Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Best Book Apps of 2012: For Middle-Grade Readers (page 3)

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


Cover art for LITTLE FOX MUSIC BOX
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 15, 2012

"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 DRAGON BRUSH
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 23, 2012
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 LIL' RED
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 27, 2012
by Brian Main, illustrated by Brian Main

"In a sea of interactive homogeny, this is a rare gem. (for iPad 2 and above) (iPad storybook app. 1-5)"
A refreshingly distinctive take on the classic European fairy tale. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE EDIBLE SUIT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 23, 2012
by Edward Lear, illustrated by Jon Higham, developed by Tizio BV

"Smooth pans of the double-screen illustrations and interactive features that are as high in child appeal as the sidesplitting plot add up to an unusually successful crossover to the digital domain. (iPad storybook app. 6-9)"
Rapid tapping calls up cascades of pigs, pork chops and more from this lightly edited version of Lear's hilarious "The New Vestments." Read full book review >
Cover art for A TALE OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 9, 2012
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 >