Kid Pix Deluxe 3 Published on March 16th, 2001

This new version of the award-winning Kid Pix art series is a masterpiece of art creativity software. Kid Pix Deluxe 3 allows children to create art at their computers, save it, send it to friends and family over the Internet, and even place it into a streaming video slide show. The program comes with a clean and inviting interface that makes creating art simple. Children will find a blank canvas surrounded by a slew of enticing clickable icons. For example, select the “pencil” icon and a bunch of drawing tools magically appear on the screen. Kids can choose from virtual pencils, chalk, crayons, or markers. Additional option trays present a wide array of mediums with which to create. The “paint brush” icon leads to brushes, spray cans, or the favorite of kid-testers: “Sound Art.” By using the Sound Art option, kids can “paint” by using their voice instead of the computer mouse. Kid-testers had a riot singing, shouting, whispering, and laughing into a microphone (provided) to see what effects their sounds would produce on the canvas. This is a captivating new way to approach creating art on the computer Another fun feature is the “animated stickers” that children can place in the artwork. These stickers come pre-programmed to perform animations and can even be accompanied by sound or music. After children have created and saved several works of art, they can visit the easy-to-use slideshow area. Here children place their creations into a slide show where they create the transitions between paintings, add sound, and control the length of the time each masterpiece is shown. While there were a few quirks relating to the inability to change your mind while creating, overall this software creates an exciting and inviting environment in which to explore art.
Summary Age  4 - 99 Platform  Windows Mac Price  $30.00 Category  Art Grade  ISBN  Company  Broderbund/The Learning Co (800) 543-9778 http://www.learningco.com

Doodle: Drawing Faces Published on March 16th, 2001

Doodle, the star of this software, is a unique art teacher—he is an animated pencil. Doodle also stars in his own PBS television series. He is hip, flashy, funny, and boy, can he teach art! This software transfers an episode from the Doodle television show. It shows children how to draw faces by presenting a series of lessons about face shape, eyes, nose, mouths, and hair. As each lesson is presented by Doodle and his cast of animated art tools, children are encouraged to practice what they have learned on the computer art canvas provided in the program. However, the computer mouse is not as responsive as a pencil on paper. The software also explores some of the work and life of Leonardo da Vinci. If you are looking for step-by-step art instruction, Doodle makes drawing seem easy. The CD-ROM is short in length, but its price reflects this fact.
Summary Age  6 - 99 Platform  Windows Price  $15.00 Category  Art Grade  ISBN  Company  Fly By Night Productions (888) 823-9977 http://www.doodlestudio.com

Disney’s Magic Artist 3D Published on March 16th, 2001

This software presents children with an opportunity to create 3D art on the computer. Unfortunately, it is hard to figure out and to use. Plan to read the manual that comes inside the jewel case before beginning to play. When children figure out the interface, they will find some unusual and interesting art tools. One tool lets you draw a one dimensional line and watch as a 3D puffy line magically appears in its place. Other tools allow you to select from 40 premade shapes and create 3D versions. There is also a tool that lets you squish out three-dimensional tubes that take on geometric shapes. Kid-testers thought some of the tools were cool, but there was always an element of frustration. They struggled to create with this program.
Summary Age  7 - 99 Platform  Windows Mac Price  $30.00 Category  Art Grade  ISBN  Company  Disney Interactive (800) 900-9234 http://www.disneyinteractive.com

All software is judged on a five star scale by looking at the following five factors: educational, fun, ease of use, value, technical.

Jinny Gudmundsen is the Editor of Computing With Kids magazine. If you have questions or comments, please write to: .

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