STORYBOOK WEAVER

Reviewed By: Carole Stewart McDonnell
VOLUNTEER GUEST REVIEWER

GAME TECH INFO

Computer Platform: PC
Produced by: Softkey Mecc
Price Range: $9-35
Learning curve time: 30 min.
Age level: 4-12

Genre: Children/Family
Christian Rating: 5 of 5
   (nothing offensive)
Gameplay: 5 of 5
   (excellent)
Violence: 5 of 5
   (none)
Adult Content: 5 of 5
   (none)

"Storybook Weaver" is a simple but complete storybook maker. With templates for backgrounds, choices of characters, landscapes, and architecture, a child can create stories about a dusty village in Africa, a medieval seaport, or the town nearby. Music is provided.

The unstated goal of this program is to create a multimedia book. I say “unstated” because a child can start a book and exit the program freely without penalties. The goal is to create. Children using this book will understand the elements of a book. By creating a book, they are getting a valuable start in reading comprehension, and their self-esteem will grow. Parents of young kids will like this program because there is no violence and no sex. If a child's language and typing skills is poor, or if a parent doesn't have a kid-friendly computer keyboard, parents will have to sit down and write the story their child is telling. But this is an active way to bond, I think. Children will look forward to working with mom on creating and printing out their "very own book."

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this Christian Spotlight review are those of the reviewer (both ratings and recommendations), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Films for Christ or the Christian Answers Network.