
Nimus Littling is a science fiction story presented with ethereal computer graphics and a simple format that has images that are brought into focus as the narration and music play. There is no animation or interactivity ... only a tale, told in rhyme, that will amuse young readers ages 8-12, older than the typical picture book crowd.
The story is about an alien spaceship that crashes into earth, although the 'earthlings' are pictured more as elf-like creatures, with Nimbus in the lead. The alien culture is very similar to the earthlings, with a language that is English with A/O and P/B switched, not unlike pig-latin and other kinds of made up languages children like to create.
This book feels solidly made overall, but lacks some simple features that would make the app much more versatile. There is no page guide or way to even turn pages. The book is also set to autoplay with no way to turn off the narration or background music. This is more of an issue for the music simply because it is so loud that it can be difficult to hear the narration. If you tap the page it does pause, but it isn't a title that is easily read silently.
The text of this title is in an easy to read font, although it does sometimes scroll from off the screen in a way that is less than satisfying while reading along. There is also a small extra, a set of three simple puzzles based on images in the story. For a title aimed at slightly older readers, these puzzles seem a bit out of place, but are well-made. Overall this is a fun read with lot of interesting plot twists and graphics that will appeal to tweens.
All reviews are of the app, not the platform/device. Based originally on iPad versions. Minor technical details may vary.
Author/Illustrator:
Santelli Studios
Developer:
KwiqApps Inc.
Length (time):
10 - 12 Minutes
Based on non-digital book: No
Allows Own Narration:
No
Uses Motion: No
Age: 8 - 12
Languages:
English •
Length (pages):
32 Pages
Nimbus is a girl who hears a great crash one night. A spaceship has landed on Earth with little green aliens from Nebtune. They stay long enough to see if they can find a magical Obelisk where a cure can be found for the aliens dying planet. A little girl alien named Oppy tries to help her planet, but in the process, little Nimbus catches a deadly disease brought from Nebtune. The girls and friends rush to solve the mystery of the glowing disease and hope to prevent a similar fate for Earth.
In the process, they discover that their languages and cultures are very similar - simply substitute an o for a's and b for p's. Soon they find the obelisk and are able to avert disaster for their two civilizations.
Orientation: Landscape
Format: Universal
Options:
AutoPlay, Puzzle, Info w/links to: AppStore
App Release Date:
2011-11-11
Size: 188.71 MB
Version: 1.2
Lite Version Available: No