Ansel & Clair's Adventures in Africa

Gr 1–5—The intergalactic duo is back on Earth to take photos and notes and explore three areas of the African continent: The Sahara Desert, the Nile Valley, and the Serengeti Plains. Unfortunately, on this trip to our planet, Ansel and Clair's space vehicle has lost parts. In order to return home, they'll need viewers' help to locate various items scattered across the continent. The opening screen offers a tutorial and an opportunity for viewers to create up to four separate players.Each realistically drawn locale offers narrated information about the flora and fauna and interactive scenarios, animations, quests, puzzles, and leveled games complete with original music and sound effects. Twenty-nine photographs can be collected and placed in Ansel's journal. The dialogue, along with arrows and an information screen, help guide viewers who can choose their own level of interaction based on icons such as a lightbulb that activates "ClairVision" for more detailed information, or a puzzle piece to start a game that takes full advantage of the iPad's retina display.In keeping with the series' proven strengths, this adventure informs and encourages questioning and synthesis on multiple levels while remaining entertaining and engaging. Younger elementary students can enjoy it with some assistance, while older elementary students will be able to navigate it independently.—Elisabeth LeBris, Director Library Tech Services, SD 38, Kenilworth, IL