Cato's Hike Lite vs Mia & Codie

A little programmer odyssey! "Who says that computer programming should only be left to the adults?... although Cato’s Hike is geared towards children, it can definitely unlock the little programmer in all of us." -- AppAdvice Even though this is the Lite version, it includes the tutorial world and the *FULL* map editor and sandbox so you can create your own little worlds and puzzles and play through them and challenge your friends and family around you. The full version of the game will unlock the rest of the worlds and allow you to email and share your programs and maps as well as open maps and programs that your friends and family send you so you can teach and learn from them as well! Cato is a little boy who just like every little boy likes to go out and play. One fine day Cato was playing outside when a portal to another world opened up in front of him; a portal to another world! Cato stepped through and discovered that this world unlike his own didn't follow the same rules. Every time he tried to take a step or an action he'd find himself stuck in place. Stuck that is until he finally discovered the rules in this universe: by writing a program for himself he would be able to overcome all obstacles and learn something new along the way! Features: * Simple programming interface using beautiful cards with pictures * 59 levels and 10 tutorials (always working to add more!) * Powerful map editor so you can create your own maps and puzzles and share with friends * Preview your maps directly in the map editor to save time and test out your maps more quickly! * Saves program progress so you can pick up at any time and iteratively develop * Email your puzzle solutions to share your genius with others * Beautiful artwork and amusing sound effects and music * A manual to help guide parents and more interested users * Puzzles ranging from easy to hard to teach different programming concepts without trying to force them * Loops, branches and if/else, and simple memory using colored flags are the main tools used to introduce programming * Emailed maps include gorgeous screenshot of what you are sending so your friends know what to expect * Cato's Hike teaches children (ages 5+) the essentials of programming and how to think about solving complex problems * The challenges in there are solvable easily by children of all ages but more nuanced and complex solutions should challenge teenagers and parents alike! * Just a fun puzzle game :) Upcoming features: * MORE LEVELS! * Hints on harder levels * Possibly more tutorial levels if enough ask for it * Possible cloud-sync Essentially, 'Cato’s Hike' is a universal game for the iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch to teach kids and young children basic programming skills. The younger ones will obviously enjoy solving levels using simpler coding techniques but the hope is the older ones will pick up more advanced concepts like loops and branching as well as even more advanced concepts like a basic stack or memory! There is enough in here to keep everyone from children to parents engaged! More challenges are upcoming however so stay tuned! As with all my projects I take this one very seriously and I hope you enjoy. I intend to continue improving Cato's Hike as much as possible and incorporate your feedback and suggestions as well as try to make it more intuitive and better able to convey the concepts it is setting out to teach. If you have any questions, suggestions, ideas, or bugs you'd like to report please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly at: hesham.wahba@gmail.com

From Classrooms to Living Rooms — Coding Made Friendly Mia & Codie brings the same trusted classroom experience that teachers love into homes everywhere. Kids ages 3–7 can now explore the joy of coding, storytelling, and creative problem-solving — no reading required! Watch the Stories, Then Run the Code Watch all 20 full episodes of the PBS Member Station series Mia & Codie right inside the app. Each episode introduces real computer-science ideas through friendship, curiosity, and play — then invites kids to build and run their own code. Build Code You Can See Pair the app with your Codie Dock-n- + Blocks. Kids snap Blocks into the Dock, hit “Run the Code,” and see Codie respond in real time. They’ll quickly grasp sequencing, logic, and debugging — the building blocks of computational thinking and AI literacy. Inside the App • 20 full Mia & Codie episodes • 40 interactive coding challenges + free-play area • Supports 2 child profiles (perfect for siblings) • Works seamlessly with the Codie Dock-n + Blocks • No reading required • No ads or in-app purchases • Parent setup in minutes Classroom Roots, Home-Ready Design Until now, only teachers could access Codie Blocks. Now, families everywhere can experience the same trusted system — simplified for home play but powered by the same research-based learning. Recognized by Common Sense Media with a 4 star rating review and awarded the Common Sense Selection for Families seal, Mia & Codie has been praised for its high-quality design, learning impact, and accessibility for young children. Skills Kids Build • Sequencing & problem-solving • Early math, logic, and pattern recognition • Computational thinking • AI literacy — understanding how digital systems “think” • Creativity, persistence, and collaboration Trusted by Experts and Educators Mia & Codie is Scratch Approved, Common Sense Media Family-Selected, and trusted by PBS Member Stations nationwide — giving parents confidence that their children are learning through safe, meaningful play. How to Get Started 1. Connect your Dock-n-Blocks Block Dock via Bluetooth. 2. Build your sequence with Codie Blocks. 3. Tap “Run the Code!” and watch the magic unfold. 4. Explore challenges, episodes, and creative play. Loved by Kids, Backed by Research Developed by the Emmy-winning creator of WordWorld and grounded in early childhood research and computer-science standards, Mia & Codie makes coding intuitive and joyful — preparing children for a digital future through the power of play. Mia & Codie — Run the Code and Feel the Joy of Coding!