My Pal Scout

Durability: 5/5
Longevity: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Score: 88%
Conclusion: A lovely, cuddly character that children really respond to.

Kids have been playing with Scout, the playful pup that features in many of LeapFrog’s educational toys, for years. This year they finally got the chance to play with Scout in person – and he didn’t disappoint.

My Pal Scout is a very soft and cuddly dog in the familiar bright green LeapFrog colours (you can also opt for a purple version, My Pal Violet). He would no doubt earn many fans for this alone, but the key element here is the interactivity.

To start things off, you personalise your Scout by hooking him up to a computer via the supplied USB cable and providing details such as your child’s name and favourite foods, animals and colours. Scout can then amaze children by knowing what they like and calling them by their proper name.

In our tests kids really responded to this – and it helps to develop a bond between a child and the toy.

Scout has 14 activities pre-loaded, including such things as counting with hiccups and guessing games. Scout will also ask for a hug when he’s feeling sad and a snack when he’s hungry (this one could get messy!).

There are five songs built in and you can download more from the LeapFrog site. Two minutes of bedtime music are on hand at the press of a paw to help your child get to sleep.

Scout proved to be a popular character during our tests. He has a pleasant voice and the built-in speaker is surprisingly good, making both music and speech sound smooth.

Unlike some electronic toys, Scout doesn’t demand attention. He will emit a little bark when he hasn’t been played with for a minute, but this is not repeated, so he can just sit quietly until a child is ready to play with him again.

We also found that the age range that Scout appeals to is quite broad. Even a four-year-old enjoyed pressing his paws to hear him speak – and hearing his own name never failed to draw a smile.

Even with all the technical wizardry, however, most children we showed Scout to simply wanted to give him a hug. Scout is therefore an educational toy that remembers what’s really important.

Even when the batteries run out, he can still be enjoyed as a simple cuddly toy – and that’s a major plus in our book.

Approx. price: £19.99

Age range: 6 months+

ToyTalk Awards Winner: Musical Toys

Website: www.leapfrog.com