LINC has recently acquired the latest version of Kid Pix from the Learning Company to add to the many creative art software packages that are featured in the loan library. Kid Pix Deluxe 3 was put to the test during LINC’s Summer Arts Camp, where campers used it to create t-shirts, posters, customized art creations interfaced with digital photography, and a group designed seahorse sculpture.

Improved features of Kid Pix Deluxe include an easy-to-use, more accessible interface. Realistic art tools behave like real paints and markers. The creative options have expanded significantly from the previous versions. There are now 750+ backgrounds and activity templates, 900+ scalable stickers, 100+ animations, 84 wacky brushes, 150 paint fill patterns, 20 paper textures, 30 electric mixer special effects and 2200+ rubber stamps from which to choose. The software provides tools for digital photo editing, and can be altered with the Electric Mixer effects. Text-to-speech allows text in projects to be read aloud. An email feature has also been added to this version.

The user can create voice painting masterpieces with voice recordings and the Sound Art tools. The Multimedia Slide Show incorporates text, graphics, photos, sound, digital video or other multimedia elements to create presentations that are either simple or simple or complex, depending on age and abilities.

The Teacher Resource Binder includes 30 adaptable lesson plans, a curriculum matrix, tutorials for student projects, a book, Web and general resource list, plus more. Also included is a resource CD with samples, templates and worksheets related to the lesson plans in the teacherÕs guide. Kids Pix Deluxe 3 pricing starts at $79.95 for the school edition. For more information visit the Web site www.learningco.com.