We've reviewed a number of apps about dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures, including the heart-stopping March of the Dinosaurs, which combines fact and fiction as relates the story of two late-Cretaceous creatures at the end of an Arctic summer, and several apps in the   “Smithsonian Prehistoric Pals” series, such as A Busy Day for Stegosaurus and Pteranodon Soars. How does Y Factory's All About Dinosaurs compare with others available on the subject? Caroline Molnar reviews it below.

Opening screen of All About Dinosaurs (Y Factory) Illus. by Jongseok Kim

  The tagline of Y Factory, the developer of All About Dinosaurs (iOS, $2.99; Android, $2.45; K-Gr 3), states: “Sparkling ideas sprouting, Fresh discoveries peeking, Where learning happens naturally, Y Factory.” The words sound promising, but lack fluidity. Like the company's slogan, the app's premise is encouraging, but the execution is awkward. The tedious, in-app download that occurs on launching, fortunately, does not return. It is followed by an opening scene of a group of creatures, accompanied by dramatic music. In all, 30 dinosaurs from three time periods are featured in the app, with users deciding where to navigate first. For each period, and each time they visit, children must first complete its home screen, matching stickers to dinosaur outlines, to access information cards on the animals. A paragraph or so of facts are provided for each. A limited zoom-in feature is embedded in a small selection of additional facts on the creature (what it ate, where it lived, etc.) Beyond viewers being able to enter their height to view how tall they stand in comparison to the subject dinosaur, the app lacks the interactive extras of some of the more exciting app productions. The less-than-spectacular visuals feature colorful creatures and light animations. The accompanying audio is appropriate, but a bit basic; users can switch it, and the very limited narration, off or on. For most children, this app is best explored with a parent or teacher, and it may satisfy those looking for a few facts. However, considering the limited information provided, the title is a stretch. At present, there are more compelling options for exploring the lost world.—Caroline Molnar, Delaware City Schools