Lets Explore and Lets Learn

Never having subscribed to an e-magazine before I was both curious and slightly sceptical about what I would experience with WebLand.

I have been hugely impressed - WebLand delivers everything it says it does and more; excellent games, regular updates, an easy interface for both parents and children, a clever mix of games, interest and creative areas and a fun set of characters to engage the player.

Lets Explore centres on the 3-5 range and is mainly concerned with learning away from the computer or general learning about the world. Lets Learn (5-7) utilizes a child's improving computer skills to build on maths and literacy abilities. It is presented in a game style, with logic problems and plenty of visual learning opportunities so as not to be reminiscent of school. (We wept with giggles while trying to get the Valentine caterpillars into the love enclosure!!!) There is plenty to amuse within each section and an excellent "enchanted pool" area where new games arrive every week. Much of this will suit an assisted younger child with good computer skills, just as the younger age magazine amuses my 5 year old perfectly.

Personally I find the drawing package within it a little unwieldy - but the girls don't so I assume it is me that is inept! But otherwise this is a slick and professional package that gives as much or more than £20 worth of shop bought software, for £4.95 a month. Good value with great usability, a superb system for filing old "issues" an easily controlled e-mail programme for each child and even a fun "resource management" game in Lets Learn that mimics many adult games fabulously.

A definite rating!!!!!!