Dora & Kai-lan's Pet Shelter
© 2011 2K play
Games that let you taking care of virtual animals are nothing new. But one that features Dora & Kai-lan as the caretakers brings a fun new twist to the genre. Your child can help Dora and Kai-lan perform vet checkups, bathe, feed, groom, and potty-train the animals, who do tricks for thanks. Each job is broken down, step-by-step. In order to fill a water dish, you have to draw small circles on the lower screen. To dry your pet, you blow into the microphone, or connect dots in the right order. Animals include bunnies, birds, puppies and kittens. Features include the ability to save up to three games. The microphone is also used (e.g., say hi to the new pet). Weaknesses include some excessive Dora narration and a tendency to trap you inside some of the games, but they are short so this is a minimal problem. Children can also play backyard games, dress-up the pets, and teach them tricks to earn treats, toys, and hats. Developed by Black Lantern for 2K Play.
$30, Nintendo DS
Teaches: logic, following directions, fine motor coordination
CTR Rating: 86%