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Best Book Apps of 2012 (page 4)

Cover art for THE WAR OF THE WORLDS
ADULT
Released: June 14, 2012
THE WAR OF THE WORLDS
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 A TALE OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 9, 2012
Kirkus Star A TALE OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD
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 >
Cover art for COLORS THAT LULI LOVES
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 7, 2012
COLORS THAT LULI LOVES
by Rotem Omri, developed by Rotem Omri & Rachel Mislovaty, illustrated by Rotem Omri, translated by Mel Rosenberg
"Luli's love of colors comes across as both genuine and infectious. (iPad storybook app. 18 mo.-5)"
An appropriately bright primer on the major colors, this tour through the rainbow seems ideally suited to toddlers learning to associate words with objects. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 28, 2012
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
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 THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING TOUR OF CHICAGO
ADULT
Released: May 25, 2012
THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING TOUR OF CHICAGO
developed by Wilco
"Chicagoans in exile will feel all the more homesick, while Wilco fans, already well-served with music, concert footage and photographs from various sources, will absolutely want to have this in their collections. The price is right, too."
A splendid bit of orchestration by everybody's favorite alt-rock sextet, giving a view of performances in the City with Big Shoulders from backstage and the cheap seats alike. Read full book review >
Cover art for DRAGON BRUSH
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 23, 2012
Kirkus Star DRAGON BRUSH
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 >