Itza Zoo is a PC game where first-time readers can draw their own animals that live in a zoo exhibit. The reader's animal comes to life and is asked to help solve various challenges involving reading and recognizing words and phrases. If the child doesn't know the word, he can mouse over it, and the word will be read out loud. If she increases her vocabulary, mini-games like the Visit Challenges offer more difficult words and time limits. Parents gave the game high marks for educational value, messages and role models throughout the game.
The Tag Reading system was developed by the makers of LeapPad and Leapster. The Tag Reading system is a portable electronic reader equipped with a pen that "reads" over words on the specially made Tag books. Tag books have colorful pictures, words and phrases, along with seek-and-find instructions. Some Tag books have popular characters such as SpongeBob and Kung Fu Panda. The Tag Reading system can hold up to five books in its memory and requires AA batteries for operation.
Read With Me DVD is an interactive DVD system that comes with a large, colorful remote control. First-time readers use the remote to make the right word and object selections in order to advance the story. Each book comes with over 100 different activities and options. Familiar characters like Barney and Thomas the Tank Engine are featured. As first-time readers develop their skills, they can pick options to have the stories read to them or even read the stories aloud while watching the DVD.
iPhones and iPods aren't left out of the first-time reader's platform choices. Mobile applications like Wheels on the Bus allow them to learn the classic song by clapping along with the words. The Wheels on the Bus app also translates the song in multiple languages. There are eight pages of interactive hotspots, such as making the bus windshield wipers operate by sliding fingers across it.