Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




iPad Book Apps Available Now (page 4)


Showing

Cover art for MIBBLIO
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 30, 2013
developed by Mibblio

"Still, it's a great concept, and artistic flaws notwithstanding, a fun time. (iPad storybook app. 2-6)"
This collection of illustrated children's songs is an interactive musical playground. Read full book review >
Cover art for A LENNON PASTICHE
ADULT
Released: Jan. 28, 2013

""How?" So Lennon asked in a searching song, all those years ago. This enhanced e-book begs a different question: "Why?""
All you need is love. And maybe some talent. Read full book review >
Cover art for MOOMIN AND THE LOST BELONGINGS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 27, 2013
by Riina and Sami Kaarla, developed by Spinfy

"Should future updates improve the navigation, add the complete text and correct the huge typo on the title screen, this will be a Moominmust. (iPad storybook app. 4-6)"
New Moominapps are always welcome, but this one's not quite ready for prime time. Read full book review >
Cover art for ENDLESS ALPHABET
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 24, 2013
developed by Callaway Digital Arts

"Promising, though the navigation needs tweaking, and the glossary is still in an early stage. (iPad alphabet app. 4-7)"
Googly eyed cartoon letter-monsters scatter and can be nudged back into order to form words in this hyperactive vocabulary builder. Read full book review >
Cover art for CAT DOORMAN'S LITTLE RED WAGON
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 23, 2013
by Julianna Bright, illustrated by Julianna Bright, developed by Night & Day Studios

"Music lovers will enjoy this melodic story, which is a good thing, since they'll likely not forget the tune anytime soon. (iPad storybook app. 2-6)"
Sing along with the classic children's tune as a giggly girl gathers provisions for a picnic with her friends. Read full book review >
Cover art for ALL FIXED UP
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 22, 2013
by M.C. Bowen, illustrated by Sara Jane Franklin, developed by Red Piggy Press

"This story has heart. (optimized for iPad iOS 6+) (iPad storybook app. 3-6)"
A simple story, available in both English and Spanish, reaffirms a family's love, even in times of separation. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE ADVENTURES OF MR. MOUSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 20, 2013

"A disappointing attempt at both storytelling and interactive camaraderie. (iPad storybook app. 3-7)"
Another badly rhymed, navigationally cluttered "adventure" with Mr. Mouse. Read full book review >
Cover art for MONSTER MORNING
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 20, 2013
by Franca Munoz, Edith Wilcox Mevec, illustrated by Franca Munoz, developed by Purple Ely

"The little monsters in this family seem happy, loved and well-adjusted. They're worth a visit. (iPad storybook app. 2-7)"
The morning rituals of little school-bound monsters are examined in friendly detail in an app structured like a family scrapbook. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE LITTLE RED HEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 18, 2013
developed by DreamZ

"Readers will be left wishing that the developers put the same effort into writing and translating the story as they did creating all of the technical aspects of this app. (iPad 2 & up) (iPad storybook app. 3-6)"
Poor translation mars an otherwise enjoyable app. Read full book review >
Cover art for PRANCING DANCING LILY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 15, 2013
by Marsha Diane Arnold, illustrated by John Manders, developed by Fat Red Couch

"Keep plugging, follow your muse, find your right fit in the world. Fine sentiments, though they might need a little more nerve than Lily is willing to give. (iPad storybook app. 5-8)"
Arnold's story app of a cow trying to find her calling is minimalist in every way, except some handsome artwork from Manders. Read full book review >
Cover art for UNDERGROUND KINGDOM
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 15, 2013
developed by Visual Baker, by Edward Packard, illustrated by Karla Díaz, by Edward Packard, illustrated by Karla Díaz

"A nifty digital exploitation of a tried-and-true franchise. (iPad book app. 7-10)"
An extended version of a Choose Your Own Adventure episode from 1983 features more possible endings, color illustrations and melodramatic sound effects. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 14, 2013
adapted by Maryjane Begin, illustrated by Maryjane Begin, developed by Demibooks

"All at once beautiful, garish and a bit prosaic. (iPad storybook app. 6-10)"
An iPad adaptation of Begin's traditional book adapting Goethe's classic poem. Read full book review >