Activity Toy Reviews

All of my children, ages 4, 6, and 8 love to play with this. We use it with the Leap Pad, so keep in mind that if you have a Leap Pad already, these Quantum Pad books are compatible (you don't have to go out and buy the Quantum Pad).

My youngest likes to try to "read" the book (although it can be difficult to point the pen directly on the correct word). He is really learning about reading left to right. If you have a beginning reader that has difficulty with some of the words, the Leap Pad can "read" a word that he or she is having trouble with.

My 6 year old can read, and enjoys playing the games. She is also learning about reading comprehension (it's not enough to just READ the words--you have to understand what you're reading)and enjoys doing the quizzes that are interspersed throughout the book.

My oldest, who read the original (paperback) book a couple of years ago, also enjoys the reading comprehension and analysis, because in her 3rd grade class, they are really starting to emphasize higher-order thinking skills.

They enjoyed doing the book report (using a form that came with the book) so much that they are using the format to do book reports for other books that they read.

Maybe my kids are just geeks, but they really enjoy doing all of this, repeatedly and for long periods of time, and I do not push it AT ALL. They are really learning a lot, and I like the way that this toy appeals to all learning styles: visual, auditory, kinesthetic (touch).

They also really love the "Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System." I will be seeking out as many of these books as possible. They're great!

Using the Color Wonder Finger Paints is basically like dipping your hand in Vaseline. It's greasy, hard to wash off, and stains. I would never buy this again nor for anyone else. I strongly urge against purchasing this product. Crayola, shame on you!