Oscar the Balloonist is a rather peculiar cartoon character.

He was invented by Tivola Electronic Publishing in a distinctly novel approach to ecological and zoological education.

Oscar the Balloonist Flies Into The Mountains is the latest in the series of CD- ROM titles seeking to explain the mysteries of nature to children aged from four to six.

Oscar owns a balloon that can fly from season to season.

With his good friend Balthasar Pumpernickel, who is a desperately ill-informed ecologist, Oscar sets out to visit the mountain hut owned by Balthasar's cousin Joseph.

On the way, the travellers meet up with all kinds of talking wild and farm animals who help the balloonists on their way and at the same time teach the user about ecology.

Early lessons include a meeting with a European brown bear who talks about her need to put on a layer of fat before hibernating.

My concerns are: Why does a title that purports to teach about ecology feel the need to humanise the animal characters it portrays? Why dress up Betty Belle, the cow, for a visit to town, except to soft soap the audience into forgetting the real reason why cows visit towns?

The Germanic origins of the software are also too evident. But, despite the cultural question marks, the title is actually extremely good value for money.

Price: £19.99.

Contact: 01908 617746.

Feel good factor: 8 out of 10.