Art Software -- The Big Picture

Art software is a category that encompasses a broad range of topics, ranging from the fun to the mechanical, to the beautiful. In our first look at programs in this group, we chose to narrow our focus to those that required the user to actively participate in the creation of art. We will save for a future issue a look at programs that display and analyze others' art works.

Which is best for your child? Read below for brief descriptions, then click on the titles that interest you to see what our parent, teacher, and kid reviewers had to say. A summary rating table follows the descriptions, and includes links to our buyers guide, which provides a listing of current market prices from a variety of online sources.

• Crayola 3D Magic Coloring Book [ages 3 to 8] from IBM, is a computerized coloring book. This simple-to-use program automatically adds 3D shading and shadows. Best for kids who like to color (as opposed to draw).
• Orly's Draw-A-Story [ages 5 to 10] from Broderbund, prompts the user to provide illustrations which are then incorporated into 4 animated stories! Highly interactive and humorous, this program is best for a creative child who likes to draw as well as color.
• Drawing Discoveries [ages 8 to 101] from Brainstorm, is a true learn-to-draw program, taking the user through a step-by-step process to draw an interesting collection of wild animals from Africa. Combined with video clips and facts about the animals and art history lessons, this program will teach you to draw.
• Kid Pix Studio [ages 3 to 12] from Broderbund, is the enhanced version of the classic, must-have Kid Pix program, adding animation, backgrounds, and more sound. This program will appeal most to the imaginative child who enjoys creative play.
• Barbie Print 'n Play [ages 5 to adult] from Mattel Media, is a much simplified version of the classic Print Shop program, with a Barbie and girls theme. Young girls will enjoy using the program to create everything from stickers and cards, to calendars and banners.

SuperKids Ratings
Title Publisher	Education Value	Kid Appeal	Ease of Use	Buyers Guide (Price Survey)
Crayola 3D Magic Coloring Book     IBM	2	4	5	PC / Mac
Orly's Draw-A-Story     Broderbund	4	5	4	PC / Mac
Drawing Discoveries     Brainstorm	5	4	3	PC / Mac
Kid Pix Studio     Broderbund	5	5	4	PC / Mac
Barbie Print 'n Play     Mattel Media	3	4	4	PC / Mac
Discovering Origami     Geode Software	4	3	3	PC / Mac
Reviews of Other Art Programs

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