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Read & Learn
This
Program is basically a storybook consisting of a number of captioned pictures with accompanying sound
samples.
Navigation through the story is easily done by clicking on large arrows at the bottom of the screen
making it easy for a child to read the story at their own pace.
To hear the story read to you, all you have to do is click on the main screen
and a sample of a lady (Helen Smith) reading the story will be played.
Helen reads the story quite well although the samples aren't of the best quality.
It would be nice if each word was highlighted as it was read, and it is
read just a little too fast for younger children but should be easily followed by an older child.
The pictures are a little basic but are very colourful and can be quite
"cartoony" when there is a lot on screen at the same time. They'll definately keep
younger children amused although some older children may find them babyish.
As for the story itself, I think that most people will know it already and will
therefore notice that it has indeed been written with the yonger child in mind.
However, in rewriting the story a little, the developers have damaged the natural
flow of the text with each new line seeming more like a statement of fact than
a sentence in a story.
Towards the end of the story, too much of the original text
is left out and the story seems to jump from location to location without any explanation
to the child reading it.
The font used to tell the story is large and clear and should present no problems.
Screenshots coming soon!!
Conclusion This program can never be as good as a child
reading a book with a parent but it makes a good reading aid which children can
use by themselves whenever there is no adult around.
The story does move too fast, but it uses simple words so the child reading it should
not get stuck and will probably follow the story quite well.
Overall, it is a nice program to have, but anyone who has seen similar storybooks on
the PC/Mac will know that this program simply doesn't compare.
Hopefully we will start to see more professional storybooks appear on the Amiga with
features such as each word being highlighted as it is read, better storylines and even
interactive animations!!
To make your comments heard about this subject (or ay other), check out the
Children's Software Forum NOW!!
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