CHOKKO'S ADVENTURES IN BIRDLAND

Set up by a separate but free prelude app, the first episode of a projected four sends two intrepid chocolate drops (one white, one brown) to Bird Island on a feather-finding expedition.

Barely have the explorers landed in their banana spaceship than Latti (the white one) is snatched by a trio of chocolate-loving meerkats. Pursuing, Chokko follows the kidnappers into Owl Valley, which has been plunged into darkness by the departure of all the fireflies. By the end, Latti remains in captivity, but light is restored after Chokko teaches the feathered residents of the valley how to make candle lanterns. The stylized cartoon illustrations resemble polychrome Chinese papercuts in general form and detail. They are heavily endowed both with animated figures and also with touch- or touch-and-hold effects that range from a fingertip flashlight and moveable items to scrolling backgrounds and snatches of sound. The text and (optional) audio narration is available in nine languages (three that do not use the Roman alphabet), and both can be flicked on or off at will on any screen. Each screen also contains slightly hidden feathers that sharp-eyed viewers can “collect” with a tap. Links at the ends of both apps will go live as new chapters become available (for purchase).

A tasty confection, likely to tempt more than just its young target audience.