This program stresses many of the same skills that other preschool software programs cover, but with an additional element of challenge: the different skill levels offer basic to advanced lessons that support continued learning and add to the longevity of the program. For example, star patrol not only supports early-learning concepts like shape and color recognition but also introduces geometry--trapezoids and the like--a subject not ordinarily introduced to preschoolers. And, to keep the program fun, the games are smartly animated with humorous, pie-in-the-face antics.

This CD-ROM may not cast George in his traditional mischievous role, but he defiantly adds to standard educational-software fare with his fun and playful learning activities. The animation is extremely entertaining--we see everything from George getting sent into space to pies flying not only at onscreen characters but also at players! The necessity of reading the directions aloud dictates parental involvement, as do the parental controls, which include the ability to track a child's performance. --Madeleine J. Miller

Amazon.com Product Description
The ever-so-mischievous monkey is at it again. Join Curious George as he plays exciting arcade games. He's hunting down circles, targeting triangles, and having the time of his life with patterns, shapes, and letters. Come join the fun in a series of skill-building games especially designed for active learners. Each game requires the listening skills and the critical-thinking skills that build a foundation for reading. Children explore at their own pace and are gently challenged to build critical-reasoning and reading skills in a magical environment. This product is especially designed to make learning to read fun. Activities include Jingles Jukebox (poetry), Pie Fight (pattern matching), Star Patrol (shapes, letters, colors), Super Fruit Catch, and The Puzzler (puzzle making). As a special bonus, you can print your own Curious George storybook.