Once I opened the app I chose Book Mode, which led to a choice between AR Mode and VR Mode. VR mode displays a 3D model of animals in their natural habitat, so I went back to choose the AR option. I received instructions on how to get rolling with my AR experience. My device's rear facing camera was activated and I lined-up with the matching image of a Mountain Zebra on the screen with one in the book.

Each of the eleven animals have two pages of dedicated content - a left-hand and right-hand page. Each page contains a vast array of facts, illustrations, and images. Small markers on each page activate AR models. The left-hand page displays an AR model of the animal residing in their natural habitat. The right-hand page displays a 'stand-alone' AR model of the animal, with certain parts labeled. In the case of the Zebra, labeled were its eyes, ears, hooves, mane, tail, and stripes. Clicking on an item activates a screen with a 3D model of the stand-alone Zebra, one in its habitat, as well as a video captured in the wild. Fun Facts appear in text or can be read aloud by a friendly narrator. A camera icon is present which allows users to capture still images or video of the Zebra in their space. Back on the animal's main screen, users can take their interaction to the next level. I was able to make my AR Zebra walk around, feed it, and make it neigh.

The two other modes which appear on the main screen are Toy and Game. Toy uses the Digital Toy Cards on a page in the back of the book to trigger a AR models of animals. These can be cut-out for use away from the book. Free content in the Game Model consists of 'Trunktacular Smash', a paddle ball bounce game. Others are available for a fee of $2.99 (USD).

Clicking on the model leads users to a screen listing Fun Facts, stats, and a video. A friendly narrator can read the Fun Facts aloud. Satellites or probes related to each planet are presented with facts. Choosing the camera icon leads users to an AR model of their planet or the satellite in their environment where they can capture still images or video. Other options allow users to make a cartoon-type planet appears - with eyes and a smile or they can activate an AR model of space helmet and make a friend look like an astronaut.

The Digital Toy Cards in the back of the book show each planet, the sun, and space shuttle. Unlike the two other apps which appear in this review, Planets does not list Toy Mode in it's Main Menu. This is the same in both for the iOS and Android apps. In the absence of this option I was unable to determine how to use these cards. Their use in the other books is straight-forward, yet mysterious in this circumstance.

With the stand-alone AR model, many different parts are labeled. Clicking on a label leads the users to screen where they can read a Fun Fact or have it read-aloud by a friendly narrator or view a video. Users can activate an AR model of the animal and capture still images or video in their space. I was able to make my dolphin swim around using a joystick on the bottom of my screen. One option allows users to place an AR model of the animal's head over a friends - or maybe a selfie - and take a photo or video.

The Toy Mode works we will the cards located in the back of the book. The Game Mode allows users to play Clownfish Carnival for free, with other game content available for a fee.