Review & Giveaway: Shidonni

Last week I told you about one of my daughter’s favorite online communities – All Star Buddies.  This week I’ll be focusing on websites and software that we’ve found enjoyable in our home.

Today’s choice – Shidonni. “Shidonni is a virtual world for children, ages 5 and up, based on the idea of drawing animals and caring for them, but with a 21st century twist. Visitors to the site receive a blank canvas where they can draw an animal and create a background for that animal to play. After drawing their virtual pets, children play with them as they magically ‘come alive’. Children then care for, feed and play games that incorporate their animals as main characters.”

As soon as I read this description I knew that this had great potentiol, and I called Cameron over and we started playing.  It was actually a great bonding time as I enjoyed playing it with her as much as she was enjoying it.  We both found drawing a little hard at first as we had to get used to drawing with our mouse (it was harder for me than Cameron I think), but after we got to where we could really move around and create our critters, we had a good time playing around and creating different animals.

Other features that I appreciate: #1 FREE!  Yep, this is a free virtual world.  You cna upgrade to a premium account($5.95/month) for extra colors, brushes, etc, but the free version is plenty fun. And #2 it’s safe!  Shidonni has implement several safety features that allow your child to communicate, but to do it SAFELY.  I like that she feels big like her older sister who has social networking sites, but I feel comfortable knowing that she is protected. #3 Designs can be put on Tshirts.  How cool would that be to have your child’s drawing printed on a Tshirt? I haven’t tried this yet, but I just think the option sounds really neat.

If you have a young child wanting to get on the Internet, and you’re still leery let them check out Shidonni.  I think both of you will enjoy it.

Other posts you may enjoy:

1. Review & Giveaway: MolliCoolz Shakers
2. Review & Giveaway: Let’s Get Fit with Sane Fitness
3. Review & Giveaway: Internet Password Organizer
4. Review: All Star Buddies