Little Luna – Big Talent – Explore and Play with a Beetle Named Luna

A new twist on a traveling game!

Bastei Entertainment has concocted a cute little app for kids that have them following a little bombardier beetle named Luna around her little world. This interactive storybook features her friends and her Dad, all of which sport different talents that you can use in games to earn points. Scattered across her realm are games to play and animations to watch. It’s a new twist on a traveling game that’s geared for little ones.

When you first download the app, Little Luna introduces herself and the adventure you are about to embark on. She talks about her talents and her ability to toot, something that is sure to evoke multiple giggles amongst tots and adults alike. She also explains what players need to do get around and what’s available to them in her little world.

Parents can get grown-up information by sliding the Lady Bug that sits at the top right of the screen down. This sends Lady Bug crawling downward and introduces an information panel that allows you to:

• Adjust volume levels
• Select a language: German, English, or Mandarin Chinese
• Specify a max game time – to help limit time on the app
• Information about the creators
• Addition products by Bastei

The sounds are enthusiastic and playful, bringing the theme of the game, its characters and the activities all together. Kids move Luna around her neighborhood by sliding the screen left or right. Animations are initiated by tapping on random objects that are sometimes hinted at with arrows that pulse.

When the game starts, the first screen gives an overview of how to play and gives the child the choice to play. The game is initiated by pressing the Play icon. If the child chooses not to play, you can get out of the screen by pressing a second screen and tapping on the open door. As you roam this way and that in what feels like a fairytale-like garden, you will meet Luna’s family and friends and partake in different activities. Some are games and some are information tidbits that educate and entertain.

One cute example when children tap on a seed that falls into the garden. Luna then explains how seeds germinate and grow, and what is needed for them to do so. This then becomes a small activity for them to seek out some water, which Luna hints sometimes gathers on leaves. A few taps on an overhead leaf sends much needed water to a seed that sprouts and becomes a flower. When kids get stuck on a screen, Luna gently suggests finding a few games to play, thereby prompting a bit of exploration. There is also a timer for parents to monitor a child’s screen time.

I could not find much wrong with Little Luna – Big Talent as it had extremely enjoyable music in the background, a pleasant voice coaxing and encouraging play, and some neat animation. The games are funny, as well. The only thing lacking would be a written explanation of what the app is for so parents have a better idea on how to utilize it efficiently.