Playhouse Disney's Stanley: Wild for Sharks!

$19.99, Win, Mac

Teaches: logic, listening, animal facts, science, counting, etc.

CTR Review

In this second Stanley program based on Disney's television show, children join up with the imaginative little boy as he prepares for his class presentation on sharks. First, kids help Stanley find and assemble the pieces of a shark model which are scattered about his bedroom. Next, children explore the house, in search of sea life fact cards. Finally, they must help Stanley locate a missing shark tooth, the culminating piece of his shark display. As children help complete these tasks, they find numerous arcade-style games to play and are treated to lots of facts (given verbally) on fish and other creatures that live in the ocean. In all, this is a pleasant little program with a nice amount of content for young preschoolers. The games, which include mazes, obstacle courses and the like, are typical fare, but very easy to play, making this CD a good choice for three- and four-year-olds. Help and prompts are thoughtfully embedded in the game play, and the clickables are wonderfully clever-- you never know what entertaining surprises will pop up next. Weaknesses of the program include occasional long transitions and no leveling; replay may be an issue for some children.