Super Studio Disney Mickey Mouse & Friends ($19.99) Osmo is a platform that extends the play value of iPads and iPhones, giving the devices the ability to "see" and interact with kids. In this set kids learn to draw Disney characters by following step-by-step directions. This is an old Disney model; I remember playing with similar workbooks when I was a kid. The difference is that now, the drawings kids make (with eraseable markers on a whiteboard) are captured by the smart-device and then automatically animated. While the art projects are "directed", there are opportunities to break off the rails and "draw what you want". There is magic in the way the drawings come to life and plenty of opportunity for replay. There was a time when Osmo traded on being anything but mainstream, more boutique than Toys'R'Us. Yet, in the past few years the company has brought out a number of Disney licensed games that have broadened their appeal, bringing their magic to a bigger audience than might have tried it otherwise. Similar sets are available for Disney Princess and Marvel Universe characters. Remember, you'll need to supply the Osmo stand (sold separately) and an iPad!
