Similar to Animal Crossing, but only dogs.
There is a big selection of dogs and you can customize your dog a many different ways. But the game is pretty repetitive. The formula is basically: Do this + do that = thanks. In more detail, one of the other dogs who lives on the island with you will ask you to do them a favor. This favor will be something like, deliver a cookie to this other person, or go sniff out a flower for me. Once you have done the task you are rewarded with either a simple thanks or some sort of item.
People who have played Animal Crossing will be very familiar with the formula of this game. The big difference is that you have to do these favors for people in order to actually progress in the game. Animal Crossing is totally open ended, but this game is not. It has a story set and you will eventually beat the game.
All in all, I would say this game is great for kids. The controls are easy, the game is cute, and I'm sure little ones will love it. And for the low price you can't go wrong. (We got it $15 used)