One of Bug’s favorite toys she has had so far is her My Pal Violet doll from Leapfrog, where it can be programmed to say her name and sing to her songs related to her, including her favorite color, animal, and food. She dances and sings with it constantly. This made it a no brainer in terms of an app purchase, for when Leapfrog released their first app for iOS devices, Scout’s ABC Garden.
Straight out, I love this app and have had no problem playing with it along with Bug, which honestly was slightly a surprise, as I was a bit apprehensive when I first got it, expecting it to just be an app to take advantage of the popularity of their Scout and Violet characters, but Leapfrog really took the time to develop a useful and entertaining app, which is geared towards the ages of 2-4.
The app allows you to play with either Scout or Violet, which are Leapfrog’s resident puppies, and seeing Violet on the screen animated, and talking in the voice that her doll makes just help get Bug excited about playing with the app that much more. The app allows us parents the ability to customize profiles for up to 3 children, along with being able to set it up where you can receive email updates when your child completes a goal and earns a trophy in the app. Along with the email address, you can customize the app with the child’s name, favorite food, favorite color, and favorite animal, all similar to the customization options found in the Violet doll and other Leapfrog products. You can also set the child’s learning level, which adds to the longevity of the app as your child becomes more advanced, or if you have multiple children at different levels, giving this app a wide umbrella of who it can entertain.
The main purpose of the app is to help teach your child their alphabet while growing a garden (great timing with it being spring and Bug seeing me out in my garden). Along with that, they have included extra little bonus interactions for when your child hits the screen, including being able to scratch Scout or Violet’s head, rub their belly, and give them a hi-5. One of the surprises for Bug and has been a big hit is that Violet on the app sings one of the songs that Violet the toy sings, once I realized this, I made sure the customization settings were the same, which has been a home run with Bug in the car, being able to sing with Violet, even when she’s not with us. As if that wasn’t enough, you also have little extras like a duck who will quack songs if you touch him, or a ball you can roll across the screen for the puppy to chase. Scout’s ABC Garden really is an advance educational app with many levels, making it really entertaining for your child to simply explore the screen itself.
Along with the interaction, there are rewards when you complete certain tasks in the game, and you can view these rewards in the dog house as a trophy case. This helps add an extra level of interest and encourages, even the youngest, to strive for goals. I wouldn’t have thought this so much before, but have realized its benefit, similar to the sticker rewards you can gain in Zoo Train, another one of Bugs favorites this really is becoming a big hit with her as she becomes older.
THE COMMENTARY
I’ll come straight out and admit I was expecting this app to be a weak outing by Leapfrog, and have been very pleasantly surprised. There have been just a few apps that have grabbed Bug’s attention when it has come to the alphabet up to this point (she’s more about numbers) but I feel that the familiar characters from her other Leapfrog toys have helped to increase her interest in this app. It’s a fun, energetic app that brings a smile to her face anytime she hears it say that familiar “Abby.” I’ve been a fan of Leapfrog since my son was born and continue to be. If you or your child loves Leapfrog and Scout or Violet, this is sure to be a home run at your home too.
 SCOUT’S ABC GARDENby LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.  $3.99 |
I give it a 4.5 out of 5
**Disclaimer** I did NOT receive anything from Leapfrog nor have I ever been offered or requested anything from them. I purchased this app on my own and this review is of my opinion.