Pecos Bill

Version 1.1. Ruckus Mobile Media, Rabbit Ears Entertainment. Application developed by FableVision, Inc. Updated November 17, 2010.

Comedian and actor Robin Williams reads this tale of how the Wild West was created by Wild Bill Pecos, and he’s hilarious. The pages are beautifully illustrated, and when Robin Williams reads the story, he draws in the attention of little ones. You can opt to record the narration of the book yourself or flip through the pages.

The Magic School Bus: Oceans

Scholastic. Published 2010.

The basic storybook part about Ms. Frizzle and her class exploring the ocean is interesting and educational. Be prepared to make a trip to the beach or aquarium for children to do their own exploring. You can flip the pages yourself or play the narration, but kids who play videogames are going to find the games lacking on this app.

Goldilocks

Version 1.0. Ruckus Mobile Media, Rabbit Ears Entertainment. App developed by FableVision, Inc. Modified February 17, 2010.

Actress Meg Ryan reads the narration of this story in an amusing Southern accent. In this version of the classic story, Goldilocks is spoiled as a “poodle,” and her adventures help change her ways. The pages are beautiful and easy to flip through when reading the book yourself. Like with the Pecos Bill story, you can record the story yourself.

Andrew Answers

Version 1.0. Ruckus Mobile Media. Design and coding by Funny Garbage. Written by Alan Katz and told by Marc Summers. Voice of Andrew is Nathan Katz. Released December 15, 2010.

This is an amusing and silly story of Andrew who answers the questions of his teacher, parents, principal and even the President of the United States. They all ask him to name words that start with a letter of the alphabet, and they don’t seem to like his answers – although kids will. The illustrations are bright and colorful. Kids will like the interactive features which include tilting the iPad to help Andrew to the principal’s office or taking a bite out of the teacher’s apple.

The Velveteen Rabbit

Version 1.1. Ruckus Mobile Media, Rabbit Ears Entertainment. App developed by FableVision Inc. Updated November 10, 2010.

Actress Meryl Streep reads this classic children’s tale about bunny love, and the illustrations have a dreamy quality to them. Like the other Ruckus Mobile Media stories, you can read the story yourself or record your own voice. For parents who grew up reading this story, this will make a lovely flashback to their own childhood.

All apps reviewed here are available for purchase through the Apple iPad App Store.

Published: March 15, 2011