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arm and a leg for good software programs for the family anymore. We
find great deals on quality software online and compile them here.
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 Our
Review: We have been
thrilled with the Encarta Encyclopedia for years, and with
the 2005 edition, bowled over. Now including a new feature,
Encarta Kids, this Reference Library is dazzling, useful,
and engaging for all members of the family.
With Microsoft Encarta
Reference Library Premium 2005, parents
can feel confident that their children and teens are finding
relevant, authoritative information for their projects and general
knowledge. And, parents can of course rely on the suite as well! ... Read the full
review.
Rating A+ by EdutainingKids.com
Buy Microsoft Encarta Reference Library...
 Our
Review: The
trademark I Spy riddles and lush images come alive in I Spy
CD-ROMs, and this latest release, I Spy Fantasy, is
jam-packed with things to do and to see. Fortunately, the game is
as rich in educational value as it is rich with visual
stimuli.
Kids go on a
search for "two grapes that are loose", a question mark,
a starry face, a jar full of eyes, a scroll that's rolled, and
other such goodies, in this exciting program that exercises
children's observation and problem-solving skills. From the main
screen, children choose one of three separate adventures: Deep
Blue Sea Adventure, Blast Off Adventure, or Sand Castle Adventure.
Each area contains different screens to explore and six riddle
screens such as the ones pictured above and below. After finding
all of the objects on any given riddle screen, kids earn an
important object. Depending on the adventure area, they receive a
page from a Mermaid's Book, a key to a dungeon, or a fuel crystal
for a Space Ship. When kids, for example, find all six pages of
the Mermaid's Book, they can then search for sunken
treasure... Read the full
review.
Rating A+ by EdutainingKids.com
Buy I Spy Fantasy
 Our
Review: Zoo
Tycoon Complete
Microsoft Zoo Tycoon is
an outstanding simulation software for kids. Children can
build their very own zoo, but they use their brains as they
do. They are managers as well, and they learn quite a bit
about animals as they play.
Why do we recommend this
title? This CD-ROM strikes an excellent balance between
fun and learning. Although not explicitly educational,
this program is excellent for developing thinking skills. Expansion
packs for the game have been released since Zoo Tycoon
was first on the market. Now all of these are included in the
recently-released Microsoft Zoo Tycoon Complete. This
new title contains the original Zoo Tycoon, Dinosaur
Digs Expansion Pack, and Marine Mania Expansion Pack,
as well as some all-new content, including the new Endangered
Species Theme Pack. This is a fabulous game that kids
love!
Who is it for?
Best for children who enjoy simulation software games, ages
8-12.
Rating A+ by EdutainingKids.com
Buy Zoo Tycoon Complete Collection
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 Our
Review: Easy to use
probably best sums up the new Barbie CD-ROM, Barbie Mermaid
Adventure. Best for younger fans of the ubiquitous doll,
this computer game features undersea
mazes, pong-like games, and assorted just-for-fun
activities.
The magic
shell has lost its light, just when Barbie and her undersea
buddies are getting ready for a celebration. Legend has it
that finding three rainbow dolphins will restore the light
to the shell. Children need to help Barbie and her seahorse
friend, Samika, find the dolphins. At the same time, they
will have to invite musicians to the celebration and collect
decorations...Read our full
review.
Rating B by EdutainingKids.com
Buy Mermaid Barbie Adventure
 Our
Review: The
Lion King Classic Game Collection, a 3 CD-ROM bundle of
"classic" Lion King games, is actually a great deal.
One of our favorite children's typing programs is included: Adventures
in Typing with Timon & Pumbaa is great for kids ages 7
and up. It gets children practicing a rather crucial skill in
today's world of technological savvy. The game reinforces and
teaches the all-important finger placement rules, as well as
such things as editing mistakes and both speed and accuracy
are honed as kids play arcade-style games. Two other
just-for-fun CD-ROMs are also included: Disney's Active
Play, The Lion King II: Simba's Pride and Pumbaa's
Jungle Games.
Rating A by EdutainingKids.com
Buy Lion King Classic Collection
 Our
Review: As far as
software goes, a new Scholastic Dr. Seuss bundle of
previously-released Dr. Seuss software games is now available. This
package includes 3 Dr. Seuss programs: Dr. Seuss ABC, The Cat in
the Hat, and Green Eggs & Ham, and is entitled Adventure
Workshop Grades Preschool-1st Dr. Seuss. Each interactive
storybook features "clickable" words that are fantastic
for beginning readers--kids can try to read individual words of the
text and receive instant feedback. The software is charming for Dr.
Seuss fans. If purchased separately, families may be disappointed in
terms of the amount of content, simply because these titles were
released quite a few years ago. However, as a bundle, the package is
well worth the price.
Rating B+ by EdutainingKids.com
Buy Adventure Workshop Grades Preschool-1st...
 Our
Review:  Anyone
familiar with the Backyard series of sports simulations for
kids will be delighted with this offering: Backyard Hockey.
Those new to the exceptional series will find this latest
title a wonderful introduction. The program
features an assorted group of animated kids to choose from,
and even stars all 30 NHL teams and pro players
appearing as animated kids. Children can play a pick-up game
or work through an entire season. This is an excellent
introduction to the sport and helps children learn the value
of teamwork as well as the benefits of strategy.
Rating A by EdutainingKids.com
Buy Backyard Hockey
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Remember
that Amazon.ca has Super Saver Shipping -- free shipping on
orders of $39 Canadian and over.
New & Future Releases in Software
More
Top Choices for Software to Buy in Canada:
 Our
Review: Nancy
Drew CD-ROMs: In these detailed and engrossing mystery-adventure
software games, children ages 12 and up get the opportunity to step
into teen sleuth Nancy Drew's shoes as she investigates such things
as a disturbing theft at a museum. She interviews mysterious
characters, solves plenty of logic puzzles, and more. The latest
Nancy Drew CD-ROMs are exciting, challenging, and involving. Kids
will relish the chance to play detective.
Rating A by EdutainingKids.com
Buy Nancy Drew: The Final Scene
 Our
Review: Remember the
mini cliffhangers at the end of each and every chapter of Nancy Drew
books? They ensured young readers would keep turning the pages. This
software title, Nancy Drew Treasure in the Royal Tower, has a
similar effect, except with this fourth mystery adventure in the
Nancy Drew CD-ROM series, you won't want to stop clicking.
Players take on the role of Nancy
Drew, a teen detective determined to get to the bottom of the
mysterious happenings in an old castle in Wisconsin. She found
herself in the elegant castle with a ski vacation in mind, but a
blizzard has left her snowbound. The unusual occupants all seem to
be hiding something, but what? Time for some detective work! ...
Read our full review.
Rating A by EdutainingKids.com
Buy Nancy Drew Treasure In The Royal Tower
 Our
Review: Aimed
at children in early elementary, this program stars a courageous
young girl who sets out on imaginary adventures in outer space.
Arcade-style activities are included, but most games require some
thinking skills, incorporating sequencing, problem-solving, and
spatial relation skills. The story line is cute and the graphics are
cartoony.
Bargain price!
Rating B+ by EdutainingKids.com
Buy Starflyers Alien Space Chase
 Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing 15
Barbie As Rapunzel: A Creative Adventure
One
of our favorite one-stop online stores for Canadians is our affiliate Amazon.ca
-- we have added links to their store throughout the site. Below are
some of their better software bargains (not all of their low-priced
software is worthwhile):
-
Two fantastic
titles based on Disney/Pixar's Finding Nemo movie have been
released by THQ. Finding Nemo: Nemo's Underwater World Of...
is best for children ages 5-8 and Finding Nemo
is better for kids ages 6-9. Cute games and gorgeous graphics
are found in both titles. Fun!
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Achieve! Math & Science Grades 1-3
is a wonderfully educational
bundle of programs that focus on early math, science, and logic
skills. More than worth the price. EdutainingKids.com
recommended.
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The Sims Superstar Expansion Pack
is the latest expansion pack for The Sims, and it adds the
ability for Sims to gain fame and fortune! On sale.
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We recommend both
Pokemon Ruby
and Pokemon Sapphire
We've found exceptional deals for
refurbished computers for the kids or for the family.
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