Pink Panther: Passport to Peril

Copyright: KBkids.com

In this new detective series, Pink Panther is sent on an important international mission. Gifted children of world diplomats have gathered at a summer camp. Pink must keep them happy and safe, to avoid an international incident. The usual 'bad guys' try to thwart his plans, and he must travel the world solving the children's problems. Your children will learn geography, history, culture and some vocabulary.

As the program progresses, various children will have problems, which Pink must solve. As he walks around, he will pick up items, and collect clues, which may be used at a later time. While the box says that it is for children 6-12, those on the younger end will found this program too difficult, as it demands a good command of reading skills. The hints are cute, and in poetic form as in:

"In England there's much work to do like empty rubbish, find a clue then trade your prize for printed lies and deposit them to golden eyes"

These clues, and the information about various countries demand an upper elementary reading level. Testers of all ages found it fun, but the younger ones could not glean the geographical, and cultural information alone. Much of the cultural information must be found by reading files about each country. These are not read aloud, and do not contain definition links.

One boy from England calls Pink a warmonger for advocating catch-and-release fishing. Pink agrees and "swears to never fish again." This, and several other cultural incidences were a bit bothersome. There is some 'ale' drinking by a policeman in England, for example, which is "OK because he is off-duty."

The clue finding aspect of this program will appeal to children who have enjoyed Carmen Sandiego and the Myst type programs. Those who want their games straightforward will become frustrated. This is for problem solvers!

Bottom Line: A fun problem-solving program for upper elementary aged children who like thinking and problem solving.

Ratings: (based on KBkids.com's 4 star rating sytem)

Overall: 3

BrainGain: 3

FunFactor: 3

EasePlease: 2 1/2

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