Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




iPad Book Apps Available Now (page 7)


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Cover art for VICTOR WANTS TO PLAY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 6, 2012
by Mark van Overveld, illustrated by Tristan Bronkhorst, developed by Verge

"Clean design and predictable story make this an enjoyable app to share with preschoolers. (iPad storybook app. 3-5)"
A sweet, if a bit slight, friendship story with good design elements. Read full book review >
Cover art for SHERLOCK HOLMES FOR THE iPAD
ADULT
Released: Dec. 5, 2012
adapted by Oksana Butuk, illustrated by Denis Lekhno, developed by Gutenbergz

"An entertainment, to be sure, but one that could have been more substantial."
A middling adaptation of the classic Sherlock Holmes stories for the iPad. Read full book review >
Cover art for HEDGEHOG BOOK
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 5, 2012
by Lara Xavier, illustrated by Roberta Lucarini, developed by Ardozia

"Still a bobble or two in the design, but an engaging imagination stretcher. (iPad play app. 4-6)"
Three independent, partly cumulative illustrated minitales--none of which features a hedgehog. Read full book review >
Cover art for LULU AND THE BLUE WOLF
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 5, 2012
by Daniel Picouly, illustrated by Frédéric Pillot, developed by Avant-Goût Studios

"This app ultimately falls short. (iPad storybook app. 3-6)"
A popular French picture-book character moves to the app realm with mixed results. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 5, 2012
by John Bunyan, developed by Nation9

"A gratifying introduction to one of the most notable pieces of religious literature. (iPad storybook app. 5-10)"
John Bunyan's Christian allegory gets light-handed but soulful treatment. Read full book review >
Cover art for MY BEASTLY ABCS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 4, 2012
by Pilar Flynn, illustrated by Taylor Krahenbuhl, developed by Duncan Studio

"Eminently amusing, it also offers not a little bit of history for the taking. (iPad alphabet/informational app. 4-8)"
An abecedary with an international cast of creatures who go bump in the night. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE HUMAN FACE OF BIG DATA
ADULT
Released: Dec. 4, 2012

"A fun look at the next step of tech evolution but one that could have taken a more skeptical look at the risks."
A colorful, upbeat overview of the ways massive amounts of data can influence everything from medicine to law enforcement to consumer behavior. Read full book review >
Cover art for SANTA AND THE CHRISTMAS LIST MUDDLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 3, 2012
developed by MiBooks, Hamson Design

"An assortment of tap-activated giggling elves, color changes and sound effects adorning the cartoon illustrations don't compensate for fundamental flaws in execution. (iPad holiday app. 5-7)"
A muddle indeed, this unstable and badly designed holiday minitale will spread more frustration than cheer. Read full book review >
Cover art for I CAN DO THIS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 3, 2012
by Satoe Tone, illustrated by Satoe Tone, developed by Paramecio Studio, Kite Edizioni Srl

"Head-scratching storyline aside, it's a beautiful book. Here's hoping Tone will continue to create stunning visual scenery and leave the writing to someone else. (iPad storybook app, 2-6)"
Bad writing sinks this perplexing story about a misfit bird. Read full book review >
Cover art for LETTER IN A BOTTLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 3, 2012
developed by Suqoon Project

"The well-done components of this app are really good, but its few oversights and missteps interfere with what would otherwise be a pleasant reading experience. (iPad storybook app. 4-8)"
A young girl receives a mysterious invitation to afternoon tea. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE WAKING PRINCE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 3, 2012
developed by The Story Elves

"A grab bag of stories and storytelling-workshop elements, with lively, fluent prose and art that really deserves better plotlines. (iPad storybook/instructional app. 7-9, adult)"
Torrents of words and pictures, plus ingenious software design, propel a more-or-less–linked pair of clever but half-baked tales. Read full book review >
Cover art for WUBBZY'S THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 30, 2012
adapted by Ali Marchese, developed by Cupcake Digital

"A brimming bagful of holiday cheer. (iPad holiday app. 4-7)"
Santa comes to Wuzzleburg in this full-featured, deliciously silly adaptation of the classic poem. Read full book review >