Pre-schoolers are capable of using surprisingly-complex apps in an intuitive way, but toddlers often prefer to simply jab at colourful things on a screen to make stuff happen.

Sago Mini Sound Box provides exactly that. It’s the work of children’s apps studio Sago Sago, which used to be called Zinc Roe until it was bought by another kid-apps company – Toca Boca – earlier this year.

This is its first release since then: an improved version of Zinc Roe’s award-winning Sound Shaker app from 2009. It’s described as a “21st century rattle” where kids interact with sound via tapping and tilting of the device.

“Listen for cheerful chimes, horns, drums, animals and more,” explains its App Store listing. “Add notes by tapping the screen, then fling them around or tilt to see them tumble. Sounds play as they bounce, creating fun soundscapes.”

It looks polished and fun from our quick play this morning, and bodes well for future apps from Sago Sago, as well as its parent company.

Sago Mini Sound Box is a free download for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, with no in-app purchases or ads for other companies in sight.