CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 23, 2011
"From Elmo's opening tutorial to the closing ticklefest, a treat and a half for preschoolers and parents alike. (learning activities section for adult sharers, thumbnail image index) (iPad storybook app. 3-5)"
In an equally rousing sequel to The Monster at the End of This Book (print edition, 1971; app version, 2011) Elmo drags a reluctant Grover through one page after another toward a second "monster."
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 26, 2011
"What at first may seem like an over-the-top adaptation of a simple board book manages to retain the small-scale charms of the original while offering many new ways to enjoy one rollicking hootenanny. (iPad board-book app. 1-5)"
Packed with silly, playful animation and perfectly fitting music and narration, this adaptation of Boynton's board book gets the tone and whimsy just right.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 22, 2011
"This irresistible app gets everything right, proving that simplicity is sometimes best. (iPad storybook app. 2-7)"
Based on the picture book of the same name, this charming app is a flawless combination of music, sound effects, narration and interactive elements.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 21, 2011
"An exceptionally bright and beautiful masterpiece. (iPad storybook app. 6-12)"
A spectacular iPad adaptation of Anholt's children's book about van Gogh, his art and his friendship with a French family.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 19, 2011
"At last, an iPad storybook so good it doesn't need additional narrative options or games or technological wizardry to distract from its flaws. Because there are none. (iPad storybook app. 3-6)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 11, 2011
"Lucky for the developers that Bartleby's books are worth the wait. This app series continues to delight; it feels innovative and well-told at the same time, a tricky balance. (iPad storybook/puzzle app. 4-10)"
A continuation of the charmingly playful series about button-collecting, bowler-hat–wearing Bartleby, this volume is no less winning than the first even as it adds more locales and characters.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 8, 2011
"A natural and seamlessly designed extension of a modern classic, certain to be more durable in this form than the easily destroyed paper original to boot. (iPad storybook app. 3-6)"
Understated but effective animations and interactive effects boost a long-standing favorite into the storytime stratosphere.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 23, 2011
"Plenty of well-designed, smoothly integrated special features only enhance this passionate, provocative scientific manifesto. (thumbnail-image chapter and page indexes) (iPad nonfiction app. 11 & up)"
In a terrific example of e-bookmaking, animations, audio clips and interactive demos embellish the full text and already-memorable illustrations of this bestselling take on What Is So and What Ain't.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 15, 2011
"A (literally) illuminating survey, with exemplary choice and use of digital enhancements. (iPad informational app. 7-10)"
It's science! Presented with plenty of buoyant, eye-catching graphics and cleverly designed interactive fun.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 13, 2011
"Another tip-top turn from the creator of Treetop Ted (2011). (iPad storybook app. 2-5)"
The newest of the alliterative Frubeez apps introduces hat-happy Hannah, a googly-eyed lass with a taste for rib-tickling toppers.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 23, 2011
"Rooney's story is one any kid, super-powered or not, can identify with, and the app does everything it can to make his story into an enjoyably playful experience. (iPad storybook app. 5-8)"
An amusing, cleverly told story that plays off the glut of superheroes in pop culture benefits tremendously from an app design that's just as fun and engaging.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: July 27, 2011
"For preschoolers and young grade-schoolers willing to mine its many treasures, this app is a gem. (iPad storybook app. 4-8)"
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.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: July 7, 2011
"A first-rate mind expander, this app rewards repeat visits and depicts several family constellations with irresistible intimacy and good humor--all the while featuring uncommonly inventive art and software design. (iPad informational app. 4-9, adult) "
A set of wordless domestic tableaux as rich in content as they are hilarious, presented in deliciously extravagant visuals stocked with clever interactive features.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: May 26, 2011
"The story of Morris Lessmore and his beloved books ends with an unexpected emotional punch, a satisfying, lovely finish for an altogether winning app. (iPad storybook app. 4-12)"
A poignant, potent ode to books (the paper kind) that combines top-notch animation, just the right amount of interactivity and a tear-jerking story.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: May 25, 2011
"Clean of look, seamless in design: a delight even for the diapered crowd. (iPad game app. 1-6)"
The Picasso of paper engineers (
One Red Dot, 2005, etc.) displays a dab hand at concocting even more thoroughly interactive explorations of shape and color for touchscreens.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: May 17, 2011
"Good-humored fun, driven by an innately hilarious premise (well, to children anyway) and well-designed, inventive special features. (iPad storybook app. 6-8)"
A prince who keeps losing his interchangeable heads annoys his royal mother no end in this droll original tale.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: May 16, 2011
"Here's hoping that Bourgonje will offer up more. (iPad storybook app. 2-8)"
Little Grey Mouse aims to become fierce in this winsome story about child's play and make-believe.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: April 19, 2011
"Boynton and Loud Crow deliver another excellent enhanced e-book that fires on all literary, technological and artistic cylinders. (iPad storybook app. 1-4)"
The iPad adaption of Boynton's bestselling board book surveys animals and the sounds they make.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: April 9, 2011
"Too quickly over, but an altogether engaging version of a classic bit of common literary currency. (iPad storybook app. 5-8)"
An arch 19th-century version of the fable, sans explicit moral, is paired to illustrations of silhouette figures flexed in lively ways by barred "Scanimation"-type screens.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: April 8, 2011
"Appropriately for the audience, there's no story line or dazzling special effects--just a creatively imagined encounter with a song that has universal toddler appeal. More, please! (iPad storybook app. 1-3)"
This toddler app revolves around the children's song of the same name, the first in a planned suite by the illustrator of the now-classic
My Very First Mother Goose.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: March 17, 2011
"High marks for looks, sounds and overall design. Totally terrific for toddlers. (iPad storybook app. 2-5)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 7, 2011
"Peter Rabbit while styling itself perfectly to Boynton's whimsy. (Ipad board-book app. 1-3)"
Preserving the look of the classic board book—even to the trim size and rounded corners—this makeover folds new into old in such inventive ways that it may take more than a few passes to discover all the interactive features.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: March 7, 2011
"A faithful--but not slavishly so--adaptation worthy of the Big Apple. (iPad storybook app. 5 & up)"
Even more ambitious than its predecessor,
Alice for the iPad, a mash-up that could have gone terribly wrong finds its own magical charm.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 25, 2011
"Children accustomed to Disney blandness will find this quiet, subtle app a welcome introduction to a more sophisticated aesthetic. (iPad storybook app. 6-12)"
Andersen's classic text is paired to Zwerger's elegant, subdued illustrations and animated with graceful restraint.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 16, 2011
"It amply shows that this old dog—er, pig—can still learn new tricks. (iPad storybook app. 5-7)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 21, 2011
"Otherwise a seamless adaptation of a modern classic, inventively enhanced, hilarious, a joy to read--particularly aloud. (iPad storybook app. 5-9)"
Still the best Dr. Seuss tribute ever, Sierra's rhymed 2004 tale of a librarian who gets all the animals in the zoo reading and writing is even funnier and more kinetic with digital flourishes.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 15, 2010
"Despite some clumsy versifying, as fine and fun a way as ever was to re-channel (temporarily, at least) the beast within. (iPad storybook app. 6-9)"
A destructive lad gets a proper outlet for his energies in a story app positively festooned with funny special effects and side business.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 15, 2010
"Toddlers will fall in love with Scruffy Kitten and this gently engaging app from Europe. (iPad storybook app. 1-4)"
