Little Things
© 2010 KlickTock Pty Ltd
Well designed but very challenging, this picture searching program follows a tried-and-true formula that translates well to the iPad's clear touch screen. While it isn't designed specifically for children, it's the kind of app that a child (or adult) can do. It is also fun to do as a huddle game, with many people helping to spot the hidden item. You start by logging into one of four game-save slots, which saves progress automatically. The goal is to search through ten scenes that consist of hundreds of tiny, clear items, shown against a single color background and arranged into an outline that you instantly recognize (e.g., a dog, shoe or pair of scissors). All of the objects are things that a child would recognize instantly which makes this program noteworthy. Your targets are all the same as well -- "find six sheep". A clever hint system gradually narrows the searching range with a shadow. As you play, your time and success rate are tracked and you can stop at any time to continue later. Your goal is to unlock all of ten scenes, and find the 99 jigsaw pieces and ten gadgets by solving puzzles. Weaknesses: Targets are given in list form rather than as pictures and there is no language or labeling. For visual discrimination that is an authentic challenge, this is an excellent choice.
$2, iPad only
Teaches: visual discrimination, matching, logic
CTR Rating: 92%