Animal Farm 3 in 1: This first app is designed with the 2-6 year old farm animal fans in mind. It includes a sticker mode which allows kids to stick objects where they belong in the farm scene (for example the dog outline is by the dog house). There is also a farm themed memory game with different difficulty levels and an animal section that is a nice area for non readers to see the animal's picture along with the animals name spelled out. Think interactive flash cards.
Arthur & Charles Present Create & Play: The first part of this app was enough to occupy the kids for eons. It allows you to create hundreds of fun squared off cartoon style faces in virtually any color and with oodles of choices in regards to hair, eyes, and crazy extras like crowns and glasses. This part alone would have earned this app a spot on our top list, but this game goes a step further letting you play memory games with your creations for even more fun.
Lil' Kitten Shopping Cart Game: This game is a great learning tool in terms of teaching kids to hunt for the bargain price on items and stay within their budget, but keep in mind that reading is an essential part of this one. Play goes something like this ... Kitten is sent to the store with $20.00 and a shopping list. The first item on the list is eggs, so Kitten heads over to the dairy isle. Eggs are sold at various price points and your child must pick the lowest priced eggs to save the most. It goes on from there, allowing for a lot of learning and entertainment.
Elephant's Backlight HD: This book app has definitely served up lots of giggles in our home. Who knew elephants were so silly. I should also mention that the story is beautifully illustrated as well.
Auracle - Miko "Mom, Wake up and play": I love the soft rounded little mouse named Miko that stars in this book app. Miko "Mom, Wake up and play" is based on the book by the same name by Brigette Weninger and Stephanie Roehe. This book is first in the original book series and the first of the Miko apps made by Auracle. We'll be certain to check out more of the Miko tales soon.
Alien Buddies: Alien Buddies offers a range of pre-school and kindergarten games featuring a full alien spaceship feel to them. Game include matching the aliens to their space pods by various ways including color, shape, letter, and number. There are also puzzles, dot to dot play, and more.
iWash my Horses: This is a simple little game for the tiniest of horse lovers in your household. Soap the horse up, rinse it off, dry it, brush it down, and continue on to another horse.
Billie the Unicorn in 3D: The illustrations and colors used in this book app are quite impressive. Objects take on a 3D feel with no need for special eyewear. Additionally, the story has some interactive elements and a good overall tale.
Miss Spider's Tea Party: If you are a fan of the Miss Spider series, you'll adore this book app. It includes interactive elements, spoken narration, and some additional fun items like puzzles and painting.
Rapunzel - Interactive Pop-up Book: This book app dazzled us with it's use of color and dimensional illustrations. This nicely narrated story is a terrific addition to our ebook collection. If it were a paper book, it would show worn pages and lots of little finger smudges.
Toca Kitchen: We own every Toca Game that exists. They never cease to amuse and amaze our app appetite, Toca Kitchen is no exception. This is a must purchase app that is beloved by my 10 year old just as much as my 3 year old. Kids can select food items and cook in one of a few different cooking methods before serving them to one of the characters. It may sound simple, but it certainly keeps the kids well entertained. We certainly won't be bored as we await the next Toca game.
MyHoneyBee: This app allows kids to get a taste of gardening while following a sequence of tasks. They dig holes, plant seeds, pollinate them, water them, and collect the bee's honey rewards. I love the inclusion of screen tilt to fly the bee around, but I warn it does take a bit of patience for littler kids to master.
Under the Bed: This app is best described as an interactive short film. It features monsters, rats, alien robots, and plenty of silly fun including a few themed games. What's under your bed?
Art Maker: Make a single picture, a slide show, or even a movie by choosing from several backgrounds and plenty of props and characters. This app is certain to inspire some fierce storytelling in virtually any child. Think electronic puppet show.
Swapsies: This is another one of those apps that prove simple works. Pick from a few boys or girls and dress them to match in occupational gear from head to toe or swap out parts to make a silly combo.
Dr. Seuss Band: This musical instrument game for the ipad contains over 120 different sounds. My twins really enjoy jamming on this app and I enjoy the fact I can turn down the noise with the volume control when needed. Not an option with their real set of instruments. Don't forget to thank me for suggesting this one when your child's band lands their big music contract.
*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.