My Animal Family (Nanuq) by Smart Kids - TOS Review

Several weeks ago members of The Old Schoolhouse's Homeschool Crew  received a package in the mail.  I LOVE PACKAGES!

Inside was this BEAUTIFUL, colorful, sturdy book from Smart Kid's Publishing.

"Nanuq" is a part of their "My Animal Family" Series.

Nanuq is a baby polar bear with a twin brother named Suka who loves to play and wrestle.  This book illustrates the habitat that polar bears live in and introduces the reader to how this family unit works so that the cubs can grow up prepared for survival.

There are 5 My Animal Family Books

Each My Animal Family book focuses on family values
and every day situations that children can relate to.

YET, My Animal Family is not JUST a book!!  

Each book comes with a CD which shows real life animal footage shot by the BBC.  The footage shows each character from the book as they live in real life and it is narrated by a child as if the main character of the book has come to life and is speaking directly to your family.

Each book purchased comes with a "Secret Password" which opens up the My Animal Family CLUB website.

When children, and their families, join the club they are requested to make the following pledge:

• I will do my best to widen my circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.
• I will do my best to treat all creatures with kindness and respect.
• I believe that all animals deserve our respect and our protection.
• I understand that life is as dear to all creatures as it is to me. Just as I want happiness, so do other creatures.

Once a new member has entered their "secret password" they get to create their explorer (or their player/avatar).  They can choose clothing and appearances to make their on-line guide look much like them.

 All of the above and tons of fun for an entire year for just $12.99.

Now, I need to be completely honest with you.  I WAS VERY, VERY excited about this review.  The book came and it IS GORGEOUS and very sturdily made.  The DVD was beautiful but we could not get the sound to work.  We then logged into the Club website and our "Secret Password" was invalid.

I had VERY excited children of 6, 4, and 2 but at each step they were left a bit more disappointed than the previous step had left them.  I emailed the company believing that such a beautifully designed website would have customer service to match.  I never received an answer.  I emailed three times with no answers.  I looked through the website with a fine tooth comb for a phone number or a snail mail address where I could write a good ol' fashioned letter but there were none.  I used my connection with TOS Crew and contacted my crew leaders hoping they would have a way to contact the company's customer service and they were not receiving correspondences back from the company either.

I DO believe there is potential with this product.  The book was BEAUTIFUL.  The CD seemed to be fun,  although short.   I would think the games would be fun, at least at first but I have no way to judge.

I don't believe that I was the only one on TOS Crew who was unable to access the website and know that some on Crew COULD access the site.

I am VERY disappointed at the customer service and feel like we did not receive the product that was advertised.  Yet I am thrilled with the beautiful book.

I honestly am baffled as to my recommendation of this product.  If all works as advertised I think it is an AMAZING PRODUCT and I had been prepared to tell the WORLD (or at least Grandparents EVERYWHERE) that this product was a MUST GET for Christmas.  If the $12.99 is for just the book and CD then perhaps it is still worth the cost.   However, the lack of customer service is VERY disappointing and I personally would rather give my business to companies who go above and beyond to help those having trouble with their products.  I do not feel as if I can run out and tell people that they ought to spend their money on these products because of my experience with customer service.

For more information on Books and membership click HERE.

For Nanuq specific information click HERE. 

For information on Ella the Elephant click HERE.

 For more information on Leo the Lion click HERE.

 For more information on Koro the baby Chimpanzee click HERE.

For an additional 20% off for new families who purchase a book enter the Promo Code: MAF123109 when you checkout!!  Click HERE to read more (scroll to bottom of page.)

If you would like to read additional reviews on My Animal Family

from the TOS CREW click HERE.

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Disclaimer:  I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse 2010-2011 Homeschool Crew and receive free products and services in exchange for a thorough and honest review.  Though I am compensated with free products, I am not compensated in the form of cash for my reviews.  My reviews will always reflect my honest opinions, findings, beliefs and experiences on the products and services that I receive.