
I am re-reviewing this truly wonderful little book now that the developer, PicPocket Books, has updated it with high-resolution images worthy of the iPad. It is such a delight to see this story's crisp watercolor illustrations!
Peterkin Meets a Star was published in print in 1985 by Random House Books for Young Readers. It is out of print (unless you have an iPad), although when I checked Amazon for ratings of the print version, I did find used copies available for sale and three 5-star reviews from people clearly excited to find any copy of a much sought after favorite. I vaguely remember reading this book to the kids I babysat - the year sounds about right. :)
Peterkin, a little boy, trudges out into the snow one evening with his rabbit and hedgehog friends close behind. He climbs a tree and removes a smiling star from its sky-high perch, tucking it under his arm. He lovingly holds the star in his sleep, even. Then the star begins to frown, slowly losing its luster. By morning the star is 'sick' with tears in its eyes. It is so dim that Peterkin tucks it into bed and takes its temperature. When the next night comes, Peterkin takes the star on his evening walk. As the star comes back to life the boy has an idea. He puts the star back in the sky (leaving a knitted cap on its head). In the final scene, the star watches over Peterkin - peering in at the sleeping boy through a window.
This very cute story has a very tiny amount of animation around the star, plus the first page has snow falling. When tapping on the star, a 'twinkling' sound is heard, except when he's 'sick'. The sound of footsteps in the snow is also added on several pages. It also has nice music that plays delicately in the background throughout the book. It is just the right amount of animation, interactivity and music for reading before bed, a great example of features driven by the needs of the story. It is very short, making it an ideal 'last book' in our house at bedtime. The soft, quiet scenes, gentle narration and sweet ending make this book a sure way to bring sweet dreams. [An iPhone version is also available - click HERE to link to itunes.]
[This review is an update to the review originally published on 1/27/11]
All reviews are of the app, not the platform/device. Based originally on iPad versions. Minor technical details may vary.
Author/Illustrator:
Emilie Boon
Developer:
Take 2 Ventures LLC
Length (time):
2 - 4 Minutes
Based on non-digital book: Yes
Allows Own Narration:
No
Uses Motion: No
Age: 3 - 8 +
Languages:
English •
Length (pages):
15 Pages
Peterkin Meets a Star is about a little boy that finds a star in the sky and wants to take it home. He climbs up in a tree and pulls the star out of the sky and tucks it under his arm. The star twinkles in the sky but once it has been taken home with Peterkin, it begins to grow dimmer. Soon the star is sick and the little boy tries to give it soup and rest. When this isn't enough to revive the star, the boy decides to get it some 'fresh air'. Of course, being outside helps the star feel better. Then Peterkin decides to climb back up in his tree and return the star to it's place in the sky. The star twinkles happily again.
Orientation: Landscape
Format: iPad
Options:
Highlight Words On/Off, Play Audio On/Off
App Release Date:
2010-12-23
Size: 40.75 MB
Version: 2.3.1
Lite Version Available: No