With a huge library of hardcover books and games including favorite TV, movie and classic tales, each Tag Book allows children to learn at their own pace, building their skills and their confidence. Plus, by connecting the Tag Reader to the online LeapFrog Learning Path, parents can see what their child is learning -- and even receive recommendations on what books their child could read next! Includes Tag Reader, plus the "Ozzie and Mack" Book; additional Tag Books sold separately. Tag Reader requires two "AAA" batteries, not included.

Toy:  The amazing touch technology of the Tag Reading System encourages a child's love of reading as words talk, pictures sing and stories live out loud!, The Tag library includes over 20 books and games featuring characters from TV, movies and classic tales., Tag storybooks and learning activities help children build vocabulary and reading skills such as word recognition, reading comprehension and phonics skills., Children learn to read through an exciting and interactive experience in which they can also earn online rewards., Parents can connect the Tag Reader to the online LeapFrog Learning Path to see what their child is learning, and explore ways to expand their child's learning journey.
Company: LeapFrog  (2008-06-08)
List Price: $49.99
Amazon Price: $39.97

What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Ferocious robotic dinosaur! The Bad: Background noise can make it tough for him to "seek" you out In a Nutshell: This smart, quirky "pet" will inspire tons of imaginative play At a Glance Ages: 8 and up Requires: 5 C batteries and 2 AAA batteries

D-REX features authentic looking rubbery, reptilian skin. View larger.

Controller lets you prompt five different types of behavior. View larger.

Before you start getting to know D-REX personally, you'll need to use a Phillips screwdriver to insert five "C" batteries in his tail and two "AAA" batteries in the bone-shaped controller. Once he's powered up, D-REX is ready to start showing off and responding to his surroundings. He'll roar, turn his head, and blink his eyes.

Cool Robotics Technology for Interactive Play
When you pet D-REX on the head, touch sensors let him respond with an appreciative roar. If he seems hungry, you can stick something in his mouth and he'll chomp away on it. And the bone-shaped controller lets you prompt five different types of behavior. Press "attack," and he'll launch forward while roaring. Press "prank," and he'll fart, burp, or roar. In seek mode, he uses a noise sensor to locate you and walk towards you. Due to the room's background noise, we found that he had some difficulty with this task. But it was funny (and kind of cute) when he bumped into walls and backed away in surprise.

Perhaps our favorite mode was "guard." In this mode, you can set D-REX up in front of your bedroom door or your favorite toys and he will scan the room, letting out a big roar if he detects the motion of "intruders." There's even a question mode that lets you replace your out-dated magic eight ball with dinosaur wisdom. Each time you press this button, D-REX will answer a question by nodding "Yes" or shaking his head "No."

D-REX is programmed to respond as a pet with an independent mind. This means that, despite his five-button remote, he won't walk where ever you want him to. Kids who expect to "drive" him around the room like a remote control car may be disappointed, but we actually enjoyed this fact a lot, since it made him more realistic. And we expect that kids who are fascinated by either dinosaurs or robotics will agree with us on this. As an added bonus, D'REX offers a battery-saving sleep mode, which parents are sure to appreciate.

What's in the Box
D-REX Dinosaur and bone-shaped controller.


Toy:  D-Rex is the ultimate pet, Combines robotics, proprietary software and reptilian skin to create a lifelike appearance and behavior, Responds to voice and touch, Will attack and obey on command, A ferocious yet loyal dinosaur with an indpendent personality
Company: Mattel  (2008-10-20)
List Price: $149.99
Amazon Price: $149.99

Connect the Tag Reader online to the LeapFrog Learning Path to see what your child is learning. Book is for use with the Tag Reading System, not included.

Toy:  Use your Tag Reader to bring this story about Lightning McQueen and Mater to life as they stir up trouble amongst the sleeping tractors., With its amazing touch technology, the Tag Reader makes learning to read an exciting experience as words talk, pictures sing and stories live out loud!, The Tag library includes over 20 books and games featuring characters from TV, movies and classic tales., Children can build vocabulary and reading skills throughout the story and with interactive learning activities. Cars: Tractor Tipping introduces spelling, compound words, consonant blends and word building skills., Children can earn online rewards and parents can connect the Tag Reader to the online LeapFrog® Learning Path to see what their child is learning.
Company: LeapFrog  (2008-06-08)
List Price: $13.99
Amazon Price: $7.98