BEWARE: LeapFrog is voluntarily recalling 500,000 Alphabet Pal toys. The original version is GREEN, and has a pull-string that features a red plastic connector. The connector comes in 2-parts, and is designed to separate under pressure. The parts may pose a choking hazard to young children. Customers with the original version are encouraged to cut the string off the toy, and return it for a free replacement. Contact LeapFrog for further information. The Alphabet Pal Caterpillar is the re-designed version. It is PURPLE, and it includes the “That Tickles” feature.
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I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “Appearances are deceiving.” Well, in this case, that being the Alphabet Pal Caterpillar by LeapFrog appearance IS deceiving. Oedipus as he’s called, looks reliable. In fact, his profile is quite impressive. Let me tell you, he, or she, as the case may be, is an annoying little creature. Don’t be fooled by the brand name, and his adorable smile.

The Pros
On the bottom of the caterpillar are 2-wheels, and a rolling ball for movement. The ball is placed in the front of the caterpillar to stabilize the toy when pulled. The wheels, which I like to call creeping wheels, are set at the back of the toy. They are mounted off-center, so when pulled the caterpillar looks like it’s inching along. You know, like an inch worm. It’s very cute.

In addition, the NEW and improved version of the toy includes a “That Tickles” feature. When the toy is in the Phonics Mode, it’s capable of sounding-out short words like DAD. If one tries to sound-out a naughty word, the Alphabet Pal Caterpillar giggles and says “That Tickles.” I tried every bad word I can think of, so on this point LeapFrog excels.

The Cons
The sound quality of the toy is good, but LeapFrog chose the MOST grating voice for this bug on wheels. It’s high-pitched shrill sounds like a 3’ woman on helium. Every time the string is pulled it goes into this maddening version of the ABC song. Also, it has a verbal prompt that goes into idle mode if not turned OFF. It says, “Thanks for learning with LeapFrog. Bu Bye!” On the caterpillar’s back is a small button, when pressed the bug introduces himself by saying, “Hi, I’m Alphabet Pal.” If pressed a second time, the bug says, “Hi, I’m Oedipus. Let’s sing along with Alphabet Pal.” The Oedipus voice is deeper, and not as irritating, but this is the only time we hear his voice. I’m confused, is the toy’s name Alphabet Pal, or Oedipus? Fortunately, there is a volume control, although my kid likes his toys in the Loud Mode? The Low Mode on the Alphabet Pal Caterpillar is LOUD. The Loud Mode is TOO loud. As if that’s not bad enough, this toy is one of those exasperating playthings that goes-off in the toy box when the lid is lifted.
Thus, be careful not to lurk too close when child is resting.

In addition, the braided pull-string is ridiculous. It’s only a foot long, so how is a child expected to stand, and pull the toy along when walking. I understand the reason for the short length, but it would make more sense to add a handle as used on the Fisher-Price Popcorn Popper, or take the string off altogether. Our caterpillar has seen very little playtime, although the string is frayed and looks horrid.

My son received the caterpillar on his 1st Christmas. He was only 8-months old at the time, so I wasn’t expecting much, since the toy is recommended for children 12-months to 3-years. It was good that I was patient, because William showed NO interest in the caterpillar whatsoever. A year passed, and for the most part, the toy sat in the toy box. My husband and I tried to interest our son in the toy by pressing one of his legs. It would go into its irritating spiel, which would garner a smile, but that was the extent of it.

Sometime later, when I was organizing the toys, Mr. Smarty-Pants who was about two at the time, came up behind me and pulled the caterpillar out of the toy box. He started dragging the bug around the house all the while it whined the alphabet song. My son was enjoying the toy when it suddenly went into a weird erratic seizures. Dah…&%$#@! It scared the wits out of my boy. Upon inspection, I noticed that the caterpillar only spazed when in the Music Mode. I also detected that 5 of the legs did not work at all… that is, they didn’t work in any mode. I think that’s shoddy for a toys that retails for $20.00, and sat in a toy box for 2-years. Fortunately, I purchased the toy on special for $9.99.

Toy Description:
Alphabet Pal Caterpillar is an educational pull-toy. It introduces letters, phonics, colors, and music to toddlers. The plaything is made of molded plastic, and is a 1-piece unit. It features 26 legs, one for each letter of the alphabet. Each foot sports a boot with a different letter printed in white. The boots vary in color: red, yellow, green, and blue. The caterpillar has large, happy eyes, and translucent antennae that flash when activated. His head moves 180˚ so when enjoying the upped section of the alphabet, or the lower end, the caterpillar’s head can be turned to look at the user. Oedipus measures 12” long x 5” wide, and is 7” high. Think of a tall loaf of bread. The caterpillar weighs just under 2-pounds.

How it works:
A selector switch is located around the caterpillar’s neck. Move the switch to any of the 5-modes: Letter Mode, Phonics Mode, Colors Mode, Music Mode, or OFF. Press any of the caterpillar’s 26 legs to hear the letter’s name, the primary phonics sound, colors, or the short instrumental melody. By the way, the song list is the same as the Discovery Ball plays.

Song List:
A - Frère Jacque (Are you sleeping brother John)
B – Billy Boy
C - Clementine
D – Did You Ever See Lassie
E – East Side, West Side
F - Farmer in the Dell
G – Greensleeves
H – Hey Diddle Diddle
I - I’ve Been Working on the Railroad
J – Jimmy Crack Corn
K – Camptown Races
L - London Bridge
M - Mary had a Little Lamb
N- The Man in the Flying Trapeze
O – Old MacDonald
P – Pop! Goes the Weasel
Q - Chop Sticks
R - Row, Row, Row, Your Boat
S - She’ll be Coming ‘Round the Mountain
T - This Old Man
U – Upside Down World
V – Froggie Went A-Courtin
W – Oh Where, or Where has My Little Dog Gone
X – Yellow Rose of Texas
Y – Yankee Doodle
Z – Wait for the Wagon

The Alphabet Pal Caterpillar requires 3-AA batteries, which are provided. To replace the batteries, one needs a Phillips screwdriver. The battery compartment is located on the bottom of the toy.


Closing Remarks:
It’s been 2½ years since I purchased the Alphabet Pal Caterpillar for my son, and we’re still on the original batteries. William’s received little to no education from the toy, as it just didn’t interest him. I recycle everything that I can, but this toy is so aggravating that I can’t even give it to the neighbor boy. His parents would kill me, thus it’s headed for the trash bin. Sorry LeapFrog, but I can’t recommend this toy.

LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
Telephone: 1-800-701-LEAP (5327)
1400 65th Street Ste. 200, Emeryville, CA 94608-1071
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Pacific Time
www.leapfrog.com/



Additional LeapFrog Reviews:
Discovery Ball
Fridge Phonics Magnetic Set

LeapPad & LeapPad Books:
Mother Goose Songbook
Lots and Lots of Honeypots
Tad’s Great Day at the Letter Factory
LeapPad Plus Writing & Microphone Learning System




Recommended: No

Amount Paid (US$): $9.99
Type of Toy: Educational
Age Range of Child: 12 to 36 Months