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2011 Best Book Apps for Kids

Cover art for HARE AND TORTOISE
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 9, 2011
HARE AND TORTOISE
by Aesop, adapted by Marmaduke Park, illustrated by Umesh Shukla, developed by Auryn Inc.
"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. Read full book review >
Cover art for HEAD, SHOULDERS, KNEES, AND TOES
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 8, 2011
HEAD, SHOULDERS, KNEES, AND TOES
illustrated by Rosemary Wells, developed by Auryn Inc.
"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. Read full book review >
Cover art for SCRUFFY KITTY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 15, 2010
Kirkus Star SCRUFFY KITTY
by Michael Slack, illustrated by Michael Slack, developed by WingedChariot
"Toddlers will fall in love with Scruffy Kitten and this gently engaging app from Europe. (iPad storybook app. 1-4)"
This multilingual 17-page story-and-sticker app for the youngest readers charms. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 16, 2011
Kirkus Star THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
by Nosy Crow, illustrated by Ed Bryan, developed by Nosy Crow
"It amply shows that this old dog—er, pig—can still learn new tricks. (iPad storybook app. 5-7)"
This, the umpteenth app based on the familiar tale, rises far above most of its brethren. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE GOING TO BED BOOK
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 7, 2011
Kirkus Star THE GOING TO BED BOOK
by Sandra Boynton, illustrated by Sandra Boynton, developed by Loud Crow Interactive, narrated by Billy J. Kramer
"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. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE LITTLE MERMAID
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 25, 2011
Kirkus Star THE LITTLE MERMAID
by Hans Christian Andersen, illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger, translated by Anthea Bell, developed by Auryn Inc.
"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. Read full book review >