Web smarts

www.pbskids.org/lions

WHAT: Designed to coincide with the new PBS daily children's show "Between the Lions," this literacy Web site is for kids and parents. The show claims to be the next top-notch children's program, joining the ranks of "Barney" and "Teletubbies."

BEST POINTS: "Between the Lions," set in a world of lions, libraries, and laughter, is designed to help kids ages 4 to 7 learn to read. This is the first companion site to a TV show to offer an expert-approved curriculum of interactive stories and games (more than 200) for kids learning to read and write. Each TV episode has its own read-along story and related games on the site. The games give children hands-on experience with reading, writing, listening, correcting errors, and spelling.

There is also a Cliff Hanger character with Cliff's Notes to help parents use the site, and a Parent's Survival Manual that offers useful how-to tips on reading to your kids, making books, teaching about warning labels, and using your library.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Parents who are concerned about too much computer time for their children should know that this site also includes Anywhere Games, engaging literacy activities that can be played anywhere.

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