Scholastic Introduces Breakthrough Concept in 'Huggly's Sleepover' CD-ROM

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NEW YORK, June 2, 1997 -- Scholastic Inc. has created a breakthrough interactive learning concept for four- to six-year-olds in a CD-ROM titled "HUGGLY'S SLEEPOVER," the first in the SCHOLASTIC EARLY LEARNING series (Win/Mac Hybrid, October 1997, street $27-29). This original, animated skill-building adventure presents Huggly, an adorable, friendly monster companion who guides children through a fun-filled, creative quest. The title integrates early academic skills, such as beginning reading and beginning math, into the storyline while modeling social skills and fostering emotional development. Co-developed with professional educators and child development experts, this kindergarten preparation title is the first developmentally appropriate CD-ROM of its kind.

"Recently, academic research and White House policy-making has centered on nurturing children's emotional development, which has proven to be a critical prerequisite for acquiring basic academic skills," said Ruth Otte, Executive Vice President, Scholastic Inc. "Scholastic, with its in-house educational expertise and early childhood development knowledge, expects to set the standard for the next level in multimedia education by combining academic skills with social and emotional skills in one CD-ROM title."

Tedd Arnold, popular children's illustrator and author who created the original characters, and Laurie Bauman Arnold, writer of the best-selling Putt-Putt series from Humongous, co-developed the storyline and activities with an exceptional team of people, including educational and child development experts.

"I am personally very excited to see such a splendid implementation of learning through play, now in software," said Adele Brodkin, Ph.D., Senior Child Development Consultant, Scholastic Inc. "When kids are excited about what they are doing and are following their innate curiosity, they learn readily and achieve a sense of mastery. "HUGGLY'S SLEEPOVER" draws kids in with its charming characters, story, and inherent understanding of who and where kids are at this age. The software enables them to develop many of the academic, social, and emotional abilities they will need for learning."

Kids participate by helping Huggly and his friends get ready for the Annual Monster Sleepover Party. While preparing for the big bash, they are engaged in fun educational activities in which they practice: beginning reading, beginning math, visual discrimination, logical thinking, social skills, emotional readiness, and creativity. For example, kids learn pattern recognition while decorating one of the "moody" mud pies, learn about classifying while sorting bugs in order to retrieve one of the lost pillows for the Pillow Bounce, practice phonics while playing the Monster's From Outer Space game, and learn about sharing while negotiating with a reluctant baby monster for a lost pillow. Through it all, children learn skills and attain the confidence and optimism that motivates them to persevere through the quest. When they finish, it's time for the party and a well-deserved reward!

"HUGGLY'S SLEEPOVER" will be available in retail stores in October 1997 for an estimated street price of $27.00-$29.00 and also will be available through Scholastic's Software Clubs, Book Clubs, and Book Fairs. The CD-ROM is being launched simultaneously with a new series of Huggly books, which will be sold separately through Scholastic's school-distributed Book Clubs, further promoting Huggly's identity.

About Scholastic

For more than 75 years, Scholastic has been committed to creating quality educational materials for children, teachers, and families. The company, one of the leading publishers and distributors of children's books, classroom and professional magazines, and core curriculum materials, is expanding its presence in educational consumer software with the release of new titles, targeted to children ages three to 12, in fall 1997. In addition to books and software, Scholastic produces children's and family-oriented video and television programming. The company's international operations include Australia, Canada, France, Mexico, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

System Requirements for "HUGGLY'S SLEEPOVER"

• Windows(R):
  486DX 66 MHz or faster processor
  Microsoft(R) Windows 3.1 x or Windows 95
  8 MB RAM (16 MB recommended)
  12 MB hard disk space available
  640 x 480 display with 256 colors
  Double-speed CD-ROM drive,
  Windows-compatible sound card
  Mouse
  
  
• Macintosh(R):
  25 MHz 68LCO40 or faster processor
  System 7.1 or later
  4000 KB available RAM
  7 MB hard disk space available
  640 x 480 display with 256 colors
  Double-speed CD-ROM drive
  
  

Prices and system requirements subject to change without notice.

CONTACT: Betsy Sagges of Access Communications, 212-725-4301, or bsagges@accesspr.com, for Scholastic Inc.