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 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 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 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 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 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 >