FRIENDS

Based on the printed version of Tsitas’ book with the same title, this app chronicles the advantages and hazards of companionship.

Friends, says the narrator, will always do certain things. They’ll give you half of their snack. They’ll share their secrets. They’ll lend you their favorite belongings and help you clean your room—and the list goes on. (The number of things a friend always does may leave readers wondering if the narrator is describing a child or a genie. Can any kid live up to it all?) Regardless, friendships aren’t always so rosy. Sometimes friends have disagreements and get angry with each another. Is that the end of the world? As we all know, it can sure feel like it when you’re a child. But the author does a splendid job conveying the idea that sometimes disagreements blow over without the necessity of a courtroom trial. The app is visually interesting and beautifully illustrated. English is the sole language option, and the narration is lively and pleasantly inflective. There’s a generous amount of animation and motion but very little interactivity. That’s not necessarily a bad thing—storybook apps don’t have to be a digital circus to be good. This one strikes a nice balance.

Aside from the overuse of absolute adverbs, this is a worthwhile add to any iPad bookshelf. (iPad storybook app. 3-6)