
This is a delightful interpretation of Goldilocks and The Three Bears - featuring a cute little Chinese girl named Mei Mei. In The Three Pandas, Mei Mei takes a tour of the pandas home, just like the familiar story of Goldilocks. However, in this version, Mei Mei has the manners to send an apology after running off into the forest. The pandas respond by inviting her over to fix the chair and share a meal. I really liked this twist.
The book itself is innovative in digital form, combining animated photos of the pandas, Mei Mei and their surroundings along with computer generated graphics - like the enchanting scenes of the bamboo forest. The music is also beautifully done, enhancing the story with just the right note of emotion. The animation of the girl & the animals doesn't always look seamless with their surroundings, but it is otherwise very well done. The bears, in particular, are so cute and expressive.
My child especially liked the interactivity of this book. You get to tap on the pandas to see them react to each room of their home after Mei Mei's escapades. The reader even moves the story along by tapping on Mei Mei to see her break the little bear's chair. As a parent, I loved the message in the end, too. It was a great way to reinforce good manners and discuss how we don't go into other people's homes uninvited. It also sets a good example about apologizing when we do something wrong.
As a digital book, this one is a great choice. It has ample settings and simple page turn arrows. You can also record your own narration, in addition to the option to listen to the tale in English or Chinese. Overall it is a unique addition to the app store's many folktales and one clearly worth a download.
All reviews are of the app, not the platform/device. Based originally on iPad versions. Minor technical details may vary.
Author/Illustrator:
Valerie Mih
Developer:
See Here Studios LLC
Length (time):
12 - 15 Minutes
Based on non-digital book: No
Allows Own Narration:
Yes
Uses Motion: No
Age: 3 - 8
Languages:
English •
Length (pages):
30 Pages
A portion of proceeds go to Pandas International to support panda conservation
The Three Pandas is an adaptation of "Goldilocks and The Three Bears". In this English/Chinese title the little girl is named Mei Mei and the bears are Panda bears. Otherwise the story initially follows the familiar storyline. However, after being discovered and running off into the forest, little Mei Mei has the good manners to send an apology for her bad behavior, saying that she will not enter their home uninvited again. In response, the three pandas write back to invite Mei Mei over to have dinner and fix the chair together. After that they became good friends.
Orientation: Landscape
Format: Universal
Options:
AutoPlay, Read to Me, Read Myself, Home, About Pandas (links to: web, email & app store)
App Release Date:
2011-04-23
Size: 117.6 MB
Version: 1.0
Lite Version Available: No