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Edutaining Kids
.COM
Parents' Guide to Children's Products for Fun & Learning
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Edutaining Kids
.COM
Parents' Guide to Children's Products for Fun & Learning
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Top
Pick. Ollo is, quite simply, a ball of clay with eyes. But he's
adorable nonetheless, and kids love him as he earnestly makes his
way through Sunny Valley in this all-new software title for
preschoolers. 
What
sets this title apart from others on the market is its
educationally valuable mini-games that are incorporated seamlessly
into the adventure; its controlled story line that is divided into
chapters with clear goals; and its earnest, responsible messages.
Helping out is an important theme of the game, and chances to
learn and explore counting, sorting, color recognition, and more,
abound. The story is charming and sweet, and the rewards for
success are appropriate. Children who enjoy goal-driven software
programs, such as Junior Adventures starring Putt-Putt and Freddi
Fish, will find lots to love in Ollo in the Sunny Valley Fair. 
Some
of the challenges that kids uncover through the adventure include
finding items for Rose that will help her grow her tomato,
rebuilding a nest for a bird, planting flowers in special order in
the garden, and fixing a stove for Ollo's baker friend. Children
earn parts for a marble game as they move through the story, play
mini-games that reinforce academic basics, and learn to think
ahead as they perform various tasks in Sunny Valley. The program
features beautiful locales for kids to explore. A narrator tells
the story as it unfolds, and closed captioning is available. 
