The Barbie World Traveler Touch and Teach Globe from Oregon Scientific (model BW68) puts world geography at a preschooler's fingertips. This interactive globe offers a multitude of interesting world facts, and it is guided by a child's touch. For example, if a child is curious about ocean life, she can simply touch the dolphin icon on the globe and listen to Barbie's voice describe interesting facts about dolphins. The Touch and Teach Globe has prompts that provide information about other animals, famous sites and cultures from around the world.

The colorful Touch and Teach Globe revolves like any other world globe, and the pink and lavendar base has an LCD screen showing entertaining animations. There are two modes of use: "discovery" and "find." In discovery mode, touching a continent gives information about local geography and culture. In find mode, Barbie asks the user to locate, for example, the Arctic. Each mode contains five games, including animal trivia, customs and traditions, foods, landmarks and language. Each game can be selected by pushing a button on the front of the base.

Parents will like the globe's volume control, and they'll enjoy watching their children explore the world. The Touch and Teach Globe is a useful tool for children ages 3 and up. Keep in mind, however, that children will become frustrated with this toy unless guided by an adult -- at least initially. Plan to spend some time together exploring the world as presented by Oregon Scientific's Barbie World Traveler Touch and Teach Globe.


Pros: Interactive globe features two learning modes and ten games, animated LCD screen, handy volume control
Cons: Requires parental guidance