Since Apple’s iPad launched in April of 2010, the iTunes app store has been flooded with picture books to read on the tablet device. Some are adaptations of well-loved classics, others may bring lesser-known, newer books to light and still others are entirely new stories, created to take advantage of the iPad’s storytelling capabilities. We have submitted over 50 of these apps to rigorous review, and we can now proudly announce our Top 10 apps. Next week, there will be new apps available, and still others are being crafted even as I type. We’ll keep reviewing them for you, so please check back.
1. |
 |
|
|
Startling in its mix of digital and traditional book design, Loud Crow Interactive's first iPad book app translates the text and illustrations of the Beatrix Potter classic into electronic pages that appear to live and breathe beneath readers' fingertips. Read the full review |
2. |
 |
|
|
A little girl ponders the secret life of her stuffed bear and attempts to catch him in the act. Read the full review |
3. |
 |
|
|
An old classic made new sacrifices nothing in adaptation. Read the full review |
4. |
 |
|
|
Clearly produced and filled with Hollywood-quality animation, voice talent and multimedia features, this retro-futurist app is out of this world in many ways. Read the full review |
5. |
 |
|
|
Thanks to a memorable marriage of impressive technology and seemingly hand-crafted storytelling, the well-worn piggy tale impresses at every page turn. Read the full review |
6. |
 |
|
|
Similar in style to the groundbreaking Alice for iPad , this collection of three stories ("The Little Mermaid," "The Emperor's New Clothes" and "The Happy Family") retains the original (translated) texts and illustrations and adds a generous portion of gorgeous, well-integrated animations and eye-catching effects. Read the full review |
7. |
 |
|
|
Bartleby is a lover of buttons, switches, knobs and dials, and the first volume of his iPad adventures details his trip to Mystery Island. Read the full review |
8. |
 |
|
|
For readers still unconvinced that the features of the iPad can translate printed children's books into full-blown multimedia experiences, this one will change your point of view. Read the full review |
9. |
 |
|
|
Some stories never grow old. Read the full review |
10. |
 |
|
|
Taking a page out of the Disney playbook (give or take 30 pages), this version of the Jack-versus-Giant tale doesn't offer sparkling prose. Read the full review |
