Featuring four very different programs for the two to five year old age group, Triple R's Picture Book offering is the first in a new series of educational games that looks set to become firm favourites with both children and adults alike.

Before we go into the programs featured on the disc/tape, the first novelty supplied with the game is the special keyboard overlay option.

As children learn lower case letters before upper case, the overlays (there are two of them) are designed to fit over the computer keys to show only lower case letters.

Switching on the game, you are then offered a choice of sticking to the original Qwerty set-up, or altering the key configuration to alphabetical. A simple device it may be, but it really does do the trick to make keyboard operation for youngsters a doddle.

Moving onto the programs themselves, there are four to choose from, offering excellent tuition in the rudiments of spelling and counting.

First of all, the child is asked to pick a letter from the alphabet, corresponding to a picture which appears on the screen in Alphabet Book. For example, C is for Cat. There is also a neat picturesize changing option to add to the fun.

Spell It does exactly what it says: Kids spell the object in the picture. Get it wrong and the computer gives clues to lead the child to the correct answer, a happy tune, and the smiling clown. Excellent stuff.

Moving on, the next program, Count 'Em, allows the child to count the number of objects on screen and then enter the amount through the keyboard. Again, rewarding tunes greet the correct answer.

Last, but by no means least, the Snap program gives the child the chance to spot identical pictures, pictures and words or pictures and corresponding letters.

With the option for up to three children playing at any one time, Picture Book is a superb opportunity for kids to learn together and have fun. Featuring various difficulty levels, children will soon get the hang of the alphabet, as well as numbers up to nine, making an ideal start to the learning process before graduating to other offerings in the Triple R series.

The graphics are bright and clear, the controls are simplicity itself and the sound effects are cleverly designed to create a happy atmosphere to all of the activities.