Labo Lado apps offer children opportunities to create and play. Like their earlier productions, the latest in the developer's transportation series, Brick Train, provides templates for viewers to get their designs rolling. But that's not all. See Caroline Molnar's review below to find out about the app's other possibilities. 

It’s full steam ahead for young engineers with a vibrant, creative new offering titled Brick Train (Labo Lado, iOS and Android; $3.99 full version; PreS-Gr 1). With an endless combination of train construction and designs available, there are hours of fun to be had for transport enthusiasts and builders alike. More than 60 classical locomotive templates allow users to puzzle together trains or create their own, and decorate them, while exercising their fine motor skills. Once completed, the trains can be taken for a spin on the railway with stops for navigating around obstacles and opportunities to fix broken tracks, fill in missing track portions, and to speed up or slow down. The app is packed with illustrations in bright colors, engaging features, and details such as a wide variety of stickers and a choice of train whistles to signal one’s arrival at the station. Designs can be saved and shared or downloaded from an online gallery to build a collection. Users with the new iPhone 11 should be aware of the phone’s screen sensitivity, swiping up to move train pieces often results in accidentally exiting the app. Younger users without adult guidance may find that some navigation elements are not intuitive, thus initially frustrating. A trailer is available. VERDICT Despite minor flaws, Labo Train is a solid choice for children who love to tinker and build, offering endless possibilities for creative construction.—Caroline Molnar, Worthington City Schools

For additional app reviews, visit School Library Journal's dedicated app webpage.