If I Could Only Have Ten
Ahhh, guilt. It will get you every time. Neck deep in boxes and worrying about how I'm going to sell a house, buy a house, and get my child with special medical needs enrolled in school by mid-August, I'm still haunted by the thought, "When was the last time you wrote a Suite 101 column?" Alas, I was astonished to discover that not only did I miss the May column, but I'm coming under the wire with the June one. I apologize to my readers and to the publishers who have sent me review copies. I will, I will, I will get back to reviewing and bringing you the best of news on Children's Software across the web. Not one to air all my personal stuff in public, let if suffice to say I've experience a couple of major life changing events since February. I'm still not back on my feet. But I'm getting there. As I pack up my belongings to move 1000 miles or so due South, I've taken a good look at the ahem...accumulation of children's software in my house. I will confess, I'm taking most of it with me. I planned to give away at least half or two thirds, but have learned the hard way that the software you give away today is the software you are scrounging the web for tomorrow because your child played it at the library and he HAS to have his own copy now. Funny, when it lived in our house the same child wouldn't touch it. So....if I absolutely HAD to reduce my CD-Rom collection to *gasp* ten CD-ROMs, what would I pick?
1. KID PIX --- Any version, old or new. This is a very versatile program for a wide age range of children. It promotes creativity and artistic exploration without the worry of playdough on the ceiling or marker scribbles on freshly painted walls. (Which might be okay--if you aren't trying to sell your house in a hurry).
2. ALPHABET by Tivola ---- This one seems to get either love it or hate it reviews. I think it's brilliant. My boys, ages 4 and 7, have enjoyed it for years. It's full of fun and color and whimsy. I've said this in reviews and comments before---it is literally playing with the alphabet.
3. MY WORK by CD Garden ---- A simple and delightful program for all ages. No commercial bells and whistles. Great for children with disabilities. I play with this one often to relax.
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