NoHigh5 News: Best Children's Book Apps

First off, a big thank you to Olivia who has been regularly sending me some of the coolest slideshows on the web. I'm waiting to collect a bunch before doing a Tuesday post about them.

Book Apps! They're the rage for a good reason. So far, they're mostly geared towards a younger audience- and rightly so. What better way to get your youngster into reading? Submerge them in a text experience (one they have an option reading themselves or having it read to them), then giving them the chance to extend the story though tactile interactions. Even the books geared towards a young audience is a hit with my older students (and I must say, myself).

Here's some of the better ones out there:

0. (Late addition)

Animalia by Graham Base

I'm beginning with this because this book gave me hours of enjoyment as a little tyke. If you're in my class, just ask. I have my copy in the closet. You'll even see my handwriting from 2nd grade on the inside cover

iTunes Page

1. The Fantastic Flying Books of Morris Lessmore:

Written by fabled storybook illustrator/author and animator William Joyce, it's based on the animated short film of the same title. This story is inspired by the events of hurricane Katrina and focuses on rebuilding through story.

iTunes Page

2. How Rocket Learned to Read

Written by Tad Hills, a dog has no interest in reading until he overhears a kindly bird reading aloud in the distance a story of another dog who loses his bone. Rocket just has to know, "Does he find it?" And thus begins Rocket's journey to literacy!

iTunes Page

3. Harold and the Purple Crayon

A well-deserved new experience for one of the classics

iTunes Page

4. There's a Monster at the End of This Book

I'd advise you to not read this app. There's a monster at the end of it. Okay, you've been warned.

iTunes Page

5. Don't Let The Pigeon Run This App

Mo Willems is the new Dr. Seuss. This Pigeon really, really wants to...

iTunes Page

6. Bot Garage

Build a collection of robots to play with. Need I say more? Fine, it's available for the introductory price of $0.99. Still need more convincing? Here's a video trailer?

iTunes Page

7. Heart and the Bottle

This heart warming tale is written by master storyteller Oliver Jeffers. It's a great story for discussion that will bring a tear to adult eyes. Unless you've placed your heart in a bottle too. Here's the trailer.

iTunes Page

8. Wreck This App

Angsty teen? Long day at school? Or... Work? Just follow this app's instructions and blow off some steam.

iTunes Page

9. When I Grow Up

The Sultan of Satire is back with this adapted version of his delightful children's book bearing the same title. Don't pretend at least one of his songs made you chuckle. Kids will like his wacky rhymes but they'll love his wackier occupations!