
The Four Seasons: A Vivaldi Storybook, by Infinite Fermata, is a darling introduction for toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarteners to get familiar with and develop a love of classical music. Set to the four seasons in all their glory gives this interactive storybook the added bonus of a long shelf life.
There’s also many gorgeous collage-like illustrations by, Akiko McQuerrey, displaying animals and the natural world! From badger brushing his teeth in the winter to finding the missing gosling in spring the story progresses to dancing sunflowers and bees pollinating to the skateboarding squirrels gathering acorns in the fall in preparation for the winter ahead, silent snow falling and owls perched on a bare tree, brings this tale full circle with lots of laughs, giggles, and “Ah Ha” moments.
The text is delightful, "Fresh Spring, Ripe Summer, Lavish Fall, Pale Winter… which is your favorite?" (however it is not narrated). The children we worked with were completely engaged and stayed with the app for some time, one suggestion would be to have a back button as well as a storyboard, kids sometimes attempted to see the prior screen and were not able. This is a story app that cries for adult participation, at least initially.
Recommended!
This app has been thoroughly evaluated by our staff. Please click on the 'star ratings' tab above, to see how it fared in all nine of our rating categories. See synopsis tab for more details about the storyline.
This app is also available separately in Korean - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id928249826?mt=8
This review was originally published by TeachersWithApps.com on September 16, 2014. Teachers With Apps was co-founded by Jayne Clare, a Special Education teacher, and Anne Rachel, an artist and Early Childhood educator.
Their goal is to be a credible resource for quality educational apps. Created to help parents, grandparents, teachers, administrators and anyone else, wade through the vast number of ”educational” apps being introduced on a daily basis. Teachers With Apps was founded by two lifelong educators and is dedicated to the idea that quality mobile educational apps are the tools of the future but they need to be used responsibly. Remember, not all educational apps are created equal.
All reviews are of the app, not the platform/device. Based originally on iPad versions. Minor technical details may vary.
Author/Illustrator:
Infinite Fermata/Akiko McQuerrey
Developer:
Infinite Fermata LLC
Length (time):
8 - 12 Minutes
Based on non-digital book: No
Allows Own Narration:
No
Uses Motion: No
Age: 4 - 9 +
Languages:
English •
Length (pages):
10 Pages
From iTunes:
Foster a love of classical music in children of all ages with this interactive storybook featuring:
- Engaging art that depicts animals and the natural world in all four seasons
- A gorgeous, kid-friendly arrangement of one of the most beloved pieces of classical music
- Loads of fun interactivity -- make geese sing, squirrels fly, and more!
- Gentle wit and rich but simple language to encourage readers of all levels
Hear the beautiful music and get involved!
For preschoolers and kindergarteners to listen and read with their parents, and for early readers to enjoy on their own.
Orientation: Landscape
Format: iPad
Options:
Start, Choose Animal, Home, Links: None
App Release Date:
2014-08-25
Size: 103.67 MB
Version: 1.2
Lite Version Available: No