Millie’s Book of Tricks and Treats, Volume 2 Review

Millie’s Book of Tricks and Treats, Volume 2 is a delightful universal sequel to the Millie Halloween app from last year.

I hope readers have gotten to know Millie, the little dog who stars in her own series of applications. The Millie's first app, Millie Was Here Book 1: Meet Millie is a free universal app which does a terrific job in showcasing all that the Millie apps have to offer, worth the download for any family with small children and an iPad or iPhone.

Millie’s Book of Treats and Tricks, Volume 2 works much the same as the original Halloween app does, as players can either knock or ring the door bell, triggering the door to swing open and a wheel of fortune being spun, stopping on either a “trick” or “treat.”

Within the doorway, a video can be seen of Millie performing all sorts of cute behaviors which may or may not live up to the tall tales of the included narration in a way that is simply endearing.

Children also have a chance to swipe with a finger to reveal a hidden picture of Millie dressed up in her own Halloween costumes. Do tap around the screen to collect stickers, adding them to one’s collection.

As I have stated before reviewing other Mille apps, one would need a heart of stone not to be smitten by this charming dog whose unassuming ways, juxtaposed with the larger-than-life stories created here, make me smile.

I really enjoy how within these “Trick or Treat” apps, it is so satisfying for children to knock on these doors or ring the doorbell, something my son loves doing, even if we are just dropping off something at a neighbor's house announcing ourselves is not necessary. Because of this, it is nice for him to be able to ring or knock on these doors, complete with sound effects, without bothering anyone.

Each of these houses is also lovingly stylized as a home on the must-visit list for Halloween, with festive details covering every door, from cute blue monsters and cat themes to glowing Jack-o-lanterns. Each of these houses that one visits will be engaging to children as they investigate what tricks or treats may be hiding inside.

It is also worth noting that the content of this app is randomized with every play, so the experience is different each time one goes exploring. Children and adults will love the often bacon-inspired treats which Millie enjoys as well as the tricks which include stunts such as Millie breathing fire like a dragon or becoming a vampire before your eyes, incorporating some mild yet very effective special effects, keeping the Halloween spirit alive while staying child-friendly.

I am also very fond of the fact that this app allows children not just to collect stickers, but allows kids to see what stickers they are still looking for in the form of outlines that need to be filled. Once found, each sticker is also labeled with a name - a fun detail, to be sure.

Parents will also be smitten by the sly sense of humor of this app as well, watching these videos of Millie performing these feats in her own special way, sometimes adding witty anti-climactic moments as well that make me smile.

As with the other Millie apps, this app is styled to be reminiscent of Victorian Carnival Games such as rich wood details seen as the background behind the screen and on the menu, as well as the mechanical claw which is used to move the stickers to their albums. Even the music with a wonderful spooky tone and period-sounding is thoughtfully used.

Most of all, I really appreciate that the developers at Megapops have not only incorporated many language choices within this app but have decided to make this app - Volume 2 - a stand-alone app instead of creating an add-on to the first Trick or Treat application. This way parents will be able to see images from the app as well as read reviews in iTunes. With a few noted exceptions, I prefer apps to be in-app purchase-free, especially in a children's application.

I thought the first Millie’s Tricks or Treats app was so inventive that I kept it on my phone the entire year - high praise, as I am quick to edit the apps left on my phone based because of space issues.

Millie’s Book Of Tricks and Treats, Volume 2 is equally as dynamic, making these apps very easy to recommend.