
This educational title is a must-download for little ones learning about Internet safety. Little Bird is on her way to wish her grandma a happy birthday over the computer. With the help of her parents, Little Bird has learned how to be safe while online so she shares her tips with several of her animal friends on her way home. Presented in a lightly interactive and animated storybook app, young children will not only enjoy this book, but will also learn a lesson that can serve them for a lifetime of digital exploration.
Topics include how to deal with pop-ups, requests for personal information, on-line bullies and spam websites, as well as the constant refrain, "tell your parents" or "ask your parents". This app is a perfect way to introduce the topic of Internet security or reinforce a conversation you've already started with children eight and under. You can even download a free copy of this digital book as a simple .pdf from AVG's website, too!
Overall, this title is solidly produced and has nice enhancements like text highlighting and crisp, clear narration. A nice-sized font and simple page turn (by arrows) round out this nicely made app. It was created with the simple purpose of helping parents and teachers (and others who are caretakers for young children) to start a very important conversation. Download this free* app today for your digital native (and your peace of mind) - highly recommended!
*App was free at time of review.
All reviews are of the app, not the platform/device. Based originally on iPad versions. Minor technical details may vary.
Author/Illustrator:
Siobhan MacDermott, Jim Mercado, Marlo Garnsworthy/Tracy Spencer
Developer:
AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o.
Length (time):
4 - 6 Minutes
Based on non-digital book: No
Allows Own Narration:
No
Uses Motion: No
Age: 3 - 8
Languages:
English •
Length (pages):
23 Pages
Little Bird is excited because today is Grandma's birthday and she is on her way home to talk to her on the computer.
As she is flying, Little Bird runs into her friend Gina the Giraffe. Gina is upset because while on her computer she was asked questions by someone she doesn't know ... things like, "How old are you?" and "What is your name and address?" Gina isn't sure what to do. Little Bird says, "Never talk to strangers on the computer. Always use the computer with your parents and tell them about the stranger." Gina is relieved to get such good advice from her friend.
Next, Little Bird meets up with her friend Roger the Rhino. He is worried because while playing a game on the computer with a friend, another kid asks to play. This other kid tells Roger he has to give him his 'password and extra game points' or he can't play anymore with them. Little Bird says, "That kid's a computer bully. You never have to do what a bully tells you, but you should tell your parents ..."
After that, Little Bird encounters Alex the Alligator. Alex was watching a video, but something went wrong and it 'broke' his computer. Little Bird says, "It might be a virus," going on to explain how it might make your computer 'sick' and to "Tell your parents ... so they can secure your computer."
Soon, Little Bird discovers another sad friend, Monty the Monkey. He says he was playing a game, but then suddenly it asked for all this personal info (name, address, phone number). Little Bird says, "You got a pop-up window. Close it and tell your parents. Never tell anyone about yourself on the computer."
Ella the Elephant is the next animal to have a problem for Little Bird to solve. She says she clicked on a website that looked fun, but "it took me somewhere else with yucky pictures." Little Bird says, "You accidentally opened a bad website. You should always ask your parents if it's OK to open a new website ..."
Finally, Little Bird is home ... she gets to sing 'happy birthday' to her grandma on the computer. Little Bird knows how to be safe!
Orientation: Landscape
Format: iPad
Options:
Read to Me, Read Myself, AutoPlay, More Info (for parents), Links to: Web
App Release Date:
2011-07-16
Size: 29.67 MB
Version: 1.0
Lite Version Available: No