
Alphabet of Insects from the Oceanhouse Media's Smithsonian Collection - is a beautifully illustrated alphabet book about bugs, the natural world and science. The print version of this title was released in 2007 along with an audio CD and poster. As a book app, this title sparkles, giving enormous value over its print counterpart, including narrated text that highlights as read. This book series fills a great need for digital book apps with non-fiction educational content. The books selected so far have been well vetted as print titles, making it easy as parents & educators to select these digital books with confidence.
Each title in this series takes the original print images and pans over them in a nice, semi-animated style. There is also a nice array of natural sound effects, like buzzing, chomping and chirping, paired nicely with a great male voice-over. The sound effects also help the story come alive without overshadowing the narration. The alphabet series is especially well-written, with in-depth details that take the reader way beyond what is typically known about the subject. With over 26 pages, there is a lot of territory to explore for kids of all ages.
Extra features include the ability to record your own narration as well as excellent navigation with a nice visual thumbnail page guide. Ample settings allow adults to set the book up with or without audio and interactive elements. Links that leave the app are contained exclusively in the 'info' section under a parental gate that requires fluid reading and following complex directions.
As a way to foster a child's interest in entomology, this app gets high marks. It is well developed and based on sound scientific information. There are even a few pages at the end with extra educational content. Paired with Oceanhouse Media's "OM" template, these Smithsonian non-fiction titles get a clear educational boost when print goes digital, engaging a whole new generation of young readers!
Recommended!
This app has been thoroughly evaluated by our staff. Please click on the 'star ratings' tab above, to see how it fared in all nine of our rating categories. See synopsis tab for more details about the storyline.
All reviews are of the app, not the platform/device. Based originally on iPad versions. Minor technical details may vary.
Author/Illustrator:
Barbie Heit Schwaeber/Katy Bratun
Developer:
Oceanhouse Media, Inc.
Length (time):
12 - 20 Minutes
Based on non-digital book: Yes
Allows Own Narration:
Yes
Uses Motion: No
Age: 3 - 9 +
Languages:
English •
Length (pages):
26 Pages
Explore a world of bugs and bees with this one-of-a-kind Alphabet of Insects digital book app, guaranteed to keep kids interested from A to Z! From Aphids to Zebra Caterpillars and everything in between, kids will love learning about insects with this Smithsonian Institution-certified app. [Source: iTunes]
Orientation: Landscape
Format: Universal
Options:
Read to Me, Read Myself, AutoPlay, Record, Page Guide, News On/Off, Sound Effects/Interactions On/Off, Home, Links to: AppStore, FB, Twitter, Email, Web, Privacy Policy
App Release Date:
2014-04-10
Size: 37.93 MB
Version: 2.5
Lite Version Available: No