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Cinderella by Nosy Crow, Interactive Children’s Book for iPad – App Review

By | September 21, 2011 | 1 comment
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Every time I review a children’s book I am amazed at how far the technology has come at creating engaging and innovative apps for young readers. The re-imagined story of Cinderella by Nosy Crow is no exception. More than just a read-along story with a cute song, this app is a game inside a book.

Each page is filled with imaginative graphics and interactive characters. There are mini games throughout Cinderella’s adventure. For example, you must find the nosy crow on each page of the book. You can help Cinderella clean up the kitchen and gather the special items she needs to get ready for the ball. You can even change the song that is playing while Cinderella and her prince are dancing. One added bonus for iPad 2 users is that you can see yourself, reflected in various mirrors throughout the book.

  

You can choose one of three different ways to read the book: Read to Me, Read by Myself, or Read and Play. You can also choose how long the text stays on the screen, giving early readers time to catch up on the words. The spelling of certain words can be changed between British and American. Each page will have hints to help readers know what to do next for each game. For example, the Fairy Godmother will tell you what items she needs to create Cinderella’s coach.

Nosy Crow’s imaginative retelling of the Cinderella story is so much more than a book. It is a journey that lets your child become fully immersed in the adventure. Your young reader will want to come back to this story over and over.

  

What I liked: The games were simple, yet fun. You are asked to help find items that are in various locations throughout each page, like a hidden object game.

What I didn’t like: Sometimes, the page can seem a little busy. Every time you touch the page, it shakes. When you move around, the images do too. This is part of the adventure, but can be a bit overwhelming at times.

To buy or not to buy: If you have a young reader at home, between the ages of 3 and 6, this app is for you and them. It is only $5.99 and is a book that your child will come back to again and again.

 

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About Lory: Writer of all things app related, traveler of the space-time continuum, baker of really great cookies. Follow me @appaholik

  • http://twitter.com/matthewfsnider Matthew Snider

    Just wish there was a service where you could rent things like this or a return policy. I am not paying 6 bucks for even a book at the store without checking it out.

    Companies should do more trailers for their products.

    All in all though, it looks cute and my 5 year old would love it.