Fiete Farm

PreS-K—If Fiete Kinderzoo is your first foray into the world of Sailor Fiete, don't be discouraged. While the app is delightful, there isn't much to it. In this "made-for-kids-by-kids" adventure, users simply walk through a hand-drawn zoo and feed the animals. The collage-art creatures and the sounds, created and recorded by children, are hilarious. A tap to an icon drops food onto the screen, which viewers can then drag and pop into animals' mouths. At some point, viewers may wonder, "Is this it?" but they'll have fun getting there. Do consider Fiete Farm: gorgeous textured scenery accompanies plenty of interactions and tasks to complete. The rolling hills and quaint houses of the landscapes are both angular and serene. Rumbling tractors and slowly rotating windmills evoke a sense of simplicity and calm. The animations are wry and clever—Sailor Fiete and his friends don't relinquish their cozy beds easily. Users follow the crew from sunup to sundown as they take care of the animals, tend to the crops, and complete other farm chores. Tossing the milk, eggs, and wares into the delivery truck is a hoot, while cleaning the ever-muddy pigs is nothing short of silly. At the end of the day, the farmhands have an opportunity to relax in front of a crackling fire. The app is easy to navigate and does not contain in-app purchases. Instead, like life on a farm, the work is right in front of you. Verdict A scenic, engaging production that delivers a sense of accomplishment and purpose.—Caroline Molnar, Worthington City Schools, OH