My First Amazing Diary

by DK

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00002S6O6
• Item model number: 789438917
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 5, 2006
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,940 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)
  • #51 in Software > Education & Reference > Writing & Literature
  • #72 in Software > Children's Software > Art & Creativity
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

The myriad joys of journal writing are given an electronic shakeup for young users in My First Amazing Diary. This electronic diary uses pictures and sound files to ease new readers into the experience of writing--about themselves, their school experiences, their pets, or anything that comes to mind. Along the way, children can design goofy pictures of themselves, friends, and family members and personalize the diary with pictures and text that the computer can then read back to them.

Designed for new readers in the 5- to 9-year-old range, My First Amazing Diary is a straightforward program. Naturally, it invites users to write whatever comes to mind in the diary pages, just as they would in a paper-and-ink version. However, the multimedia design of the program encourages more taciturn diarists, too, drawing them out with simple questions about themselves, beloved pets, and preferred foods. Rather than facing a blank page or even feeling obliged to write reams about the topics provided, children are encouraged to pick their responses from a small but humorous assortment of pictures. The computer can then read the selections back to them, improving their vocabulary and reading skills. This low-key approach, with its emphasis on creating a writer-friendly experience, accustoms users to recording information about themselves without pressuring them to take the whole process too seriously.

While My First Amazing Diary offers new writers a safe and amusing place to record their first thoughts and memories, children will likely outgrow the program quickly as they become more dedicated writers. The database and activities are neither terribly extensive nor particularly varied. The small size of the diary pages, while obviously nonthreatening, will frustrate more prolific writers. The program interface is attractive but sometimes balky, and it has few customization options. After a taste of diary writing, most users will probably want to graduate--to a more advanced and flexible electronic diary, to a simple word processor, or perhaps even to an old-fashioned journal. Clearly a great introduction to the concept of journal writing, My First Amazing Diary will definitely require later follow-up. --Alyx Dellamonica

Amazon.com Product Description

This CD-ROM enables children to compile a unique "electronic scrapbook" about themselves. Covering a large variety of sections, such as My Family, At Home, and At School, children can fill in facts, design pictures, choose activities, answer quiz questions, and collect stickers. Information about the user is remembered and used in other guises throughout the product. There is even a special diary section that children will love. The disc is designed to feel both personal and intelligent to completely involve and stimulate children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars So so, June 30, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: My First Amazing Diary (CD-ROM)

I bought the MY FIRST AMAZING DIARY for my son a week ago. He is a 7 year-old. He liked it at the beginning as other software he owned. He mastered it very quickly and easily. It is OK for a regular diary, but it isn't as AMAZING as what we had expected. We experienced technical difficulty while we installed it.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keep kids busy through summer vocation, June 30, 2000

By 

JM "Wii Lover" (Detroit, MI United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: My First Amazing Diary (CD-ROM)

This diary software is very attractive to kids. It starts at the beginning level of writing and has many ways to draw kids' attention. Kids can start writing from their familiar persons and stuffs. Because it is a diary, it really works out on a daily basis. My seven-year son love it. Now he starts writing sentence and some stories on daily basis. We highly recommended this software.