Raz-Kids is the digital equivalent of that bin of leveled readers in the back of a first-grade classroom. It’s a workhorse, not a thoroughbred. It’s incredibly safe and technically sound, especially if you subscribe to the idea that listening counts as literacy.

However, it can easily turn into a 'set it and forget it' babysitter. If your kid is just clicking through quizzes to get to the robot-building mini-game, the educational value evaporates. It’s best used as a supplement to physical books, not a replacement for them. It’s a great tool for accessibility, but don't expect it to spark a lifelong love of literature on its own.