Sandra Boynton is one of the most-loved modern authors 
of children’s books and it is fun to see her beloved board book become an app. This app has a soothing reader (Billy J. Kramer), great highlighting of words read, the ability to tap any word to hear it spoken aloud, and lots of interactive hotspots. Plus the interactive elements vary greatly from tilting the iPad to make the animals slide to turning on the hot water in the sink, which causes the screen of the iPad to steam up (you wipe it clean with your finger). However, The Going to Bed Book has a few navigational issues. The onscreen animations are generally well-done, but some are positioned on the screen near where the user is likely to try to swipe to the next page, making it sometimes hard to advance the book. Even with this shortcoming, the book’s message and characters are as charming on iDevices as they are in the original board book form.
Tag Archives: children’s stories
App review: The Three Little Pigs, told by Holly Hunter
Ruckus Media does a great job with children’s tales, and 
this version of The Three Little Pigs, told by Holly Hunter is another winner, but comes with one concerning factor. On the plus side, Hunter’s reading of the story is charming and engaging and the artwork that accompanies the video is wonderful. The ability to read and record the story in your own voice is another smart addition — as it lets parents tell a story to their kids even when they’re not around. The concern arises from the wolf’s smooth-talking come-on lines to the pigs, which are followed by his violent reactions to their rejections; and could bring to mind some thoughts of an abusive suitor. It makes this book not quite perfect.
Chris Morris: Journalist 