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- Associating letters, animals, and sounds is great for kids who are learning to read.
- The $4 is an
educational toy that helps kids over 3 years old listen and learn while they play.
When I first got the $4, I was on a "Supermarket Sweep"-style spree for $4 for my 3-year-old. Anything that seemed like it would hold her attention for long periods without leaving her hunched over a movie on our iPad went into the cart.
This engaging educational set includes an electronic activity pad plus eight illustrated books. The interactive pad stood out because I knew it would feel to my daughter like she was using a coveted device, but I wouldn't have to worry about supervising.
The $4 set was a total hit and stayed in the car for ages. Eventually, we moved the pad and books into our home. Now as my daughter gets older and learns how to keep up with the different games and tasks, my little one gets to see her use it and explore it on his own as well. Despite only being 18 months old, outside the manufacturer's suggested age range of 3 to 7 years old, he loves pushing the buttons and listening to the animal noises and songs.
Design and specs
The $4 comes in a cardboard carrying case with a window and a handle. It includes an activity pad and eight books that you or your child can easily tote around on the road or in your home.
The pad is the size of any standard device and very light. Three AAA batteries are included and secured under a small screwed-in plate. The design is very enticing for little hands and minds. It has its own handle and features everyone's favorite famous caterpillar, among many other classic Eric Carle animals. On one side of the pad, you'll find the alphabet and a couple of large animal buttons for games and songs; the other side features mostly animals, plus a sleepy moon and a friendly-looking sun.
The eight hardcover books are roughly the same length and width as the activity pad. Each book contains 20 colorful pages featuring a different pair of animal opposites: land vs. sea, loud vs. quiet, big vs. small, for example. The books include even more animals than appear on the activity pad, giving your little one more exposure to the vivid shapes, colors, and patterns that Eric Carle is known for.
You can use the activity pad with the books or without
Much to my youngest child's delight, the pad is great for just randomly pushing buttons to hear letter and animal sounds. For older children, it also offers many enjoyable games and tasks, especially if for those who, like my 4 1/2-year-old, are learning to spell.