Making Kids Mouse-Friendly

Not all kids take to computers like fish to water. For those who need a little prodding, a white computer mouse shaped like a real mouse just might do the trick. Design-Your-Own KidzMouse (www.kidzmouse.com) is half the size of a traditional mouse, and is made to fit the hands of children ages 2 to 10. It features a squeezable head, which activates the device.

The new KidzMouse model comes with 30 sheets of removable and reusable stickers. Kids can add eyelashes, glasses, polka dots and stripes.

Compatible with a PC or Mac, the $23.95 device can be plugged in simultaneously with an adult mouse, making it possible for two people—a teacher and student, parent and child, or two kids—to work together. "In schools or libraries, this will allow older and younger kids to choose either an adult mouse or a KidzMouse, while not requiring a librarian to plug and unplug the mice," says Susan Giles, KidzMouse's creator.