Broderbund Software Ships The Treehouse, the Seventh Title in its Educational Active Mind Series; New CD-ROM For Ages 5 to 8 Helps Develop Skills in Reading, Math, Science And Music.

NOVATO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 26, 1996--Where can a child add coins to earn passage to a secret pirates' cove, create wacky sentences performed by eccentric bug actors, test their knowledge of natural science in a game show called "What's My Animal" and compose their own musical hits? In Broderbund Software's (NASDAQ:BROD) newly released CD-ROM, The Treehouse(R), kids ages 5 to 8 can do all this and more! Designed to help develop skills that enhance first and second grade learning, The Treehouse lets kids explore language, math, science and music within seven immersive activities.

New Treehouse friends, Casey and Lloyd the Lightning Bug, introduce a variety of skill building activities that help children learn new words, construct sentences, identify and add coins, learn about animals, and compose music. The Treehouse includes activities which help develop skills such as word recognition, vocabulary building, coin value, natural science facts, creative expression, music styles and instruments. Within the program children are introduced to the following activities: -0-

-- Bug Theater -- Children cycle through a variety of words that represent the basic sentence structure of Who, What, Where and When. Bug Theater comes to life and acts out the child's complete sentence as they learn about the parts of the sentence by rearranging fun words and phrases in logical order.

-- Treasure Quest -- Players must buy their way to hidden treasures as they spin the wheel, move across the pirates' treasure map and choose between bags laden with riches. Within this pirate theme, children are introduced to the concept of counting and adding money as well as understanding size, value and appearance of different coins.

-- Animal Backyard -- Kids learn natural science facts about animals and plants as they explore Animal Backyard. How many legs does a jumping spider have? What do porcupines eat? What kind of animals breathe with tubes? These are just a few questions children will learn the answers to as they explore Animal Backyard. This activity helps children develop deductive reasoning and comparing and classifying skills while they study animal traits.

-- Music Studio -- Lets children explore instrument sounds, music styles, pitch and rhythm while they listen to and play a variety of whimsical tunes. Whether they choose to play the Marimba with a "Salsa Party" accompaniment or listen to a duck quacking musical tunes to the beat of a "Hoot n' Holler" country ditty, they're sure to enjoy this foot-stomping, hand-clapping activity!

-- What's My Animal -- Two players can play at once or one player can choose to play with treehouse pal Casey in the game show, What's My Animal. General clues and animal traits are used to narrow down features and identify unknown animals.

-- Lloyd's Lab -- Once they enter Lloyd's Lab, kids discover how to make things froth, amplify and bubble using household items. Don't worry parents, these are fun and safe experiments to try at home!

-- Book of Amazing Facts -- Children can open the book on the treehouse floor to read and watch a variety of fun facts animate. -0-

"The subjects introduced and skills developed in first and second grade learning are essential building blocks for continuing education. This new title helps reinforce vital skills among this age group," explains Laurie Strand, Executive Publisher of Broderbund's Education Studio. "The Treehouse is a wonderfully diverse program that educates and entertains kids in the essential core subjects of math, reading, science and music."

The Treehouse School Edition

Broderbund's School Edition of The Treehouse contains lesson plans that integrate several subject areas including: reading, language arts, math and science; and a student tutorial that includes screen images and easy-to-follow steps created to help teachers introduce the program to their young students.

Active Mind Series

Broderbund's Active Mind Series is an innovative line of software that motivates children to develop essential learning skills. Each product is developed in conjunction with educational specialists to provide an enriching educational experience. There are currently seven titles in the Series ranging in subject matter from math and logic to reading comprehension and writing. They include: James Discovers Math(TM), Logical Journey of the Zoombinis(TM), Write, Camera, Action!(TM), Reading Galaxy(TM), Math Workshop(TM) and The Playroom(R).

Availability, Pricing and System Requirements

The Treehouse is currently shipping to stores for an approximate street price of $40. The Windows/Macintosh CD-ROM hybrid will require at least Windows 3.1 or Windows 95, 33 MHz 486, 8MB RAM, 2MB hard disk space, 2X CD-ROM drive, SVGA monitor (640 x 480, 256 colors), Windows compatible sound device and Windows supported printer. Macintosh users will need a minimum of System 7.0.1, 25 MHz, 68030 processor, 8MB RAM; 5MB free, 2MB hard disk space, 2X CD-ROM drive, 13" color monitor with 256 colors and Macintosh compatible printer (monochrome and color).

Broderbund Software, Inc. develops, publishes and markets a diversified line of consumer software for use in homes, schools and small businesses. Since its founding in 1980, Broderbund has pioneered innovative award-winning products that take advantage of the latest technologies. Broderbund has a successful track record of identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends through its studio development approach. Broderbund's web site is located at: http://www.broderbund.com.

The Treehouse, Active Mind Series, James Discovers Math, Logical Journey of the Zoombinis, Write, Camera, Action!, Reading Galaxy, Math Workshop, The Playroom and Broderbund are trademarks or registered trademarks of Broderbund Software, Inc.

CONTACT: Broderbund Software, Inc., Novato

Shannon Jamieson, 415/382-4567

[e-mail]

Dana Henry, 415/382-3238

[e-mail]