Sago Mini Space Explorer
© 2014 Sago Mini
The third in a series (see also Sago Mini Forest Flyer and Sago Mini Ocean Swimmer) this is another well designed, easy-to-use experience that is ideal for the very first iPad user. In this case, that means a child as young as 18 months. That's because it uses a follow your finger design, where you help a character explore merely by touching the screen. Harvey the astronaut dog follows your finger, as you freely explore 30 animated routines, found on the moon, hiding behind stars or inside moon holes. The design fosters child control (hence the high ratings) and creates a good context for spatial problem solving. Nice touches include the ability to jump inside a space ship to fly faster, and a space portal that moves you to a random location in space. We also liked the ability to make designs by flying through star fields. There are no in-app sales, although we noticed one illustration where Harvey plants a branded "Sago" flag on the moon. Note that despite the Space Explorer title, this is a nonfiction experience, with no accurate scientific content.
$2.99, iPad
Teaches: spatial relations, language, causality, directions (up, down, over)
CTR Rating: 96%