Nevertheless, while the repetitive refrains pile up near the beginning and the end, the message is one kids will probably...
A song-turned–storybook app from the second track on Marley’s Grammy-winning children’s album, Family Time.
The app is a word-for-word mirror of the reggae star’s poetic ode celebrating mutual love. Many songs tell some sort of story, of course, but that doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily translate well to a book format. This one works reasonably well, but the developers didn’t go out of their way to innovate or accentuate the content. Interaction is the Oceanhouse standard, consisting of turning pages and tapping on various characters and objects, which elicits brief visual and auditory descriptions. Readers and/or their loved ones can narrate the story by recording themselves reading the text; once that’s been done, the recorded version becomes the default narration unless otherwise specified from the menu. The main menu offers four options: “Read to Me,” “Read it Myself,” “Auto Play” and “Sing Along.” The latter two are identical, except one is read and one is sung (both by Marley). Illustrations (uncredited) are crisp, vibrant and endearing. It is a pity that there’s no mechanical interaction or animation beyond screen panning, as the infectious bounce of the song is ill-served by the staid treatment.
Nevertheless, while the repetitive refrains pile up near the beginning and the end, the message is one kids will probably never tire of hearing: “I love you too / I love you too / I tell you I love you.” (iPad storybook app. 2-5)Pub Date: Nov. 21, 2013
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: -
Publisher: Oceanhouse Media
Review Posted Online: Dec. 17, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2014
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young...
This title previously published in the U.K. takes a cozy look at all kinds of kisses.
Walsh’s rhyming text is full of cutesy rhythms: “Kisses on noses, kisses on toes-es. Sudden kisses when you least supposes.” Sometimes the phrasing stumbles: “Who likes to kiss? I do! I do! Even the shy do. Why not try, too?” But toddlers and young preschoolers will probably not mind. They will be too engaged in spotting the lively penguin on each spread and too charmed by Abbot’s winsome illustrations that fittingly extend the wording in the story. Patient dogs queue up for a smooch from a frog prince, cool blue “ ’normous elephants” contrast strikingly with bright red “little tiny ants” and a bewildered monkey endures a smattering of lipstick kisses. Be the kiss small or tall, one to start or end the day, young readers are reminded that “the very best kiss… / is a kiss from you!” Perhaps no big surprise but comforting nonetheless.
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young tyke or sharing with a gathering for storytime. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Dec. 20, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4424-2769-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Nov. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2011
Lola’s daddy takes her to the library every Saturday, where she finds “excellent books,” and every night her mommy or daddy reads them to her. The next day Lola acts out the story. On Sunday she’s a fairy princess; on Monday she takes her toy animals “on fantastic trips to places like Paris”; on Wednesday she’s a tiger, etc. Each new book and day provides Lola with a variety of tales to play out, with the last one—which is about a wild monster—posing the question, “What will Lola be tomorrow?” The final page shows her in a wolf suit just like Max’s. The library books, the pretending and the incorporation of the days of the week work together as a simple and pleasing premise. Beardshaw’s acrylic illustrations depict the multicultural kids and Lola’s black family with childlike charm, while the title will have librarians, parents and booksellers smiling. Alert: The book will be an invitation for lap kids to follow Lola’s lead—not such a bad thing. (Picture book. 3-5)
Pub Date: July 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-58089-258-2
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Review Posted Online: June 3, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2010
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