The LeapPad is a surprisingly versatile, battery-operated unit that makes specially-designed books "come alive" with sound. Children use the attached pen to activate hotspots on the books' pages. Individual words and sentences can be read aloud, illustrations named, and some hotspots lead to activities and games.
This electronic toy gives children the empowering ability to have text read aloud whenever they need help, supporting independent learning as they refine reading skills. Kids can then expand on their learning with interactive quizzes and games. Fun sound effects and music add to the pleasure of the activities. But, learning is not limited to developing reading skills. Depending on the book inserted into the LeapPad, children learn, in an interactive fashion, about musical instruments, foreign languages, science, geography, and math.
A sampler book, entitled LeapPad Interactive Book is currently packaged with the toy. This includes sample pages from books from all four levels in the LeapPad Learning System. Story pages include find-it and spelling games, and feature Leap characters and Winnie the Pooh. Individual words can be touched with the pen to hear them read aloud, and, in Sound-It mode, some words are even sounded out. A map of the USA teaches states and capitals, distances, population, and area. Kids can test their knowledge of geography with a game of Eureka! A music spread teaches about the woodwind, brass, and percussion sections of the band, and a "paper piano" activity allows children to experiment with musical notes. Simple words and phrases can be heard in English, Spanish, French, German, and Japanese; and, older children can explore the skeletal system.
Be prepared to invest more than the initial outlay for the unit. Although the included book is fun while it lasts, you will want to purchase more books to take advantage of the LeapPad's opportunities. Not all children will return to the system time and time again, but the toy is well-supported with a full line of books for children with varied skills and interests. The LeapPad also has many features that support portability: it is rather light and slim, folds up nicely, and is equipped with earphone jacks.
Also available: the LeapPad Pro (see our review), which is designed with an older age group in mind, and My First LeapPad (see our review)--a slightly more preschooler-friendly version.
