Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




iPad Book Apps Available Now (page 6)


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Cover art for THE HIPPO, THE RHINO, THE ELEPHANT AND ME
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 20, 2012
developed by Ink Robin

"An enjoyable, low-stimulation interactive story that should be great for bedtime. (requires iOS 6) (iPad storybook app. 3-6)"
A week of whimsical fun with a little girl and her three entertaining friends. Read full book review >
Cover art for KOTO GO WEST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 19, 2012
developed by Light Sleepers

"Koto is both terribly cute and terribly written. He'd do well to drum up some writing help for his creators. (iPad storybook app. 2-5)"
A poorly written story about a canine sheriff who investigates loud noises. Read full book review >
Cover art for I NEED MY MONSTER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 16, 2012
by Amanda Noll, illustrated by Howard McWilliam, developed by Pony Tale

"Whether your young ones have bedtime angst or not, this monster is worth keeping around. (iPad storybook app. 5-8)"
This little boy's not afraid of the monster under his bed. In fact, everything about Gabe is perfect...until he takes the week off, leaving substitutes to fill in. Read full book review >
Cover art for GRIMM'S PUSS IN BOOTS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 12, 2012
developed by StoryToys

"One of a crowd, and not close to being a front-runner. (iPad storybook app. 6-8)"
A simplified adaptation of a Grimm Brothers version of the more familiar French rendition of an old tale, with 10 interspersed screens of pop-up "fun" and "games." Read full book review >
Cover art for PARKER PENGUIN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 12, 2012
developed by Nosy Crow

"Gender issues aside, this app is definitely worth the price of admission. (iPad informational app. 2-6)"
The second installment in Nosy Crow's educational Rounds series. Read full book review >
Cover art for WELCOME TO THE VAMPIRE'S LAIR
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 12, 2012
by Buba Filmes, illustrated by Buba Filmes, developed by LivoBooks

"Vampires rarely come amiss, and von Splatter has a high time amusing and spooking users while it lasts. (iPad storybook app. 5-8)"
Vampire Vladmir von Splatter introduces young users of this app to some ghoulish features in his castle. Read full book review >
Cover art for AMELIA AND TERROR OF THE NIGHT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 12, 2012
developed by OhNoo Studio

"This app gets so much right that it's a shame it ends up offering too much of a good thing. (iPad storybook app. 4-10)"
An attractively creepy-cute app gets bogged down in too many distracting extra features to tell a great story. Read full book review >
Cover art for SNOW QUEEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 12, 2012
by Hans Christian Andersen, illustrated by Vladyslav Yerko, developed by Timecode

"A solid adaptation, with a girl for a hero. (iPad storybook app. 6-12)"
Sumptuously illustrated and enriched with some clever effects, this slightly dark tale should engage lovers of fairy tales as well as those looking for a good story. Read full book review >
Cover art for PWIGGLES ON PLUTO
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 8, 2012
by Heji Kim, illustrated by Heji Kim, developed by Heji Kim

"Pluto deserves better. (iPad storybook app. 2-5)"
A nonexistent story and a mostly uninspiring template-built interface ground this app from the get-go. Read full book review >
Cover art for WINCE - DON'T FEED THE WORRYBUG
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 6, 2012
by Andi Green, illustrated by Andi Green, developed by iMagine Machine

"A valuable interactive lesson with memorable characters. (iPad storybook app. 4-6)"
This playful, multisensory installment in the WorryWoo Monster series teaches children to show their worries to the door. Read full book review >
Cover art for YOU ARE STARDUST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 6, 2012
by Elin Kelsey, illustrated by Soyeon Kim, developed by Owlkids

"The perfect combination of art and science to get kids engaged with nature. (iPad informational app. 5-12)"
This eloquent introduction to some very large concepts is science written like poetry. Read full book review >
Cover art for CIVIL WAR INTERACTIVE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 6, 2012
developed by Touchzing Media

"Both richly constructed and altogether winning, a fine history of our nation's most calamitous conflict. (iPad nonfiction app. 10 & up)"
A natty and comprehensive scrutiny of the American Civil War. Read full book review >