Shapes, Colors, Letters & Numbers (continued)

Talking Words Factory 2: Code Word Caper
Ages: 3 - 6 yrs.
LeapFrog Enterprises, $14.98

When Mr. Websley is accidentally silenced by the Silent E Machine, Leap, Lily, and Tad must journey through the Complex Word Complex to build the code words needed to return his voice. Guided only by the "Absent Professor Device," the kids learn how to build the complex words needed to solve the code and save the day. Humorous songs add to the fun and help teach the rules for advanced word building. Product Description

Picture Word Puzzles
Ages: 3 - 6 yrs.
TREND Enterprises, Inc., $3.99

The object of these card puzzles is to link three cards together to create a picture. If linked correctly, each picture becomes a three letter word illustrated by the picture. The other side of the cards offers another version: when linked correctly the three cards form a short sentence describing the picture on the card.

Chicka Chicka 1,2,3
Ages: 3 - 7 yrs.
Author: Bill Martin Jr.    Illustrator: Lois Ehlert
Simon & Schuster/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $15.95 (Hardcover)

This companion to Chicka Chicka Boom Boom covers the numbers from 1 to 100 (1 to 20 sequentially, then 20 to 100 by10’s). As in its earlier alphabetical cousin, Ehlert’s palette is brilliantly colored and her graphic layouts crisp and clever. Sharp eyes will discover that the blue dots on the trunk of the tree are changing to purple as the story (and the numbers) progress (unlike the cheery multi-colored apples which do not relate to the number sequence at all). Martin’s rhyming text bounces along energetically with only a few awkward moments.

Rockin' Reading Readiness
Ages: 3 - 7 yrs.
Kimbo Educational, $14.95 (CD)

Children learn valuable literacy concepts from these creative lyrics and energetic music. Authors Dr. Pam Schiller and RONNO team up together to offer a creative, upbeat musical approach to reading readiness.

Caillou Preschool
Ages: 3 - 7 yrs.
Brighter Child Interactive, $19.99

Join Caillou and his friends for 60 fun activities that teach letter, shape, and color recognition; alphabet order, beginning reading, critical thinking, hand-eye coordination, and creativity.

Alphabet Jam: Songs & Rhymes to Build Early Reading Skills
Ages: 3 - 8 yrs.
Rivanna Music, $15.98 (CD)

Cathy Bollinger, a singer with a pleasant musical voice, brings her songwriting talents, and experience as a trained musical therapist, to the imaginative and informative song-lessons of Alphabet Jam. The simple songs and melodies are effective; the phonetics lessons are enjoyable. On the title track Bollinger employs a Bebop style to introduce letters and phonic sounds, while the upbeat “Eddie The Elephant” is an effective tool for naming foods (that Eddie eats) that begin with the letter “E.” Elsewhere in the lyrical “Kate's Kingdom” the hard “K” sound is easily distinguished from the softer “Q,” as amply demonstrated in her song “Quack Quack.” The alphabet songs end appropriately with “The Zany Zebra Zack.” Each song is fun and easy to remember, while quietly teaching essential reading concepts. Lyrics and activity suggestions are included.

Phonics Hip-Hop featuring Ah*Choo
Ages: 3 - 8 yrs.
Sing 2 School, Inc., $13.99 (CD)

A former New York City educator, the effervescent Shawn C. Chandler, aka Ah*Choo, enlists rap and catchy hip-hop beats to teach consonants, and the sounds of short and long vowels.

Alphabet Songs
Ages: 3 - 8 yrs.
Breaking the Sounds' Barrier, Reading By Ear, $14.95 (CD)

Folk singer Jim Post has collaborated with lyricist Janet Smith Post to produce this collection of twenty-eight alphabet songs. Each letter of the alphabet has its own dedicated tune: “Never Argue With An Ant,” “Big Brown Bear,” and “Come To The Circus” illustrate the letters “A” “B,” and “C”. Post's singing is both professional and expressive; the general silliness of the songs will appeal to younger children. Two bonus songs are dedicated to the sounds “Ch” and “Th”.

Shapes & Colors
Ages: 3 - 12 yrs.
Ravensburger/USA, $9.99

See what you can match! Children learn to recognize & differentiate between colors & shapes as they play. There are 3 different versions to suit different ages, providing new challenges & lots of fun. Manufacturer's Description

LeapPad Easy Reader Phonics Program - Kit #1
Ages: 4 - 6 yrs.
LeapFrog Enterprises, $27.99

Each step of this comprehensive three-kit program brings the magic of reading to life, so your child can build the skills needed to succeed at reading! Step 1: Learn It - Includes four interactive books that teach key phonics concepts. Step 2: Practice It - Includes 12 Smart Cards and an activity board that let your child practice key phonics skills by spelling words. Step 3: Read It - "Read on My Own" book encourages your child to show off his new skills * Includes a cool poster, fun stickers and an award ribbon. Manufacturer's Description