Nickelodeon's Nick Jr. and Humongous Entertainment have teamed up together to bring you software programs based on the Blue's Clues television show. One of the titles that was recently released is Blue's Art Time Activities. This program has your child doing all sorts of art projects.

Steve is the live human in the show. His pal is the animated dog, Blue. In this software program, Steve and Blue are getting ready to view the Great Art Show. The only problem is; there isn't enough art work finished for the show. It is up to you and Blue to make some art for the show. Steve will help out some (he's going to make a masterpiece- at least he thinks so, anyway)

Some of the other characters that you will meet here are Chalk Girl, Marky Marker, Color Drops and Al Luminum. Then there is Yellow Kitten, Red Kitten and Purple Kangaroo. Each of these characters need help finishing their art projects for the show.

The activities in the program are Chalk World, Craft Table, Playground Color Game, Recycle Town and Storytime.

In Chalk World, you will help Chalk Girl finish her mural. This is done with colored chalk on a blackboard. You can make up to 10 different murals and stick them into your portfolio.

The Craft Table has all sorts of cool material that will help you make an interesting project for the Big Art Show. There are gems, glitter and feathers that can be used as part of you project.

In the Playground Color Game, you have to mix the right colors together in order to win a ribbon. You will help out Al Luminum by putting together the last pieces of his diorama. You will use recycled items in your work.

With Story Time, you will help out Periwinkle by illustrating a story for him. You will even be able to print the story.

After each piece is completed, add it to Blue's portfolio. There are six tabs in the portfolio. The yellow tab is for the artists who still need help. The red tab is where you store your mural from Chalk World. Other tabs hold items that you have finished in other areas.

After everyone has been helped, you can choose one of your projects to put into the Really Big Art Show. Then you get to place a ribbon on it.

Blue's Art Time Activities is an enjoyable way for children to learn about art. It doesn't have a lot of learning skill work like in Blues Reading Time Activities, but it still teaches a few things. And it is geared for young children, which is a major plus. The program is targeted for kids ages 3 to 6.

This program can be found at places like Toys-R-Us and Best Buy. The list price for the program is $ 24.99.

To find out about other Blue's Clues programs or other Humongous Entertainment products, visit their web site at www.humongous.com

Copyright © 2000 Bruce E. Von Stiers