iPad e-books for children: Five more amazing titles
From classics like Aesop's Fables and "Gertrude McFuzz" to new and original works like "Violet," iPad e-books offer something for kids of all ages--and tastes.
A few months back I told you about five amazing iPad e-books for kids, noting that Apple's tablet is arguably the single best platform for reading (and, thanks to various interactive features, experiencing) children's books.
App developers and book publishers seem to agree, as the App Store is now home to dozens, if not hundreds, of kid-friendly e-books.
Here's a look at five more (seven if you count the Seuss stuff) that are sure to please wee readers and parents alike.
1. Aesop's Wheel of Fables No children's book collection is complete without Aesop's Fables. This app serves up 20 tales, all of them showcased in a spinning wheel that adds a bit of tactile fun to the story-selection process. It also has spot-the-difference games that get unlocked as you read, and an option for parents to record their own voices for kids to listen to in place of the prerecorded voice. The app's on sale for $6.99 until August 5, when it goes up to $8.99.
2. More Dr. Seuss Oceanhouse Media continues to crank out terrific Seuss classics, all of them optimized and enhanced for the iPad. The latest releases include "Green Eggs and Ham" ($3.99), "Gertrude McFuzz" ($1.99), and--yay!--"Yertle the Turtle" ($3.99). If only my kids weren't on the verge of outgrowing these! Hmm, maybe I should have one more...
3. "The Little Mermaid" Not the Disney version, but the classic Hans Christian Anderson tale, here brought to life with animated, interactive elements reminiscent of the now-classic "Alice for iPad." Beautifully illustrated and thoroughly engaging, the $8.99 app also includes "The Emperor's New Clothes" and "The Happy Family."
4. "Toy Story 3 Read-Along" Disney's first two "Toy Story" titles were absolutely dazzling--and huge hits in my house. Book three ($8.99), based on the eponymous new movie, is no different, offering animated pages, tap-to-play sound effects, minigames, coloring pages, and more. Definitely a must-have for "Toy Story" fans. And if you haven't already grabbed it, the original "Toy Story Read-Along" is still free.
5. "Violet" Much as I love the classics, it's nice to see something modern and new. "Violet" ($2.99) is an original story about a girl with a secret identity and a love of experiments. The illustrations are on par with any you'd find in a published book--and at least some of the pages are animated or interactive. Great stuff.
What do you think of the iPad as a children's e-book reader? Have you found any other titles worth mentioning? Share your thoughts in the comments.