Pajama Sam 3: You Are What You Eat From Your Head to Your Feet

4/13/2000

The newest Pajama Sam adventure has the overwhelming approval of the kids in my house, as well as the neighbors. When a new Pajama Sam program arrives, my eight year old drops everything to check it out. These are his all time favorite programs. The decision of the eight year olds here today? "This one is the best. It is very hard, but not too hard. It makes you think. The box says 3-8, but I don't think a 3 year old could do this! It's hard for us!" That about says it all. They haven't been wrong about a Pajama Sam program yet.

I would have to agree with them on this one. It's a great program, but I don't think many 3 year olds will be able to handle it without a lot of intervention. Even I had to work at getting out of the jail for quite some time! The kids who tested this one were riveted to the screen for hours, when the weather was beautiful, and there were plenty of other things to do. They thoroughly enjoyed this one.

As the program begins, Pajama Sam is gorging himself on yet another box of cookies, trying to collect enough box tops for a Pajama Man action figure. As he spills a box of cookies, they all get up and run away. Following them, Sam is taken into an adventure involving the island of MopTop. It has been taken over by the fats and sweets. A peace conference is suppose to be held, but several of the deligates are missing. Sam must go find them in order to restore order to the island.

This program is difficult enough to make kids in the 6-10 range feel like they really have to work. It was not so difficult, however, to leave them frustrated. Sam must talk to characters throughout the adventure, who give him clues that will be used later on. He also collects various items that he may need later. For example, the broken candy cane helps him get out of jail, in case you get stuck like I did!

The theme is a needed one at our house, as Chase, my eight year old is a pretty picky eater! If you have a picky eater at your house, you will want to pick this one up. It does not lecture kids, but teaches them about the value of good food in very subtle ways. They will also be learning about the body as they travel. The heart, for example is a conduit of sorts to different parts of the island. Your kids will travel through the different valves depending on where they want to go.

This is not a 'biology' program, nor is it a 'nutrition' program. The learning, as mentioned is rather subtle. I have found in the subject of healthy food, this may be the best way! The sweets and treats are mischievious and nasty, but funny enough to keep your kids chuckling. The candy soldiers patrol the island looking for those subersives who may want to, heaven forbid, eat broccoli!

Although there are a few 'games' included, most of your child's time will be spent talking to people, and collecting information. The emphasis here is on inductive and deductive reasoning, decision making, sequencing and memory skills. The game plays differently every time, so the replay value is almost endless here.

This one comes highly recommended by both kid testers and mom testers!

Grading for Pajama Sam 3: You Are What You Eat from Your Head to Your Feet Educational Value: 4 Entertainment Value: 5 Replay Value: 5

See all Pajama Sam programs at Amazon!