
Blue Hat, Green Hat is another hit by Loud Crow, the same developer that made The Going to Bed Book and the PopOut series. While it is interactive with subtle 'pop-up' style animations, it is also short enough (and accompanied by relaxing piano music) to make it appropriate for settling down at nighttime. However, this title has a lot for kids to play with, too, making it great for any time of day. The print book, published in 1984, is also a chart topper with nearly a hundred 5-Star reviews at Amazon.com.
This app has a similar style to the other Boynton book apps, with lots of touchable elements that bounce slightly like a true pop-up book. There are also delightful touches, like animals that walk off the page, drawers that 'slide' open to reveal colorful clothes, and even an ending with the characters splashing into a pool. The features added are just enough to make the book engaging without overstimulating a child or overshadowing the storytelling.
The 'story' follows four animals wearing colorful clothes, only the turkey doesn't seem to be able to get any of his accessories quite right. He stands in his hat, puts his shirt on over his legs and socks on his hands. Each page has delightful narration by Billy Kramer with highlighting (or tap any word to hear it again).
The text is simple but engaging, describing each animal's clothing, like "red shirt, blue shirt, yellow shirt" and then when it gets to the turkey it says 'OOPS'. Tapping the 'OOPS' causes the turkey to drop the item (or showers the screen with even more loose items). All the 'loose' clothes on every page can be played with indefinitely, responding to touch and movement of the device. On the page with the drawers, you can even change the turkey's clothes and hear each item described, nicely reinforcing the names of the colors and clothing items.
This book app is also extremely well made with simple settings and easy page turning - an intuitive experience that makes you almost forget you are turning digital and not real pages. I am also delighted to find NO links that lead outside the apps by Loud Crow (something that is becoming increasingly rare in kids apps). Overall this is a picture perfect toddler book. It is also a treat for older and learner readers. There is something for everyone to 'ooh and aah' about and lots of giggles after every 'OOPS.'
All reviews are of the app, not the platform/device. Based originally on iPad versions. Minor technical details may vary.
Author/Illustrator:
Sandra Boynton
Developer:
Loud Crow Interactive Inc.
Length (time):
6 - 10 Minutes
Based on non-digital book: Yes
Allows Own Narration:
No
Uses Motion: Yes
Age: 2 - 8
Languages:
English •
Length (pages):
9 Pages
The animals in this Sandra Boynton book are getting dressed in a most colorful way. There are four animals: Elephant, Bear, Moose & Turkey. Each animal wears one of four colors of clothing (blue, green, red & yellow) and tries on all the basic clothing items, including: hats, shirts, pants, coat, socks and shoes. The turkey, however, cannot seem to get his clothing on the right part of his body. He stands in his hat, puts his pants on his head, etc. After every oops, the items float around the screen for playtime and exploring the names of colors and clothing.
Orientation: Landscape
Format: Universal
Options:
Read Myself, Read to Me, Page Re-Set
App Release Date:
2011-06-30
Size: 28.7 MB
Version: 1.2
Lite Version Available: Yes