Reader Rabbit's Interactive Reading Journey is a 1994 video game released on the Windows and Macintosh systems. It is the sixth game in the Reader Rabbit franchise. Designed for ages 4 till 7, the game introduces the new main characters Mat the Mouse and Sam the Lion who accompany Reader. It was then re-released in 1997 under the title "Reader Rabbit's Interactive Reading Journey For Grades K-1", followed by another in 1998 titled "Reader Rabbit's Reading Ages 4–6" and a personalized version in 1999.
| Reader Rabbit's Interactive Reading Journey | |
|---|---|
 1994 cover art | |
| Developer(s) | The Learning Company |
| Publisher(s) | The Learning Company |
| Platform(s) | Windows, Windows 3.x, Macintosh |
| Release | October 1994 (Original)[1] 1997 (Re-release) 1998 (Ages 4-6) 1999 (Personalized) |
| Genre(s) | Adventure, edutainment |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Educational goals edit
The game teaches users how to read effectively. Forty storybooks can be read aloud or narrated to the user. Over 100 reading exercises include phonics, word-recognition, spelling skills and building vocabulary. The activities incorporate repetition of words, followed by a gradual increase of word variety. The game challenges users to keep learning independently and helps them to become interested in reading.[2] It also allows older users to build up on their previous skills. Overall, "Reading Journey" allows learners to set their reading progress at their own page.[3] The game came packaged with printed versions of 40 stories included in the game, which aid in reading along at the computer or independent reading away from the computer.[4]
Reception edit
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| CD-ROM Today |  [3] |
| PC Magazine |  [5] |
| MacUser | [6] |
| Publication | Award |
|---|---|
| Home PC | Award of Excellence[7] |
| Parenting | Software Magic Award[7] |
| Parent Council | Seal for Outstanding Product[7] |
| Technology & Learning | Award of Excellence for the School Category[7] |
| Parents' Choice | Foundation Approval[7] |
| Mac Home | Reader's Choice Award[7] |
| CD-ROM Today | Best Children's Program-Reading Award[7] |
| Home Computing & Entertainment | Best Educational Program Award[7] |
CD-ROM Today rated the game 5 stars, meriting its simple interface and artistic design.
PC Magazine wrote that the game facilitates learning in a non-threatening and effective way.[5] Creating Ever-cool noted that as the difficulty increases with each book, readers feel a "thrill of accomplishment" upon progressing.[8] Working Mother praised the title's "creative approach".[9] The Washington Post praised the animation as "crisp and humorous".[10] The Parents Magazine declared that the game was the most comprehensive reading skill software of that time.[11]
In June 1997, Interactive Reading Journey Learning and Interactive Reading Journey 2 were the 5th and 6th best selling reading titles.[12]
References edit
- ^ "The Learning Company Announces Upgrade of Reader Rabbit's Interactive Reading Journey, Now with Record & Playback and a Microphone". softkey.com. May 8, 1996. Archived from the original on January 11, 1997. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ Aycock, Heidi E. H. (February 1995). "A Full House". PC Gamer. No. 9. Future Publishing. pp. 122–123.
- ^ a b Scisco, Peter (January 1995). "Reader Rabbit's Interactive Reading Journey". CD-ROM Today. No. 11. Imagine Publishing. p. 108.
- ^ "Reader Rabbit Interactive Reading Journey EPK". June 20, 2004.
- ^ a b Inc, Ziff Davis (1995-02-07). "PC Mag". Vol. 14, no. 3. Ziff Davis, Inc. p. 384.
{{cite magazine}}:|last=has generic name (help); Cite magazine requires|magazine=(help) - ^ Levitus, Bob (December 1995). "The Game Room". Ziff Davis, Inc. p. 235.
{{cite magazine}}: Cite magazine requires|magazine=(help) - ^ a b c d e f g h "History of The Learning Company Inc. – FundingUniverse".
- ^ Gene, Del Vecchio (2010-09-23). Creating Ever-cool: A Marketer's Guide to a Kid's Heart. Pelican Publishing. ISBN 9781455603084.
- ^ "Working Mother". Working Mother Media. March 1995. p. 54.
{{cite magazine}}: Cite magazine requires|magazine=(help) - ^ Kelly, John F. (September 28, 1994). "Let's See...Teenage Morphin X-Hog Rangers from Hell?". New York Times. Retrieved March 11, 2019.
- ^ "Reader Rabbit's Interactive Reading Journey 1 - Parents Magazine". Retrieved August 2, 2018.
Bar none, this is the most comprehensive reading skill software program you can find
- ^ "Educational Software". Los Angeles Times. 1997-09-01. ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved 2019-03-11.