Primo: Pre-Literacy Programming Robot Interface

Project:   Primo - Teaching programming logic to children age 4 to 7

Creator:  Primo

Description:  Teaching kids programming and programming logic is the In Thing these days, but one of the cooler implementations of it appears to come from the UK-based firm Primo.  They've designed a tiny robot (Cubetto) with an appealing puzzle-piece form, which can be controlled via an interface board "programmed" by putting in blocks which serve as non-verbal blocks of programming code.  It's an expensive toy, perhaps (the full assembled kit costs 160 pounds), and one which reminds me of trying to get a remote-controlled car moving, but one with a little more brainy heft.  Fun stuff.

Mobius: Animated Series for Families

Description : I love the concept of this project -- it's an animated series developed for smartphones and tablets about Mobius, "an incredibly adventurous 8 year old, who loves nothing more than to escape his hum-drum, fish and chips, tea and toast village in rural England and go on expeditions that almost every kid dreams of."  The rough "animatic" posted on the project page is funny, and does seem to hit the mark for humor for both parent and kid.

Unfortunately, the project doesn't seem to have taken off, and they've only had about 0.5% of the $260,000 British pounds they're seeking collected.  But even with that, a pledge for this project is a vote for good, smart family entertainment.