Book Review: Our Favorite iPhone Book Apps for Kids

Our family is a very Tech-friendly family, as are most today. We have both a laptop and a desktop computer as well as numerous other gadgets around the house. So, it was almost a given that The Turkeybird would latch onto my iPhone as soon as he figured out there were little treasures there waiting for him. From books to games, my iPhone could keep him entertained for hours if I let him. I’ve quickly learned many things about this “wonderful” little gadget when it comes to my children’s use of it, a few of them being:

1. It’s an incredible teaching tool when you get involved with your child while they are using it.
2. Games like, Angry Birds, are just as distracting to a 3 year old as they are to someone almost 30 years older.
3. Books translate differently on a screen as opposed to on paper pages in a book.
4. Learning can be creative, individual and fun with the right interaction.
5. Not all apps are created equally, books or games.

It’s the last point that I want to discuss today. More specifically, apps for children’s books. When I first picked up my phone about a year ago the books I initially tried out were no where near as good as some of the ones I’ve been able to use recently. What I’ve learned in a years time is that Children’s Book Apps need to be few different things:

• Interactive – Kids learn when they can be involved in the story, by “discovering” parts of the story or “communicating” with it by answering questions.
• Colorful – It doesn’t need to be neon colors, but bland does not get a 3 year olds attention.
• Great Graphics – Not all great book apps have this, and that’s okay, but it can make a world of difference.
• Good Sound Effects and Music (if any at all) – If the sound doesn’t blend well with the story being told, it’s all over.
• Teaching – This is a book after all, children should learn something, be it about nature, their ABC’s, or the colors of the rainbow – there should be something they can remember from their reading.

So, all that being said, I know you’re eager to know which books are our favorites! Here you go:

Dr. Seuss’s ABC by Dr. Seuss

Offered by Oceanhouse Media

Cost: $3.99

The1stdaughter’s Recommendation: Not only is it a favorite in book form, but this app is by far one of our favorites. There are quite a few Dr. Seuss books offered by this company and we have others we truly enjoy, including Hop On Pop, but because of it’s ability to meet all of my “criteria” this rises to the top of the pile. Children can read through the entire book, learn their ABC’s by not just listening but also interacting with the pages (each item can be touched to single the word or letter associated with it), the sound is great, the graphics are right out of the book, and this is one they will go back to time and time again. Definitely a favorite. Ages 1 and up. Take a look at the brief trailer to get an idea:

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Little Mouse Gets Ready by Jeff Smith

Offered by iStory Time

Cost: $2.99

The1stdaughter’s Recommendation: This is actually a book we also own in paper form as well and when I saw it offered as an App I wanted to see how it measured up to the print form. In all honesty, I’m a sucker for a print book, but this app is great. The comic book style is there along with the option to view the entire story in up to 5 different languages, it’s amazing! My only complaint would be that its not incredibly interactive with the only action being turning the pages. Still, a great book, especially for older children, especially those just starting school. Ages 3 and up.

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The Enchanted Forest of Goblins

Offered by Genera Interactive

Cost: $1.99

The1stdaughter’s Recommendation: By far the most beautiful book app I’ve ever seen. The illustrations are gorgeous, and all the other apps for kids by this company are just as beautiful and great as well. This app is also incredibly interactive. Every tree or mushroom has something hidden to be discovered, it may be part of the story or just something to look at. Keep in mind the story is a little more advanced and younger children will definitely need a little bit of help. It’s also a bit “scary” for children under 3 or kids that are easily spooked. But this is definitely one you will enjoy just as much as your child. Ages 3 and up.

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What A Pest by Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Offered by PicPocket Books

Cost: $2.99

The1stdaughter’s Recommendation: Almost any book app you buy from PicPocket Books will be worth the money you spend on it. Their more recent titles continue to get better and better, making me wish I had a bit more to spend on them! They’re perfect for interacting with kids and getting them learning those often difficult first few words and sentences, by highlighting the words as the story goes. The sounds are great with each book and there’s also the ability to stop and start as you go. Not each of the illustrations are my favorite, but that’s a personal thing, as the same could be said of print books. I recommend taking a look at their selection and picking a book based on a topic your child is interested in, you can’t go wrong! Ages 1-10, depending on the book.

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Little Blue Robot by Joanna Emmanue

Offered by StoryBoy

Cost: $ .99

The1stdaughter’s Recommendation: This is an absolutely beautiful story. The moral is wonderful, the illustrations are gorgeous and the sound is amazing. If I had anything I wish was a bit better it would be for more interactivity with the actual book, but truly it almost doesn’t need it. It’s one of The Turkeybird’s favorites and with the price, it’s hard to beat.

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Sleep, Baby, Sleep

Offered by myTales digital (Tiger Tales Books)

Cost: $2.99

The1stdaughter’s Recommendation: Perfect for those nights when you need a bit of help calming a little one down to sleep. Maybe you’re traveling even, and you don’t have a book nearby to get your little one calmed down for a long drive or a night away from home, this would be perfect. The illustrations are just the same as in the original book (which we have as well) and there is even the option to play lyrics along with the story (you can even record your own!). Ages 0-4.

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The Wheels of the Bus

Offered by Duck Duck Moose

Cost: $ .99

The1stdaughter’s Recommendation: An old favorite of course, and one you can’t go through childhood without. This is leans toward music more than book, but what urges me to mention it is that it’s actually quite good on the literacy front. Each “page” has music and words that move together, standing out as you read and interact with the story line. Not only is the story obviously engaging, but the graphics and colors are beautiful. This is by far one of the most read/listened to Book Apps on my iPhone. Ages 1-7.

That’s all the recommendations for now! I hope you found a new Book App to try out with your kiddos and be on the look out, I’m sure we’ll have more to come!

For the Comments: Do you have a favorite Book App we missed? Let us know! We may just feature it next time!