Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Best Book Apps of 2012: Traditional Tales and Classics

The old literature still endures, even in 21st-century storytelling technology.


Cover art for THE VOYAGE OF ULYSSES
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 3, 2012
developed by Elastico srl

"An inventive and entertaining introduction to the classic. And that kiss at the end: perfect. (iPad epic app. 10 & up)"
A delightfully entertaining telling of the tale of brave Ulysses. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE WAR OF THE WORLDS
ADULT
Released: June 14, 2012
by H.G. Wells, developed by E-mersiv

"It's as if Orson Welles had gotten hold of an iPad. Though some fixes remain to be done, a top-notch production."
The tale that scared America silly in 1938, courtesy of Orson Welles, returns in a well-made app that would do a Martian invader proud. Read full book review >
Cover art for FRANKENSTEIN
ADULT
Released: April 26, 2012
by Mary Shelley, adapted by Dave Morris, developed by Inkle Studios, Profile Books

"Some narrative weakness aside, a brilliantly designed app; the current benchmark for high-quality storytelling via tablet. "
Mary Shelley's classic rewritten and retooled, with an appealing gothic-style interface and ingeniously immersive format. 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 THE LEGEND OF MOMOTARO
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 2, 2012
adapted by Corey Finkle, illustrated by Jason Nemec, Thom Adams, developed by Ghost Hand Games

"A fine version, formal but never stiff, and seamless both in presentation and software design. (iPad storybook app. 7-10)"
With help from a trio of squabbling animals a young boy born from a giant peach takes on a squad of ogres in this unusually elegant rendition of the popular Japanese folktale. Read full book review >
Cover art for ALTERNATIVE STORY: RED RIDING HOOD
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 24, 2012
developed by ZigZag Studio

"Good-natured fun and some well-designed interactive elements distinguish this fairy-tale remake. (iPad storybook app. 4-8) "
Over-the-top and hokey, but somehow this "choose your adventure" fairy tale works by never taking itself too seriously Read full book review >
Cover art for TOWER DEAREST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 3, 2012
developed by TerryLab

"Hard not to smile at this, whether it's read as a tribute to communal living or a simple bit of rustic foolery. (iPad storybook app. 5-7)"
Lively, brightly colored illustrations featuring a full kit of touch-activated details infuse this traditional cumulative tale with infectious cheer. 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 OWL AND CAT
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 9, 2012
by Edward Lear, developed by NitroLab, illustrated by Ewa Podles

"A triumphant blend of classic literature and tablet technology. (iPad storybook app. 2-5)"
Feline and fowl profess their love for one another in this winning adaptation of Lear's popular 1871 nonsense poem. 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 THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 28, 2012
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 B.B. WOLF
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 15, 2012
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 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 >