Gary & Claire
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Gary & Claire
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Gary & Claire is an app that gives kids the opportunity to engage with an interactive story about a sleepy sloth and a little bird who's eager to be his friend. When launched, the app tracks the room to display an augmented reality (AR) setting made up of colorful trees. As the story's narrated, pulsing images and sound prompt kids to tap on the screen to interact with the story. Gary & Claire explores the themes of friendship, helping others, and overcoming obstacles. Other than an option to pause the story, there are no other menu, setting, or help options. Read the developer's privacy policy for details on how your (or your kids') information is collected, used, and shared and any choices you may have in the matter, and note that privacy policies and terms of service frequently change.
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What’s It About?
GARY & CLAIRE is an interactive story that allows kids to watch and listen as a little bird tries to make friends with a sleepy sloth and goes above and beyond to keep him safe. As soon as the app is launched, it begins to track the room in order to establish the augmented reality setting. The only directions are to tap the screen and hold while the visual display comes to life in the player’s room. As the story unfolds, there are opportunities for kids to interact with the story by tapping on the screen to prompt the next scene.
Is It Any Good?
This interactive story about friendship, helping others, and overcoming obstacles will engage and entertain little kids, but falls short due to inconsistent augmented reality and graphics. Kids will be thrilled to see Gary & Claire come to life in their own living room and will be engaged by the captivating graphics. The no-fuss directions are great for little ones who want to enjoy the game on their own; however, when the augmented reality fails to appear on the screen or they get stuck, the app doesn't offer any help, forcing kids to seek guidance from a grown up. The idea is that the story can be enjoyed over and over again, but even when played in the same room, the augmented reality isn't consistently displayed. In this case, the only option is to relaunch the app and try to track the room again. When it works properly, it's a captivating little story, but the bugs bring it down.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about friendship when playing Gary & Claire. How can we make friends? How do friends treat each other?
Talk about safe ways to help friends when they are in trouble. Pose different scenarios and discuss how to lend a helping hand.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPad
- Subjects: Social Studies: citizenship
- Skills: Creativity: imagination, Emotional Development: empathy, moving beyond obstacles, persevering, perspective taking, Communication: friendship building, listening, Responsibility & Ethics: making wise decisions, respect for others
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: November 29, 2018
- Category: Entertainment
- Topics: Adventures, Friendship, Wild Animals
- Publisher: Sehsucht Berlin GmbH & Co KG
- Version: 1.0
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 11.0 or later
- Last updated: October 16, 2019
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