Tags: , , , , , , , , , , [ × ]

When I was a child in the 80’s, I was a huge fan of pop-up books. I thought they were very impressive at the time. I presumed that by now interactive holograms would walk and talk across the pages. The iPad doesn’t quite pull that feat off yet, but it has impressed me considerably and is the closest kids will get for now.

With what it can do, there are endless possibilities to keep children amused and reading. Sadly when compiling this list I waded through a large amount of disappointing rush to market apps/ebooks.  Here’s the best I’ve seen so far…

aliceAlice in Wonderland is one of those apps that you buy the iPad for.  Definitely one of the ones you use to demo the iPad for your friends. The infamous classic comes alive with interactive art. This app doesn’t feel like it’s “just” for kids, the artwork is themed like the book, kinda dark and Tim Burton-ish. Objects on the page are effected by touch and by tilting and turning the iPad.  A must-have app on the iPad. 52 pages of fun.  All ages.

Cost: $8.99
Get it (iTunes Link)

 

Alice in Wonderland

 

ShrekShrek Forever After -Kids Book HD is themed in the fun-loving world of the green ogre, Shrek. If your kids are fans of the Shrek movies, they’ll likely get a kick out of this interactive book. The interactive elements are limited to short audio clips but are offered on every page. Kids can get Shrek to roar and grunt by touching him but it fails to utilize the accelerometer or the ability to move and drag objects. Children can play (listen) to the book while watching the words being highlighted as they’re read. The artwork is top notch.

Cost: .99
Get it (iTunes Link)

Shrek

 

toystoryICONToy Story-Read Along includes both a book & activity games.  It has incorporated short clips from the movie in the book – -highly engaging for children.  While children read along/listen the words spoken pop off the screen. You have the option to either use the original narrator or record your own reading. In addition to movie clips, the artwork is activated by touch. You can’t move any objects around but you can hear audio clips of characters (by touching objects) on almost every page. This book also comes with a colouring book of Toy Story themed pages, 2 games and music from the movie. Lots of value here for kids. Toy Story 2 and 3 ebook apps are available at the cost of $8.99, this short review is of the free version.  Read the full review at The G&M.

Cost: FREE
Get it (iTunes Link)

toystory-Read Along

monkeybusinessICONMonkey Business-Zoo You Later! is a super cute book about a few cheeky monkeys that have escaped from the zoo. The story is great and the graphics are humorous. Parents have the option to play (listen) to the book by the narrator supplied or record themselves instead. Every page can be coloured within the app by selecting the paint can icon. The in-app colouring feature can also import artwork back into the book when the child is finished.   A cool feature but you lose the interactive objects when you view the book with the pages you’ve coloured.   While viewing the book with the original artwork, kids can do some pretty fun things with the pages, like making monkeys fly across the iPad screen.  One of its best attributes is revealed by “double-tapping” a word.  The narrator will spell out the word letter by letter. Helpful for newbie readers.  Read the full review at The G&M.

Cost: $4.99
Get it (iTunes Link)

monkeybusiness1

How to train your dragonHow To Train Your Dragon- Kids Book HD transports young readers into the fantasy world of vikings and dragons. Another book based upon a popular family movie and a sure-fire way to know if your children will be into the title. While the story and artwork are great it lacks the fun element of interacting with objects– no audio clips or flying monkeys here. This app will let children read with or without the narrator and offers the common feature of highlighting the words as they’re read.

Cost: $2.99
Get it (iTunes Link)

how to train

 

The Marvelous ToyThe Marvelous Toy is a song book for children ages 4-8. Children listen to the song and read along karaoke style. The artwork is gorgeous, the song is cute and provides a fun experience for kids with the extra benefit of hidden surprises within the pages. Kids can find multiple animations and sounds on every page.

Cost: $1.99
Get it (iTunes Link)

 

 

TOy

 

Mandy and AndyMandy and Andy Seasons HD is geared to young readers. This book won’t appeal to an older audience, trust me, I tried it on my five year old nephew. It is however perfect for the child under 5. In this book little ones learn about the seasons of the year and play games with Mandy and Andy (2 cuddly cats). Kids can select different objects on the pages to activate movement and audio and it’s offered in 5 languages.The mini-games “tasks” promote learning and memory skills. Children can listen to the book or read quietly. A win for toddlers and pre-schooler newbies. Available in English, French, Spanish, German and Japanese.

Cost: $1.99
Get it (iTunes Link)

Mandy and Andy

Story kitStory Kit isn’t an interactive book but an app to create your own book with your child. International Children’s Digital Library is offering this app for free. Nice! It was designed for the iPhone but works fine using the iPad. Create the title, import pictures (maybe of your child), draw on the pages using brushes, add audio and write some text. When the book is completed you’ll be able to save and flip through in the order you created. Pages and layout can be re-ordered if a mistake happens during the process. A great way to get creative with your kids, enjoy the experience=)

Cost: FREE
Get it (iTunes Link)

 


I’ll continue adding to this list, please contact me at brodiebeta@gmail.com if you know of an iPad Children’s book that should make the list. Or, hit me up on Twitter, I’m @iPhonegirl.