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Best Book Apps of 2012: For Middle-Grade Readers (page 2)

Apps for upper-elementary through middle school-age children.

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Cover art for LITTLE FOX MUSIC BOX
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 15, 2012
Kirkus Star LITTLE FOX MUSIC BOX
by Heidi Wittlinger, developed by Shape Minds and Moving Images GmbH
"This spectacular synthesis of elements creates magic on the iPad. Parents and kids won't want to tear themselves away. (iPad music app. 3-10)"
A melodious music app combines artistic creativity with top-notch execution. Read full book review >
Cover art for HORSE MAGIC
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 26, 2012
HORSE MAGIC
by Cathy Hapka, developed by Bookerella and Story Worldwide
"Well-used technology paired nicely with solid characters make this a promising series opener. (iPad fantasy app. 8-10)"
An interactive introduction to three female friends linked by their love of horses and a fantastical adventure. Read full book review >
Cover art for B.B. WOLF
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 15, 2012
Kirkus Star B.B. WOLF
by Debbie Fong, illustrated by Debbie Fong
"A low-key, appealingly unpretentious twist on a familiar folk tale. (iPad storybook app. 5-7)"
A revised "Little Red Riding Hood," with unusually simple and effective illustrations and interactive features. Read full book review >
Cover art for DRAGON BRUSH
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 23, 2012
Kirkus Star DRAGON BRUSH
illustrated by John Solimine, by Andy Hullinger, developed by Small Planet Digital, by John Solimine
"With its distinctive look, a great drawing element that's actually appropriate to the story and a moral that values cleverness over power, Bing-Wen's app is as rare and magical as the dragons he loves to paint. (iPad storybook app. 3-8)"
The story of a magical dragon brush that can bring painted objects to life casts its own spell. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 28, 2012
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
by Kenneth Grahame, developed by Bibliodome
"Despite some room for improvement, this rendition lends itself equally to shared or independent reading and is likely to become as well-thumbed as it already looks. (iPad storybook app. 9-11)"
Though this adaptation of the classic cuts down on the original's more lyrical flights of fancy in favor of a closer focus on plot, the richly sentimental tone remains in full force. Read full book review >
Cover art for A TALE OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 9, 2012
Kirkus Star A TALE OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD
by Séverine Vidal, illustrated by Claire Fauché, developed by La Souris Qui Raconte
"An outstanding, seamless combination of evocative art, poetic writing and ingeniously designed digital enhancements that mature audiences in particular (but not exclusively) will find profoundly moving. (thumbnail index) (iPad picture-book app. 8-10, adult)"
A centenarian who has just lost everything--nearly everything--reflects on his childhood and his chief regret in a poignant but wonder-filled memoir. Read full book review >