The fine folks at LeapFrog were nice enough to send us the new LeapFrog® Tag Reading System and I can say it is one of the best educational toys that we’ve introduced to the girls. I was concerned it might be a little too old for my youngest daughter, who is 3 ½, as the recommended age is 4 to 8, but she has truly enjoyed playing with it. My oldest daughter, who is in first grade, has literally taken the Tag books to bed and read them without the aid of the special Tag pen and they both love to sit and play with the system.

The Tag Reading System features a special pen with a tiny camera on the tip that reads Tag books with the simple touch to the page. It’s a wonderfully fun, interactive way to engage young readers. Children can click on an icon so that the Tag reader pen plays audio, reading the entire page. Or, they can click word by word. Even the illustrations in the Tag books are interactive. The characters come to life with a click of the Tag pen, talking, making noises, etc. My girls love this feature. The volume is adjustable, but kids can also plug headphones into the Tag pen, although headphones are not included with the system. (That is honestly my only criticism of the system.)

The Tag Reading System works with a library of more than 20 books and games that includes such classic children’s books as The Little Engine That Could or popular characters like Ariel from Disney’s The Little Mermaid (which is definitely on my “must buy next” list). Leveled learning activities in every book adjust automatically to your child’s pace, helping build confidence and a love for reading. An Ozzie and Mack book comes with the system.

The nifty Tag Reader pen holds audio for up to five books at a time and connects to your computer with a USB cable, which is included with the system. You can also see your children’s progress in recent books by creating a free LeapFrog Learning Path online at LeapFrog’s website. The Tag Reading System is one of three new LeapFrog Connected learning systems that connect to the LeapFrog Learning Path, which enables parents to get regular insights into their child’s learning.

LeapFrog’s Tag Reading System retails for $49.99 and comes in the standard green and white pen or a new pink and white pen. The Tag books retail for $13.99. National Geographic also has a line of activity cards that work with the Tag pen. We have several LeapFrog toys at our house and I highly recommend this new LeapFrog system this Christmas for the young reader on your shopping list.