The Three Pandas Animated Storybook – iPad App Review
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Brought to us by See Here Studios and author/illustrator/composer Valerie Mih, The Three Pandas Animated Storybook brings the three bears story to you with a twist — with pandas! The traditional story of the three little bears is mirrored with a bamboo forest, bamboo porridge and a ‘Goldilocks’ named Mei Mei.
The app gives you the option of having the book read to you or reading it yourself. You can also choose whether to auto-play, which reads the book to you without any interaction required on your part. If you choose to read it yourself, you can even record your voice doing so.
The book itself is animated using a variety of illustrations, photo collages, motion graphics and pixellation (which uses live actors) and includes a number of interactive features that the author dubs as ‘tickles’. This allows the reader to rub the pandas, stir the porridge and such throughout the story. These are rounded out by a lovely full orchestral score and playful sound effects that I am certain children will enjoy.
Also included with the app is information about pandas themselves, including fun facts and links to outside panda learning resources.
It should also be noted that this app is viewable in both English and Chinese.
What I liked: Aside from being a sweet take on an old story, a portion (10%) of the app proceeds are being donated to Pandas International, helping the species to survive.
What I didn’t like: At $3.99, the price is a little steep. The animated portions of the book are well done, but the interaction and diversity of the app is quite limited.
To buy or not to buy: If you or your child are interested in pandas, this app is most certainly for you.
- App Name: The Three Pandas Animated Storybook
- Version Reviewed: 1.0
- Category: Books
- Developer: See Here Studios LLC
- Price: $3.99
- Score:
