By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: June 8, 2011
You have an iPad and your kids are always begging for a turn. Put that screen-time to good use with quality apps that encourage reading. We’ve tested loads of apps that will do just that.
Here are some of the best iPad apps for kids:
How Rocket Learned to Read
Developer’s synopsis: Featuring the original story and artwork by Tad Hills, with delightful animations, lots of interactivity and two additional games to play [make] this a captivating app.
Why we love it: From the “word of the day” to the interactive games, this app is the perfect blend of story magic and entertaining learning.
Be Confident in Who You Are
Developer’s synopsis: Be Confident in Who You Are will be a sure-fire hit with 8-14 year olds. (Even those who don’t like to read!) As a bonus for parents and teachers, this app puts thought-provoking entertainment and solutions into the hands of teens who deal with these personal issues every day.
Why we love it: The graphic novel format and zoom capabilities for frame-by-frame reading has complete kid-appeal.
Pat the Bunny
Developer’s synopsis: Designed especially for toddlers and preschoolers, the app features 14 fully interactive scenes your kids can tap, swipe, and explore.
Why we love it: Fans of the original and must-have Pat the Bunny will easily immerse themselves in the ready-to-explore scenes. For those with front-facing cameras, the “look in the mirror” feature is combines the original and classic fun with technology beautifully.
Tacky the Penguin by Oceanhouse Media
Developer’s synopsis: To promote reading in young children, individual words are highlighted as the story is read and words zoom up when pictures are touched. By combining the original text and artwork with features that entertain and promote reading, this omBook appeals to readers of all ages.
Why we love it: Because it is nice to have a classic book while you are on the go.
The Velveteen Rabbit
Developer’s synopsis: Meryl Streep shares the tale of love so powerful it can turn a toy bunny into a real rabbit. Read along, play along, and record your voice with apps for families from Ruckus Media!
Why we love it: Meryl Streep. Need I say more? Audio heaven combined with blissful illustrations.
John Henry
Developer’s synopsis: Denzel Washington tells the tale of Big John Henry and his hammer, stronger and faster than any machine. Read along, play along, and record your voice with apps for families from Ruckus Media!
Why we love it: And the celebrity readings keep coming … Denzel Washington. This app is 100% quality and we love the “Read and Record” function.
