This is a unique title that allows you to personalize the story. After uploading your child's photo (placing their face on the shoulders of a drawing of a boy or girl), you can then read a story that has your child floating above the world on a magic kite ride. The adventure includes some of the world's most famous sites, like the Great Wall and Eiffel Tower. It is truly a book that kids will become attached to, requesting it over and over just to see themselves featured on every page.

Around the World is interactive and lightly animated. The interactions are fun, although they are mostly objects that bounce or move in fun ways, not necessarily plot driven. The diverse children that you meet from different countries do sometimes speak with their native accent when tapped, which is a nice touch. The text gives a brief snapshot of life in a different culture, making for an enriching reading experience.

The font is a bit small, highlighting the rhyming text line by line (not word for word). The font is difficult to read in one spot (where the picture of the tree darkens the background), but otherwise fine. The colorful illustrations are engaging, although the interactive elements don't always match the style of the rest of page. There is nice background music throughout, along with clear narration. Unfortunately, the sound effects can be triggered before narration finishes, which can interfere with listening.

My little boy loved playing with this book, but more than anything he appreciated getting to see his picture on every page. Seeing how engaged my child was, made it easier to overlook some of the less-than-polished aspects of this title. The app is also very easy to use and personalize. Overall, My Magic Kite books are a really neat way to give your child a personalized storybook experience. There are two other titles in this series, Around the USA & Counting Zoo.

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