I Spy Junior: Puppet Playhouse

Reviewed by Sara Hartman
Published by Scholastic

Age Group: Age 2 to 5
Type: Thinking Games, More Fun
Price: $20

PC version requires:
P90 MHz, Windows 95/98/2000 or later, 16MB RAM, 10MB HD, 640x480 display with 256 colors, 4x CD-ROM drive, Windows-compatible sound card

Mac version requires:
PowerPC 90 MHz, System 7.6.1 or later, 32MB RAM, 10MB HD, 640x480 display with 256 colors, 4x CD-ROM drive

Description:

Scholastic's popular I Spy books have made another successful transition to the computer! This title, I Spy Junior: Puppet Playhouse, presents challenges in early reading, early math, thinking skills and creativity. Presented in a puppet show setting, it's so much fun that little ones don't even know they are learning!

Features:

  • Four different puppet show riddles
  • Three additional activities
  • User-friendly, intuitive interface

Technical Aspects:

This title installed easily and ran without a hitch. The graphics are easily recognizable to those familiar with the I Spy books, and the audio is clear with easy-to-follow directions. The Parent's Guide is easy to use and includes information on all aspects from installation and troubleshooting to the nuances of gameplay.

The individual puppet show riddles could be played and enjoyed by hearing-impaired users, but the sound effects add much to the experience. The other games are heavily dependent on verbal directions and would not be suitable for the hearing impaired.

Report and Conclusions:

I have really enjoyed I Spy Junior: Puppet Playhouse and so have my children. It is simple enough for my three-year-old to use and enjoy, yet challenging enough for my nearly five-year-old.

Each puppet show has four screens with two puzzles for each screen, so replayability is limited. The three other activities have more lifespan, however, with the most versatile being "Make Your Own I Spy," which allows the user to create and save puppet show scenes.

I suspect that this will be a great favorite with my kids for a while, then they will set it aside for a while, then from time to time their interest will be rekindled. I would have nominated this title for a gold award were it not for the replayability issue, but even so it is a well-done and enjoyable program.




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