Papa Gatto for iPad - Digital Storytime's Review

Our Overall rating: 4.25

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Papa Gatto

March 1, 2011

"Long ago, in a time when it was not unusual for animals to speak ..." begins Papa Gatto, a richly illustrated Italian folktale. It is a heart-warming "Cinderella" style story, originally published in print in 1995. It features an elegantly written re-telling by author/illustrator Ruth Sanderson, who's lavish oil paintings are matched only by her exquisite storytelling abilities. The reviews at Amazon.com for the print title bear this out with a 5 star average.

But this fairytale ends with the heroine turning down the marriage offer, or at least post-poning it. In a twist on traditional fairytale messages, the book ends on an empowering note for young listeners. Beatrice, the maligned step-daughter, explains that she can't marry a man she doesn't know well enough to love.

"For too long I have lived in a house without love; I would not exchange one joyless home for another." By not rushing into marriage, this soon-to-be princess encourages readers to first take the time to get to know and love a partner before expecting a 'happily ever after". It also conveys that being good, honest and hardworking will win out over laziness, greed and deception.

This title translates nicely to digital, with lovely narration. There is a tiny bit of interactivity, but it consists primarily of the sound of the kittens. It is a nice touch, but the only thing this app really needs for its next iPad update would be much higher resolution images. If the text and pictures could appear on the same or 'facing' pages, that would also help this tale come alive more as an app on the bigger screen. But even without any changes, this book is exceptional. It is among the most well-crafted fairytales I've read in a long time.

All reviews are of the app, not the platform/device. Based originally on iPad versions. Minor technical details may vary.

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Papa Gatto

March 1, 2011

By: Carisa Kluver

Our Overall rating:

Rating: 4.25

Our editorial rating – an impression of the whole book overall. We also consider how the app compares to other apps currently available. Note: It is not a sum of the other ratings.
User Rating:

Rating: Not Yet Rated!

The average rating from users signed into the Digital-Storytime.com site (who checked the 'own it' box).
Animation:

None

Rating: N/A

We consider both technical & visual appeal of the animated elements. We focus on quality rather than quantity, although very little animation will rate slightly lower on this scale (to allow proper sorting).
Audio Quality:

Rating: 4

Overall quality of audio elements. We consider whether the music & sound effects are easy to listen to and well-matched to the story. Narration, when present, should be clear & well-articulated.
Interactivity:

Rating: 2.75

We consider all the interactive elements of a book app. We look for interactivity that is well-matched to the story & engaging but mark down for interactivity that interfere with reading comprehension.
Re-readability:

Rating: 4.5

Overall value the app can offer, either as a book app that can occupy the reader for hours or a story that will be returned to for many re-reads. We do not take price into consideration, since it often changes.
Bedtime:

Rating: 3.75

We consider length (under 10 minutes is ideal), enhancements & extras (ideally not too overstimulating), as well as story content that is appropriate for children at night-time.
Educational:

Rating: 4.5

Overall educational value. We consider enhancements, added content (like reading comprehension questions or other suggested activities) and any unique educational value that makes the app stand out.
Originality:

Rating: 3.75

We consider the story, art, concept, design & execution of the app. Apps based on folktales & previously published titles will score lower unless they have a unique presentation.
Games/Puzzles/Extras:

None

Rating: N/A

We consider anything in the app that goes beyond the story, like games, puzzles, coloring pages, etc. High ratings in this category mean the extras are well made, engaging and have high replay value.

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Author/Illustrator:
Ruth Sanderson

Developer:
PicPocket Books

Length (time):
20 - 25 Minutes

Based on non-digital book: Yes

Allows Own Narration:
No

Uses Motion: No

Age: 5 - 10 +

Languages:
English •

Length (pages):
43 Pages

Story Synopsis - Papa Gatto

Papa Gatto is a cat who is an advisor to the prince of his kingdom. This aristocrat's wife has 8 kittens before taking ill and dying. He has the town crier put out an ad for a helper, saying he would pay any amount for someone to come stay with his litter. Enter the evil stepmother ... a woman who has two daughters, Sophia (the biological daughter - beautiful but lazy & greedy) and Beatrice (the step-daughter - pure of heart and hardworking).

The mother sends Sophia to answer the call and Papa Gatto assumes that someone so beautiful must also be a good person. As soon as he leaves, Sophia takes his dead wife's diamond bracelet and then does nothing to care for the kittens or the house. When Papa Gatto returns he is very dismayed and takes the diamonds from her, casting her out.

Papa Gatto then has the town crier ask for a loving, hardworking person instead or emphasizing the the payment. Beatrice slips out of her home to right the wrong of her step-sister, providing exceptional care for the kittens and maintaining the home & gardens. When Papa Gatto returns he is delighted and Beatrice admits that her sister was the one to cause him such grief.

Papa Gatto is so impressed with Beatrice's honesty and character, that he tells the Prince, knowing he seeks a good wife. The prince, in his desire to meet such a girl and ask for her hand in marriage, is deceived by Sophia into believing she is the one that is pure of heart. She is quickly found out when he comes to visit her home with Papa Gatto & the kittens - since the litter swarms Beatrice instead.

Even though the Prince now offers to marry Beatrice, she wisely says no, explaining that she does not yet know the Prince and therefore can't love him. She continues to explain that she has lived in a home without love long enough and only desires to return to Papa Gatto's wonderful home to care for his kittens. The Prince is impressed by Beatrice even more and vows to win her heart.

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Orientation: Landscape

Format: iPad

Options:

Audio On/Off

App Release Date:
2010-11-08

Size: 19.4 MB

Version: 2.2

Lite Version Available: No