Best Book Apps of 2012: For Younger Readers

by Debbie Fong illustrated by Debbie Fong

A low-key, appealingly unpretentious twist on a familiar folk tale. Full review >

bookshelf

by Edward Lear & illustrated by Jon Higham & developed by Tizio BV

Smooth pans of the double-screen illustrations and interactive features that are as high in child appeal as the... Full review >

bookshelf

by Edward Lear & illustrated by Ewa Podles & developed by NitroLab

A triumphant blend of classic literature and tablet technology. Full review >

bookshelf

by Brian Main & illustrated by Brian Main

In a sea of interactive homogeny, this is a rare gem. Full review >

bookshelf

developed by TerryLab

Hard not to smile at this, whether it’s read as a tribute to communal living or a simple bit of rustic foolery. Full review >

bookshelf

developed by ZigZag Studio

Good-natured fun and some well-designed interactive elements distinguish this fairy-tale remake. Full review >

bookshelf

by Andy Hullinger John Solimine illustrated by John Solimine developed by Small Planet Digital

With its distinctive look, a great drawing element that's actually appropriate to the story and a moral that values... Full review >

bookshelf

by Heidi Wittlinger & developed by Shape Minds and Moving Images GmbH

This spectacular synthesis of elements creates magic on the iPad. Parents and kids won’t want to tear themselves away. Full review >

bookshelf

by Manon Aidan & Yanick Gourville & illustrated by Cyril Jedor

Though the story is simple, even obvious, it takes flight because of the ambitious design work, the kind of thing that can... Full review >

bookshelf

by Rania Ajami & John Casey ; illustrated by Walter Krudop ; developed by Jumping Pages

A lesson to be sure, but delivered in a lighthearted blend of equally lively art, sound and animation. Full review >

bookshelf

by Marianne Berkes ; illustrated by Jeanette Canyon ; developed by Malachi Bazan & Dawn Publications

With a format that includes science, math, art, music and reading, it still manages to be what learning should be—fun. Full review >

bookshelf

by Michael Bruza ; illustrated by Michael Bruza developed by Busy Bee Studios

Children with wheezles and sneezles of their own will sympathize with the droopy monster and perhaps feel a little less... Full review >

bookshelf

by Mary Kay Carson & developed by Bookerella and Story Worldwide

A winner: beautifully illustrated, nicely designed and solidly informative. Full review >

bookshelf

by Amy de la Haye & illustrated by Emily Sutton & developed by MAPP Editions

Full review >

bookshelf

by Lauren Freeman & developed by Laloo LLC

It's likely young readers who pick up this well-made app will be learning about both Bollywood and red pandas for the first... Full review >

bookshelf

by Peter Guttman & photographed by Peter Guttman & developed by Banzai Labs

The 230 photos—often-breathtaking, in-the-moment portraits—are accessed via pins on a world map, as a slide show or as a... Full review >

bookshelf

by Jane Jensen & Robert Holmes & developed by Signus Labs & Pinkerton Road

Full review >

bookshelf

illustrated by Adam Larkum & developed by Ink Robin

Step right up to this truly spectacular offering; it will undoubtedly delight ladies, gentlemen and children of all ages. Full review >

bookshelf

by Lemniscates & developed by iLUBUC

Brief, but loaded with appeal for younger readers and pre-readers. Full review >

bookshelf

developed by Nosy Crow

Like the board book it is based on (Bizzy Bear, Let's Go to Work! 2012), this app has only a few pages, but each one is... Full review >

bookshelf

by Graham Nunn & illustrated by Graham Nunn & developed by Wasabi Productions

Clean, simple, seamless—just right for the nursery-school set or children with special needs. Full review >

bookshelf

by Rotem Omri illustrated by Rotem Omri translated by Mel Rosenberg developed by Rotem Omri & Rachel Mislovaty

Luli's love of colors comes across as both genuine and infectious. Full review >

bookshelf

by Allan Plenderleith illustrated by Allan Plenderleith developed by Plendy Entertainment

Flo and her unusual offspring easily capture readers’ hearts in this story of faith and love. Not bad for a chicken who... Full review >

bookshelf

illustrated by Luciana Navarro Powell & developed by Polk Street Press

A simple, lovely lullaby. Full review >

bookshelf

by Rosie Smith & illustrated by Bruce Whatley & developed by SnappyAnt

A darling first app for little ones to share with their own moms. Full review >

bookshelf

by Josh Stewart & illustrated by Binny Talib & developed by Sneaky Sam Productions

Keep an eye on this kid; one can only hope he’ll sneak his way into another story or two. Full review >

bookshelf

by Nicole Stinn & Greg Tiernan & developed by Nitrogen Studios

A very well-balanced offering that both educates and entertains. Full review >

bookshelf

developed by The Melody Book

A winning app that could easily be deemed the jazz version of The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. Smooth. Full review >

bookshelf

by Emma Tranter & illustrated by Barry Tranter & developed by Nosy Crow

A winner. Full review >

bookshelf

by Irene Blasco Grau & illustrated by Irene Blasco Grau & developed by Irene Blasco Grau

Full review >

bookshelf