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              Pick This more sophisticated version
              of the wildly popular electronic pad, the LeapPad, is designed to
              appeal to an older audience, but can still be used with
              preschoolers. The unit opens up to hold specially designed
              books--a sampler book as well as a chapter book (such as The
              Wizard of Oz) is included with the pad. Children use the attached
              stylus (pen) to interact with the book. Unlike the interactive
              books designed for the original LeapPad, the enrichment books for
              the LeapPad Pro focus on vocabulary
              and reading comprehension and are appropriate for children ages 7
              and up.  
              Note that this professional
              version is capable of reading any LeapPad book, including those
              designed for preschoolers. Some families with preschoolers might
              prefer to buy this version so that it will grow with their child.
              Its design is more sophisticated than the original pad--kids 7 and
              up won't find it too babyish. Plenty of titles are now available
              for the pad, and more are sure to come considering the toy's
              popularity. The unit is solid and appealing, helping kids build
              confidence. Any word that is unfamiliar to them can be read aloud,
              and many challenging words are defined.  
              
                
                  Pros:
                    
                      - Children who know how to
                        read can further their abilities with vocabulary
                        development.
 
                      - Promotes confidence in
                        independent reading.
 
                      - Original and
                        breakthrough product.
 
                      - Can be used with
                        interactive books originally designed for the LeapPad.
 
                     
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                  Cons:
                    
                      - Not all children 7-up
                        will take to the unit.
                      
 
                     
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              See LeapPad
              and Quantum Pad,
              the current products in this line. 
              
                
                  | Electronic Toy | 
                  By: LeapFrog
                          | 
                  Ages 3-10 | 
                  Published: 2001 | 
                 
               
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