Category
Book-Apps
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05.24.13Jörgits is an iPad sci-fi storybook for kids about global warmingAs parents, we think a lot about climate change: what it might mean for our two children in the future, and how and when we should talk to them about the issues around it. Developer Tank & Bear is thinking about this too, it seems. The company got in touch to tell us about Jörgits, which came out for iPad last month. Its full title is Jörgits and the End of Winter, and it's a sci-fi storybook with a climate-change theme. "Jörgits & the End of Winter is an interactive children’s novel about a group of aliens whose planet is becoming too cold for ...
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05.23.13Grimm’s Bookshelf app offers playable fairytale demos for childrenWe've written about many of the fairytale storybook-apps from publisher StoryToys, most recently its pop-up take on The Jungle Book. Now it's bringing them all together in one app. It's called Grimm's Bookshelf, and is pitched as a way for parents and children to sample all of StoryToys' apps in one place, playing a free game from each storybook, buying apps that they like the look of, and launching every StoryToys app that they own from within the app too. The company says it'll use the Bookshelf app to let parents know about promotions, discounts and new/future apps as well. The games ...
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05.22.13Hiiieee-yaaah! Kung Fu Robot kicks his way onto iPadThey had us at the title Kung Fu Robot, to be honest. But the developers of this ace iPad app sealed the deal with the first paragraph of their App Store listing: "He’s the Unicycle Champion of the 3rd Northern District, the world record holder for “ice cream sandwiches eaten in one sitting,” the reigning champion of continuous nunchucking and once won a bronze medal for simultaneous stomach rubbing and head patting. Meet KUNG FU ROBOT." It's marvellous: an "interactive comic book, designed to engage young readers" that's initially available as a free download with three chapters – and more chapters to ...
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05.22.13Little Rooster book-app gets ‘experimental’ on iPad and AndroidIt sounds like MOME TechLab in Hungary has been looking at as many children's book-apps as we have. Their aim, though, has been to use that knowledge to make their own. "After having analysed dozens of interactive book titles in the app stores, we prepared for 6-8 year old kids an interactive version of a well-known Hungarian folk tale, published by László Arany," explains the app store listing for the result: Little Rooster and his Diamond Halfpenny. Released for iPad and Android, it's described as an "experimental interactive book" with highlighted words and characterful monochrome illustrations. It's also free, making it worth ...
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05.20.13Justin Fletcher’s Goldilocks app review (iPhone / iPad)Every year, a new crop of children encounter Justin Fletcher for the first time through his shows on CBeebies: Something Special, Gigglebiz and Justin's House. He's probably the most familiar face on children's TV here in the UK, and now he's making the leap onto iPhones and iPads with a planned series of 'Justin's World' apps. Starting with Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Released last week, it sees Justin telling the famous fairytale through a mixture of video and mini-games, including dressing up as Goldilocks AND the three bears. Continue Reading...
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05.20.13The Jungle Book gets the StoryToys pop-up book-app treatmentA new version of Rudyard Kipling's story The Jungle Book has popped up on the app stores for iOS and Android... literally. The Jungle Book is the work of StoryToys – the latest classic tale to be turned into a virtual pop-up storybook by the developer. Mowgli, Baloo, Bagheera and the nefarious Shere Khan are all present and correct with 3D animated scenes, music and sound effects, and some simple mini-games to keep children interested. Continue Reading...
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05.17.13CBeebies star Justin Fletcher launches Goldilocks app for kidsJustin Fletcher is one of the most familiar faces in children's entertainment here in the UK, thanks to his CBeebies shows Something Special, Gigglebiz and Justin's House. Now he's launched his first app: Justin's World – Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Released today for iPhone and iPad, it's a retelling of the famous fairytale with a combination of video, animation and interactivity for pre-schoolers. Justin himself provides the videos, telling the story – including getting into character as Goldilocks herself. The interactivity comes with accessible mini-games testing children's counting, sorting, matching and language skills. Continue Reading...
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05.16.13Dr Seuss’ The Butter Battle Book comes to iOS and AndroidAnother week, another Dr Seuss book being turned into an app. And the fact that The Butter Battle Book isn't one of his most famous works actually makes it more appealing to us. The storyline focuses on feuding Yooks and Zooks, whose battle is based in part on ferocious disagreement on whether to eat bread with the butter side up or down. The app, like the book, traces their descent into ever-sillier weaponry (Triple-Sling Jigger, anyone?) as they try to outdo one another. Continue Reading...
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05.13.13Latest Kids Discover iPad app introduces Ancient GreeceWe last wrote about the Kids Discover series of iPad apps in January, after the release of Kids Discover Antarctica, Kids Discover Galaxies and Kids Discover Washington D.C. Now the educational series has another addition – an older one. Ancient Greece by Kids Discover offers Gods, Olympic Games, drama, literature and one Trojan Horse to teach your children all about the Ancient Greeks. As with the previous apps, you get 3D models, videos, audio, photos, cartoons and animations, with quizzes and puzzles helping kids to absorb the historical information. It's never dry. Ancient Greece by Kids Discover costs £1.99 on the App Store, for ...
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05.13.13National Geographic Kids Scanner app works with books and magsWe've seen a fair few children's apps using augmented reality technology, which is the idea of pointing your smartphone or tablet's camera at something in the real world, and getting digital content (whether it be dinosaurs, sharks or ghosts) in return. The latest big company experimenting with the idea is National Geographic, with its National Geographic Kids Scanner app for iOS. "This digital companion to National Geographic Kids books and magazines allows you to get free digital extras on your iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad," explains its App Store listing. "Just look for the Digital Extras! symbol in NG Kids publications, scan, ...
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