Heidi Part I for iPad – App Review

By Cristi | April 28, 2011 | No comment yet

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When Johanna Spyri wrote the now world renowned children’s book Heidi over 130 years ago, I’m certain she never dreamed of children reading her book on a electronic device like the iPad. Now thanks to Swiss app developer and mother Katrin Draemann Barothy, this classic story is available in the App Store for the reading pleasure of children around the world.

Heidi Part I is the first in a three part series of apps about a loveable little girl forced to live with her grouchy grandfather in the Swiss Alps. When Heidi’s guardian, Aunt Dete, takes a job in Frankfurt, Germany, her aunt leaves her in Switzerland with her grandfather. Heidi is a kind and friendly girl who quickly makes friends and eventually wins over the heart of her grandfather.

This enduring story is sure to be one children will enjoy. There are several reading options to choose from when readers start the app. First, they may select either the English or Deutsch (German) version of the story. Once the language is decided, children must then select “Read myself” or “Read to me” to begin. If readers select the German version, they then get to choose between the more proper Hochdeutsch and the Swiss dialect of German (Schweizerdeutsch).

In addition to language options, Heidi Part I includes interactive features on every page. Simply tap people’s faces, animals and objects on the page to hear characters talk, church bells chime, birds chirp and more.

There’s nothing quite like the quaint villages and breathtaking scenery in the Swiss Alps and this enjoyable adaptation of Heidi for the iPad encompasses it into the story. This app combines a classic story, beautiful illustrations and interactive features to create a wonderful 21st century version of Heidi for children across the globe to experience.

What I liked: A timeless story, beautiful illustrations and language options make this app appealing to both young and old.

What I didn’t like: There’s no way to return to the home screen when reading without stopping and restarting the app. Also, readers have a limited area to tap on each character so they can hear them talk.

To buy or not to buy: If you appreciate timeless classics and want your children to do the same, Heidi Part I for iPad will be an excellent addition to your book app collection.