‘CD-ROM Roundup’ is a regular KidScreen feature that profiles CD-ROMs aimed at children anywhere from preschool to late teen that will be hitting retail stores in the coming months.

Name,

Publisher &

Developer

Release Date

Storyline

Platforms

Target Audience

Estimated Street Price (US$)

Small Soldiers: Squad Commanders, Hasbro Interactive, Beverly,

Massachusetts, and DreamWorks Interactive, Los Angeles, California

July

In this action-adventure game based on the movie, kids build their own Gorgonite and Commando Elite action figures from a variety of body parts and battle gear. After the creations are complete, kids can train their characters in sparring matches before sending them off to battle in one of five interactive environments.

Windows 95

9 to 12

$39.95

Curious George Reads, Writes & Spells, Houghton Mifflin Interactive, Boston, Massachusetts

August

Players help George write newspaper articles about daily events. Traveling with the mischievous monkey through 12 adventures, kids complete a different activity in each episode, based on the skills of reading, spelling and vocabulary. When all is said and done, players will help produce two news articles and 30 short stories.

Windows 95, Windows 3.1 Macintosh

6 to 9

$44.95

My Little Pony,

Hasbro Interactive, Beverly, Massachusetts

August

Children will learn caregiving skills as they feed, walk and groom their virtual pet ponies in Ponyland.

Windows 95, Windows 3.1, Macintosh

3 to 7

$29.99

Wallace & Gromit Print-o-matic,

BBC Multimedia, London, England

July

This game contains templates for stationery, party invitations, wrapping paper, gift tags, labels, bookmarks, business cards and more, as well as 100 Wallace and Gromit images and 50 stamps.

Windows 95, Windows 3.1, Macintosh

6 and up

$19.99