When all the big kids go back to school, the preschoolers get to enjoy their time at home–back in the number one spot. They get more time and attention from Mom, and they might actually get a shot at using the computer. My kids each knew how to load, click, and start up their computer games by the time they were three years old, but this summer my four-year-old son had to fight for time on the computer with his nine-year-old sister (and uh, his mom too).

I know that it’s just another screen competing for time and brain cells, but I have been so pleased with the skills my kids have picked up by playing these games, and I see them as a great alternative to sitting in front of the big screen TV.

Brighter Minds has introduced two new learning games for the preschool set: Thomas and Friends: Special Delivery and Bob the Builder: Can Do Zoo.

Kyle (4 years old) has loved Thomas for years, and I’m not even sure if his interest level has peaked. It might be getting even more intense. So I was pretty sure he would love this game, which combines video-quality stories with skills games, and I was right. He loves it!

This game promotes critical thinking skills and problem solving and also addresses counting and memory skills.

He isn’t a huge fan of the Bob the Builder show, so I had to convince him to give this game a try. This game seems a bit easier than some aimed at preschoolers. Kyle played the games at the medium level with ease (there are three levels that the child can choose for each game that they play). If your child loves Bob the Builder or you are wanting a good game to introduce your young preschooler to the computer, this one would be great.

The simplicity of the games allows children to improve their hand-eye coordination as they identify and sort different items. The game focuses on such skills as shape and color recognition and patterns in creative ways. The sticker book is a place where children can build their own scenes using “stickers” that they have earned from the different games. This kind of thing really encourages kids to try all of the games, not just the ones that they can master easily.

Would you like to be one of five winners to receive both of these games (U.S. shipping addresses only)?

Follow the directions listed on the Back to School Giveaway Guidelines, and leave a comment here. We’ll post the winners on August 13.