CHILDREN'S
Released: April 29, 2013
"A solid once-over, with systematic digital enhancements that will draw a buzz from newly independent readers. (iPad informational app. 5-8)"
A tap-happy reader's dream guide to common insects--presented by Thing 1 and Thing 2 with the Cat in the Hat as impresario.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 25, 2013
"Perfunctory of storyline and unsubtle of decoration, but with a rich and smoothly responsive array of animations, dissolves, transitions, sound effects and interactive activities. (iPad storybook app. 5-9)"
Swiveling, aesthetically saccharine 3-D pop-up scenes built around a diverse suite of drag-and-tap challenges will engage young readers far more than the classic story's cursory rendition.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 12, 2013
"The main offering in this app is cute, and the audio provides a dimension that traditional books cannot. But it's underwhelming, especially for the price. (iPad song app. 1-5)"
This utilitarian effort will appeal to fans of the song, but flawed recording features and minimal interactivity keep it from rising above the average mark.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 11, 2013
"Much of this story has yet to be told or even released; maybe it will flesh out some. (iPad storybook app. 6-10)"
At summer camp, a gathering of faes and elves, sprites and pixies, cyclops and kitsunes and leprechauns see what they can do about the birth of an unhappy dragon--that is if the hydra and sirens and dryads, cockatrice and basilisk and kraken don't make a mess of things.
Read full book review >
ADULT
Released: April 9, 2013
"Travelers to the battlefield will find this a useful companion, and economy-minded students of Texas history will welcome having Pohl's text at half the price of the print edition."
An accessible, well-illustrated study of one of the great turning points in American history--namely, the battle that established the independence of Texas.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 6, 2013
"Language issues aside, more a story outline than a finished work, but there's something sweetly appealing about Farellas for all that. (jigsaw puzzle) (iPad storybook app. 6-8)"
Though easy on the eyes and fun to tap, this simple tale of a good giant who fights a bad one could really use both a better translation and a more developed storyline.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 5, 2013
"Dax's own story voice in the end may not be too remarkable, but with an assist from readers, it can at least sound much more exciting. (iPad storybook app. 3-8)"
This audio–Mad Libs app featuring a shape-shifting alien on a visit to Earth is gimmicky but well-executed enough to overcome a scattershot story.
Read full book review >
ADULT
Released: April 4, 2013
"A sophisticated, wildly addictive tool for avowed poetry lovers."
For whatever blessed reason, committing poems to memory appears to be back in vogue. Here, Penguin USA and Inkle Studios transport that impulse for learning verse "by heart" from the one-dimensional world of the page to the digital realm's multimedia expanse with a nifty app.
Read full book review >
ADULT
Released: April 3, 2013
"Despite a bare-bones narrative, an intriguing and even absorbing exploration of the power of objects across time."
A century in the life of a small American house, told in brief sentences and remixable words.
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 2, 2013
"In the rush to digital storytelling, traditional tales are being used as sources, but without creative injections of technology, the medium doesn't enhance the message: Skip it. (iPad storybook. 5-9)"
Has anything been added to the classic Hindu epic of kidnapping, rescue and true love in this latest incarnation?
Read full book review >
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 23, 2013
"A dreamy story of lost, found and abiding affection in the Arctic. (iPad storybook app. 4-7)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 22, 2013
"A rewarding alternative for children who find the digital edition of Hervé Tullet's Press Here (2012) too relentlessly inscrutable. (iPad play app. 4-8)"
This inventive pairing of colors with musical riffs offers almost unlimited opportunities for visual and aural experimentation--plus jigsaw puzzles for more structured entertainment.
Read full book review >
