The old literature still endures, even in 21st-century storytelling technology.
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 2, 2012
"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.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 27, 2012
"In a sea of interactive homogeny, this is a rare gem. (for iPad 2 and above) (iPad storybook app. 1-5)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 3, 2012
"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.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: July 3, 2012
"An inventive and entertaining introduction to the classic. And that kiss at the end: perfect. (iPad epic app. 10 & up)"
ADULT
Released: June 14, 2012
"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.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: May 28, 2012
"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.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: May 23, 2012
"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.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: May 15, 2012
"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.
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ADULT
Released: April 26, 2012
"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.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: March 24, 2012
"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
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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)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 9, 2012
"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.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 23, 2012
"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."
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