LeapFrog My Own Story Time Pad Review

My almost 4 year old got the Tag reading system for Christmas last year and loved it so I was eager to see what he would think of the Leap Frog My Own Story Time Pad.

With Daddy being a software developer and getting his master's in Computer Science and Mommy being a blogger he is well aware of the technology that surrounds him. The other day he told me he wanted to start his own blog so he could have his own computer. Well buddy, here ya go. ;)

Right when I pulled it out of the shipping box, he said, "a computer!" He would not even let me take it out of the packaging before he got a turn with it. I was amazed at how he immediately knew what to do with it. It tells them what buttons to push to continue stories or play music so he didn't need any help and mom did not even have to read the instructions.

Things we love about it:

• Two volume settings...priceless!
• Shape is easy for little hands to hold.
• Looks like a Tablet so he thinks it is his cool computer.
• Says his name and knows things like his favorite food and color
• Upload 3 "emails," 5 stories, 4 sing a long songs, and 5 melodies.
• Notes sections where he gets to type letters to write his own story.
• Little Brother loves watching him and sneaks in his turn while he isn't looking.
• No batteries or instructions needed to get started or {at least for me} to upload content.
• The cable to connect it to the computer has LeapFrog stamped on it and also lists the site to go to. No having to keep track of what cable it is or where to go.
  
• It was super easy to get out of the package. No 15 twist ties, tape, or creative sewing.
  
• The price is reasonable for what is does. (under $30 and the pink one is cheaper on Amazon)

Things that could improve:

• Some melodies were annoying, but we just didn't choose those ones.
• No space bar or punctuation, so the notes can only be a jumble of letters and it does not save them.
• More personalization options for the emails.
  

Don't you love his oversized t-shirt paint smock?

All in all, I think it is a fun toy with a greater purpose. Lucky for me, we have a DVR and watch channels without toy commercials so we have thus far avoided the 'got to have it' toy of the year rage. (BTW, how is it that it always ends up being something so dumb?!) So if you are looking for something fun, that is more than a motorized hamster or a pillow that folds inside itself to become a pet, this is a good choice!

Thank you to LeapFrog for sponsoring this review. While LeapFrog provided the product to me for this review, the opinions I've expressed here are solely my own and represent my honest point of view. Clever Girls Collective supports Blog With Integrity. #MyOwnStoryTimePad #spon

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