Dragon in a Wagon
Reviewed by Cynthia A. Sorrels
Published by DiAMAR Interactive

Age Group: Age 4 to 8 Type: Language Arts Price: $ 29.95 US

PC version requires:
486-25 8 MB RAM, 2x CD-ROM, Windows 95, also on Win 3.1, 640x480x256

Mac version requires:
Version is available.

Description:

Dragon in a Wagon is the second in Diamar's new series of children's titles. These activity centers include vehicle building activities, transportation puzzles, a quiz show, a path builder game (this one is tough on the 3rd level!) and a cross road puzzle to match vehicles and terrains. There are even print out activities such as Transportation Bingo, Fold Your Own Vehicle and Write Dragon a Letter.

The Path Builder and Cross Road Puzzles are two of the most innovative games we've seen in ages! In Path Builder, children choose a vehicle and begin building a route for it, stopping at various spots and working around obstacles. Cross Road Puzzles help kids match vehicles with terrain but it isn't exactly a cross road puzzle, it's more of a linear jigsaw. Whatever it's called, it's good fun.

Features:

• Make custom vehicles with blueprints or mix and match parts on whimsy.
• Three levels of difficulty in the games.
• Storybook can be recorded and heard, or just listened to.
• Quiz show has over 180 different questions.
• Computer OFF activities are included.
• Builds problem solving skills.
• Promotes reading skills.

Reactions:

My kids love Dragon in a Wagon. Dragon's friend is a little girl named Megan, who is along throughout the activities. This is a great way for children to learn all about vehicles and introduces a few that some kids may never actually see, such as a hang glider or snowmobile. Hey, it *rarely* snows in Texas! The people behind this title have carefully crafted it so that kids will learn, improve vocabulary and deductive reasoning, utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

So why a Silver award instead of Gold? Simple - art activity centers for kids have been done to death! It's time to either find new tools and activities or think of some other activity to include. While I maintain that stance, I'll also admit that my kids DO play with the art centers and seem to enjoy them.

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