My First LeapPad

© 2001 LeapFrog
$25, Smart Toy, My First LeapPad
Teaches: phonics, early math, early reading, colors, music shapes

CTR Review

Update for 2005: Five new titles have been added to the library, along with blue and pink color schemes. The software includes a series of four school readiness titles (reading, writing, math, and "My First Day at School.") A new My First LeapPad Desk was also announced, designed to store the book and the software, and My First LeapPad Alphabet Bus is a new edition that runs all past books, and has a built in keyboard with a version of "the wheels on the bus." Update for 2004: There are now a total library of 15 books/cartridges for My First LeapPad, and the price has dropped to $5/book New books include Dr. Suess-Wocket in My Pocket, Dr. Suess--Foot Book, Disney Princess Tales and the Wiggles. Smaller than the regular LeapPad (the books are 5 x 7 inches in size) this responsive electronic book reader is designed to be a first introduction to the world of print. After the four AA batteries are installed, you place the specially designed spiral bound book called "Leap's Big Day" in place and turn on the toy with the large "on/off" button. The story is a bland "run Spot run" style book about a Frog who lost his kite. As each page is turned, it must first be activated by touching the "GO" spot. Next, children can touch any world or picture to hear it labeled in clear speech. Each page has a "GAME" button that prompts children with structured questions ("can you find the red square?"). At review time, two additional books were available that we did not review -- Pooh's Honey Tree and Leap to the Moon. Each comes with a book and RAM cartridge. Strengths include a generous amount of content (we counted 14 activities), a durable design that can withstand daily preschool use, clear speech and portability. Additional features to note include a headphone jack. Weaknesses include the bland story of the first book, and one tester noted that the background music for each page can get a bit annoying, (volume can be adjusted). The bottom line? For $35, this toy gives you an outstanding early language, school readiness experience. See the Tag Reading System.