WAKE UP MO!

This digital pop-up book for toddlers and preschoolers aims to help youngsters learn about daily routines.

The story begins with Mo, a diminutive purple pandalike creature, sleeping soundly in a comfy bed. Once awakened, he begins going through a sequence of daily habits, including stretching, eating breakfast, getting dressed, attending to personal hygiene, and then gathering his things so he can catch the school bus. The rhyming story is quite simple, told on eight virtual double-page spreads within what looks like a chubby board book for toddlers. When the “page” is turned, the characters and their surroundings unfold or collapse, very much like a traditional pop-up book. There are simple interactive elements on each page—running water, bread slices that pop out of a toaster, clothes to put on, etc. Sound effects are crisp and cute, especially the yawning and mumbling noises that Mo and his creature friends make. Narration and navigation are both top-notch, and the illustrations are basic, bold and vibrant—a perfect combination for the intended audience. A companion app, Good Night Mo, provides a delightful end-of-day experience that closely mirrors its daytime counterpart.

A very well-balanced effort. Kids will want to help Mo and his critters wake up and go to sleep over and over again.