This past month our family of 7 spent a good deal of time in the car driving to Colorado and back from our Chicago area home. It was our last hurrah before school begins later this month. Adding to the distance and time further were some planned stops along the way to visit various colleges for our oldest child.
Keeping our twin three year old boys calm and entertained the entire route wasn't as difficult as I envisioned it might be thanks in large part to some apps we downloaded for play on our iPads and iPhones. When the twins snoozed, the older kids took turns playing the apps as well.
Among our many favorites this month:
Fierce Grey Mouse (by Tizio): Here's another fantastic and beautiful storybook app! This is a sweet tale of empowerment for our little guys as they head off to school for the first time this fall. The story of this little Grey Mouse becoming fierce is written and illustrated by Chantal Bourgonje. I really adore how this app has a traditional picture book feel to it yet some items have a charming interactive aspect to them. Our twins really enjoyed all the various sounds to everything as well.
Roxie's A-MAZE-ing Vacation Adventure (by OCG Studios): It is absolutely incredible what some creative people can make possible all within the confines of an iPad app. The format of this app is like nothing you've ever seen before. The creators bring you a single continuous maze that spreads out over 16 iPad screens compelling you to drive, walk, fly, ski and raft about it as you search for needed letters, numbers, penguins and dozens of other items. Don't even get my started on those tricky penguins! Our kids range in age from 16 all the way down to age 3 and it is beyond funny to see how each reacted as they tried to make their way around and hunt for all the items. I have to warn you, once you stop you'll have a hard time putting it down.
Roxie's DOORS (by OCG Studios): The developers at OCG Studios have done it again! This is the second Roxie Munro app made exclusively for the iPad. The award-winning storybook Doors, by Roxie Munro, is now available as a lift the flap 3-D search iPad book. "Lift the Flaps" and "open doors" to find a whole list of items in a myriad of different locations. Try not to be too upset when your three year old finds most of them before you either!
Stella & Sam - Backyard at Twilight (by zinc Roe): When I first checked out Stella & Sam in this app, I found myself really adoring this format, though I was puzzled as to where the makers felt this darling app fit in. It's not just a game as it has a story to tell in between moments of interactive play and it's not quite an interactive storybook as it is fully animated and doesn't offer written text. An inquiry to the publisher allowed me to put my finger on it, it's an interactive animated short format. The result is sweet little series of games mingled in a short animated tale. Activities in this app include a Bug Hunt, Firefly Pictures, and Connect the Stars. And while this may not technically count as a bedtime "story" we've put it on our bedtime list anyway.
Stella & Sam - Rainy Days and Rainbows (by zinc Roe): Another app with the interactive animated short format that really brings Stella and & Sam to life. This tale introduces us to their dog Fred and allows kids to make Paw Prints, search for Autumn Treasures, and hold a Pinecone Race. We really adore our Stella & Sam Apps and can't wait for more!
Teddy's Day (by Auryn, Inc.): Based on the bestselling children's book, "What Does My Teddy Bear Do All Day?" this app really takes storytime to the next level by allowing kids to interact with the objects and characters betrayed in the beautiful illustrations. This is one of those storytime apps your child will never tire from hearing. After checking it out ourselves, it came as no surprise to us that this app has received numerous awards and praise.
Teddy's Night (by Auryn, Inc.): If your kids like Teddy's Day, they'll likely love Teddy's Night even more. This follow-up to the first book is a must own bedtime story for iPad storybook fans. The interaction points are terrific and the tale itself is very charming. While I mentioned the illustrations in the Teddy's Day review, I'd be remiss if I didn't reiterate just how darling Teddy and his surrounds are in this release as well. As a side note, my currently potty training twins were particular fans of the "page" that depicts Teddy's need to use the potty.
Teddy's Night (by Auryn, Inc.): If your kids like Teddy's Day, they'll likely love Teddy's Night even more. This follow-up to the first book is a must own bedtime story for iPad storybook fans. The interaction points are terrific and the tale itself is very charming. While I mentioned the illustrations in the Teddy's Day review, I'd be remiss if I didn't reiterate just how darling Teddy and his surrounds are in this release as well. As a side note, my currently potty training twins were particular fans of the "page" that depicts Teddy's need to use the potty.
Toca Robot (by Toca Boca): We are happy to report that the maker of the apps Toca Hair Salon and Toca Doctor that we raved in last month's kid app round-up have just released another fabulous game. Toca Robot allows the kids to assemble their own unique robotic creation in the robot lab and navigate it about. Will your robot pass the flying test?
*Please note we were provided with review copies of some of the above mentioned apps, however the opinions expressed about the apps are our own.