The Wind in the Willows
Reviewed by Cynthia A. Sorrels
Published by Wendfall Productions

Age Group: Age 4 to 8, Age 8 and Up Type: Teaching Tools Price: $34.95

Description:

Wendfall Productions was founded in 1994 by Microsoft Multimedia Group personnel and now specializes in two areas: the development of CD-ROM and Internet technologies and the production of multimedia titles for children. The two divisions worked together carefully and thoughtfully to produce this title and it SHOWS. The attention to detail is a pleasure to see.

Installation

Most of us don't particularly look forward to installing a new program and tinkering around with drivers and video resolutions, etc., until the program runs, or at least tries to run. PC Play-Along Books includes an automated setup profiler that analyzes your PC, then installs and plays the verion of the title best configured for that PC. It sets up in approximately 20 seconds and starts to play automatically, and autoplays in Windows 95 when the CD is placed in the drive. This program even uninstalls the title on exit! Isn't it about time?

Features:

• Two versions of the classic story, "The Wind in the Willows." One version is full text, the other is abridged specially for younger children.
• Professional story-tellers.
• Classical music - 10 tracks
• Enhances early reading skills - highlights words as they are read.
• 3-D graphics
• The story moves quickly; no long load waits between scenes.
• Electronic coloring book is included - color on screen or print, then color.
• Includes both 32 and 16-bit versions for Wndows.

The Story

The Wind in the Willows is, as always, a delightful story. This version of it brings the characters to life and will hold children's attention beautifully. The illustrations are true to the story, bright and carefully done. AND this product includes all 9 chapters of the book, not short stories as some of the "other" current releases do!

The Graphics and Sounds

The graphics can be run at several resolutions, and this title can even run in a window (unlike ALL the others!) AND the sychronized lip movements are very cool. You'll be surprised at the difference it makes! The sole disappointment in this title was the music; yes, it was designed for children but it seemed to me to be a bit like setting Humpty-Dumpty's music with this classic story.

SO, let's compare The Wind In The Willows to:

• Disney's Animated Storybooks run slower but have better music.
• Discis Books run as quickly but don't feature a coloring book or great animations.
• Mindscape's The Adventures of Peter Rabbit has more activities, and better music, but only two short stories, whereas this title features all 9 chapters of the book.
• Living Books titles run much slower and don't feature activities or coloring books. Their music's better, though.

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