Littlest Pet Shop (Wii, Nintendo DS)

Play ought to satisfy young children. The mini-games, most of which make use of the Wii's motion-sensitive and infrared controls to intuitively do things like blow bubbles, change the direction an animal runs, and blow up balloons, are simple enough that kids of kindergarten age ought to become comfortable with them in minutes. What's more, three difficulty levels (selectable before each game starts) help ensure an adequate challenge for slightly older children. Happily, there is no losing; if players don't do well enough to earn many coins in a particular game they can try again or simply move on.

Note, though, that a substantial amount of reading is required to understand specific game objectives. Players who are still learning to read might not get very far. Also, the game isn't particularly long. Pets, toys, and play areas are rapidly unlocked, providing great incentive to keep playing until suddenly all items and toys have been earned, at which point players will be stuck simply replaying old games and dressing up their pets using the same accessories. Still, young children who own Littlest Pet Shop stufffed toys will likely get a kick out it while it lasts.