There are four learning modes: "Explore" encourages children to touch pictures and learn about the world; "Search the World" encourages them to use the facts they learned in the "Explore" mode, as clues to find animals and places on the globe; "Adventure Game" plays fun, learning raps, that include the name, location and sound of the image, and "Music Mode" reveals regional music and relevant picture tunes.

The globe is aimed at children aged three years and above, though help and guidance will be needed at the youngest end of the age group. Colourful, attractive and easy to use, the Junior Explorer Globe has catchy music with easy-to-follow instructions, albeit with an American accent, but this isn't particularly distracting and doesn't detract from the globe's educational value. The product comes with a comprehensive information pamphlet that uses simple language and explanations. This particular product allows your child to develop essential skills, namely exploration, creativity, language development, cognitive development, perceptual skills and motor skills. It is powered by batteries, but the ones included are for demonstration purposes only and should be replaced to improve overall performance.

LeapFrog aims to create an environment where children can explore many varied experiences, especially those that encourage discovery and foster learning success. At the same time LeapFrog products are relevant to specific age groups, recognising that as children grow they need to be challenged in more complex ways. For pre-school children they aim to develop basic and fundamental skills to help youngsters to prepare and enter full-time school. The Junior Explorer Globe will help this process enormously, in a fun, entertaining and interactive way. This is an excellent product that will appeal to old and young alike. --Susan Naylor

Also available from LeapFrog: Explorer Globe.