My six year old daughter HAD TO HAVE THIS GAME, after we gave the City version to her best friend. If permitted, they would play the game all day, even after having it for a couple of weeks. She tells me every day that this is her favorite DS game of all time. The girls (both age 6) curl up on the sofa and play against each other, or separately, while my daughter's 9 year old friend (a boy) looks on and advises them. Both girls have beaten the game, but it has held their interest because everything is much more customizable than in previous LPS games.One suggestion: make sure that the child to whom you give this is a fairly competent reader, or s/he will have no idea what to do in the game. It is a quest-driven game.I would say that this game appeals to children who can read, up to age 10. I am surprised to find that boys would like the game, but that seems to be the case. The animals are cute, and the players don't have to do anything over-the-top "girly."I hope your child enjoys this as much as mine has!