Ever since we bought our first game from Orchard Toys a year or so ago, we have been looking out for more along the way. Our daughter received Doodlebugs for Christmas last year and we can declare it's another hit among small children.

I have to admit when I first opened the box, I couldn't work out what Doodlebugs was going to be about. The game consists of forty one cards, all circles and all containing different coloured monsters. I have to admit, I had to resort to the instruction leaflet to determine how to play.
Immediately I could see that the cards are well made from thick cardboard and covered well in a clear plastic covering. This appears to be the trait for all the games we have played from the Orchard Toys range, so I am always confident we will receive a well made game.

To play Doodlebugs, the cards are shuffled (as well as you can with a large pile of thick circular cards), before dealing seven to each player. The box recommends 2-4 players, and to be honest four player would be ample otherwise you would run out of cards. It's just as easy to play with two players however which is a relief.
Once the cards have been dealt, then the remaining pile are placed face down in the centre. Each player places their cards face up in front of them. This is ideal when playing with a small child as it makes it easy to help them during the game if required.

The aim of the game is to be the first player to play all their cards and be left with none, but of course to do that you have to play your cards. This is done in a similar way to snap.
Of the forty one cards, we quickly worked out that there are ten different varieties of "bugs" in four different colours.
The first card in the centre pile is placed face up and then the player taking the first go must place a card on top of the card in the centre that matches in either colour or shape of bug.

The pictures of the bugs look more like friendly monsters to us and we give them funny names when playing such as "whirly" monster for the one that looks like a wound up snake, and "space hopper" monster for the one who looks like the top and handles of a space hopper.

Nestling within these monsters is one wild card that is just a circular card the same size as all the rest with a section of each colour. The player who receives this card can use it in place of a monster card if they can't go. They can then choose to change the colour or the monster in play.
If you find you cannot go at any stage then that player must take a card from the cards face down in the central pile. This then on course adds to their cards they must play to be able to win the game.

We play this game once every couple of weeks and usually with just two players. I think it's a simple game for young children, and whilst they may not understand, it's easy to help without actually cheating.
My three year old understands the concept of matching so the game is easy for her. That's not to say she doesn't find it fun though which is a good thing. So often I find when she understands what a game is about then she loses interest too quickly.
You can pick the game up for around the £6-£7 mark on Amazon. We have since bought it for many friends birthday presents as we know the recipient isn't going to receive "tat" but yet we haven't spent a fortune on a present either.

Overall, this is a very simple game, but one that will last through a few years. Whilst the game is marketed for children from age three years, my niece at six has also enjoyed playing.