When Sylvester’s band members don’t show up for a scheduled gig, Henry the raccoon saves the day by finding them and leading them back to Firefly Forest.
It’s finally time for a party that will feature Sylvester’s band. Henry the raccoon finds the other animals busily preparing for the festivities, but no one will let him help. In fact, they consider him a clumsy nuisance. When he learns that the concert is cancelled due to AWOL band members, he hunts them down so that the show can go on. The characters in the story look more like the wildly popular Uglydolls than they do animals, which for many will add to their appeal. Illustrations are stunning, and the interactive and animated elements are brilliantly designed. Among many other things, little fingers can capture fireflies, tickle animals’ feet, strum instruments and control the speed at which characters travel, work and play. There are plenty of tilt features, and the read-to-me option is narrated by full-time voice pro Bob Barnes. The app’s initial load time is a bit sluggish, but once it’s launched all elements reliably go off without a hitch—and it’s well worth the wait. Although the developer labels this app for ages 2-8, it really calls for more patience than most toddlers can manage.
For preschoolers and young grade-schoolers willing to mine its many treasures, this app is a gem. (iPad storybook app. 4-8)
