Tag Reading System

Submitted Tag Reading System, $49.99.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Cheryl Robinson, Washington Twp., freelance marketer in her 40s, mother of one child, age 4.

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Updated 5:54 PM Friday, May 22, 2009

Cheryl Robinson, mother of 4-year-old Mia tested the Tag Reading System with her child.

WHAT IT'S SUPPOSED TO DO: This is a 'web-connected' learn-to-read system for ages 4 to 8.

HOW MUCH IT COSTS: The system is $49.99; individual books are $13.99 each.

DID IT WORK? Yes! Mommy downloaded the additional stories from the Web site to the pen with no problems. Mia "read" the books with just a little instruction from mommy.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT IT? My daughter Mia was fascinated by both the books themselves, and by the pen she used to "hear" and read the books. She caught on quickly how to "read" the page by touching the pen to the purple icon at the top of the page. She also liked how the sound prompted you to turn the page.

WHAT DID YOU DISLIKE ABOUT IT? The only negative feedback from Mia is that the pen was a little awkward for a 4-year-old to hold for long periods of time. It seemed a bit big and heavy for her. When we'd get halfway through the book, she'd hand the pen to me and say, "You hold it now, Mommy." Then a few minutes later, she'd ask for it back

IS IT WORTH THE MONEY? I think it depends on the child and his/her level of interest in reading. I don't think there's any substitution for having a parent read aloud to a child. My daughter already loves books and having my husband and I read to her, however, if you had a child who didn't like to be read to, then this product just might spark interest in reading in general.

WOULD YOU BUY IT? The initial system seems a little pricey to me, and I'd probably not pay full price for it, but might buy it if it was on sale. The supplemental books are an affordable price point that they would make nice gifts from friends and family, so it might be easy to fill a library of book options once you have the initial TAG reader.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT? Overall, yes, I would. Anything that encourages reading and books is a positive influence on a child.

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