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THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Best Book Apps of 2012: Traditional Tales and Classics (page 2)

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


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 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 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 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 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 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 >