteries which aren't included.

I really liked the fact that the reading voice had a British accent, rather than an American one which means that Freddy won't be picking up an L.A. twang from playing with his Tag Junior.

Overall, I am really impressed with this educational toy.  It has awakened Freddy's interest in books and has really engaged him.  The audio responses and learning activities are really extensive.  Freddy particularly likes the Toy Story 3 book which is a lovely story about Bonnie and her toys. I love that it talks to Freddy by name, it is a nice touch personalising the experience. Although at the moment he still makes the book pal repeat one sound over and over again, reminding me of a stuck record, he is beginning to understand the interactive elements of the toy and is choosing to play with it regularly.  For a toddler who would rather be throwing or kicking balls around the garden, this interest in books is really encouraging.  He has given the Tag Junior a thorough toddler testing and it is withstanding his playing perfectly!

This is not a replacement for parents reading stories to their children.  Nothing beats snuggling up at bedtime with a favourite storybook.  Instead, it is a really fun way for pre-schoolers to enjoy books independently with the help of their Tag Junior Book Pal. Priced at £29.99 for the Tag Junior and £9.99 for the software from Toys R Us, it is a great way to introduce reading and electronic learning to toddlers.  I personally think it is a nice blend, combining the traditional with the ultra modern.  I will definitely be adding to his software library!

Leap Frog Tag Junior

Find Leap Frog products at www.toysrus.co.uk.

Good Books for Tough Times

As a parent there are times when you have to discuss things with your children that make you feel awkward, uncomfortable or just plain inadequate.  The death of a pet, losing a grandparent, divorce or parental depression are realities that affect our children.  There are situations that young people find themselves in that can make them feel alone and afraid.

A children's charity has recognised the value of reading relevant storybooks during hard times, to help children cope with difficult feelings or situations such as bereavement, bullying or family break-ups, and has launched a new independent guide to recommend relevant material.  Partnership for Children's Good Books for Tough Times has been sent to 23,000 primary schools, 3500 libraries and is available free online for parents.  The guide will help parents, teachers and librarians find the right books to help children going through difficult circumstances.  It can help children deal with anxiety and give them a sense of perspective.  Reading a story about someone who has gone through a similar experience and come through it, is a real source of comfort to a child.  The promotion of mental and emotional wellbeing for life is the aim of this charity, and if children can find comfort through reading and be encouraged to speak out if they are anxious, then it is a positive step in the right direction.

Michael Morpurgo said "Reading is probably the best therapy there is, other than talking to Mum or Dad."

The latest edition of the guide (following on from an earlier version for 5-8 year olds)  focuses on the 9-12 age group and recommends 59 books.  The guide is divided into the following topics:

• Friendship and Difference
• Bullying
• Family Issues
• Bereavement
• Coming of Age

David Walliams's "The Boy in the Dress" is featured and shows, in an entertaining way, that it is OK to be different.  It celebrates the right of everyone to be themselves!

Roald Dahl's "Matilda" will hearten any child being bullied and give them confidence and hope.

Jacqueline Wilson's "The Illustrated Mum" deals with mental illness in the family.  The story tells of sisters dealing with a manic depressive, single parent mother.

Suzanne LaFleur's "Love, Aubrey" is a beautifully written novel about bereavement,  loss, understanding, forgiveness and ultimately hope.  

Kelli Dunham's "The Boys'/Girls' Body Book" gives clear factual information on growing up, bodily changes, emotional problems and stressful situations.  It is presented in a friendly, reassuring, non-patronising way.

The "Harry Potter" series is also recommended as books dealing with friendship, bereavement, growing up, loneliness and loss.

The list is available free of charge online  here.  There is lots of information and advice on the site.  So whether your child is an independent reader or if you snuggle up to read together, you will find entertaining, enjoyable reviews with suggestions that might just help your child through a hard time.