Paula Slade: National Children's Entertainment: 2010 Holiday Guide: Story apps for e-readers, iPads, iPhones and iPod Touch

This is the eighth installment of this series that provides numerous entertainment options for holiday gift giving for children and teens, and today we turn our attention to one of the hottest emerging categories for entertainment- applications (also known as “apps”) for e-readers, iPads, iPod Touch and iPhones.

Children and teens are rapidly embracing these new technologies and there are numerous apps provided for entertainment, many of them extremely affordable, once you determine the choice of your technology device.

If you are not quite familiar with e-readers and the iPad, there is a helpful link to get you started at eReader Leader, where you can compare and check out customer reviews.

There is another excellent site, Aimersoft that discusses the differences between iPad and iPod Touch.

Also, many local libraries are beginning to provide e-readers for their patrons use and it is an excellent way to learn about options before investing in the technology.

The applications for the reading devices appear below and have been researched for quality as well as value. All are geared to provide hours of positive and fun-filled entertainment.

Best pricing options, at the time of this posting are listed, but it is suggested that you cross-compare with your favorite online as well as stick and brick retailers, as pricing may fluctuate on a daily basis.

If you happened to have missed earlier posts to this series, links are provided at the end of this article.

Also, you may wish to bookmark this page in order to explore these items in further depth at your leisure.

As always, you are the best judge of what is appropriate for your child’s entertainment.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

A children’s book app from KwiqApps is perfect for iPhone/iPad and is only $0.99 through iTunes. The app provides animation as well as text highlighting so a young reader can easily follow along. There are also “Read To Me” and “Auto Play” modes – a terrific way for parents or caregivers to connect (with child on lap) and introduce technology to the youngest set.

The Dr. Seuss collection

Children’s storybooks apps from Oceanhouse Media provides a wide variety of titles that include such classics as: Dr. Seuss's ABC; Green Eggs and Ham; How The Grinch Stole Christmas! as well as many more choices. There are also free downloads that provide test previews.

Prices for the apps range from $1.99 to $3.99, and they are compatible with iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. By following this link to Oceanhouse Media’s Dr. Seuss page and selecting a particular title, you will connect to further detailed information on each product as well as “Buy now” button that directs you the to Apple iTunes store for placing your order.

The Berenstain Bears

A collection of storybook apps, also from Oceanhouse Media, range from $2.99 to $3.99, and all are compatible with iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. The following link to the Berenstain Bear page provides a portal for further information and links to purchasing through the Apple iTunes store.

There are also a number of other Berenstain Bear books for the Kindle e-Book from Amazon.com, where prices range from $0.88 to $7.99, and can be explored further by following this link.

Ruckus Media

A superb collection of titles that exhibit beautiful production values, which are compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, and are priced at $0.99 to $1.99.

By following this link, more information is provided for such apps as Johnny Appleseed; Tin Soldier and The Velveteen Rabbit.

The following are award-winning selections for older children and teens and are compatible with the NOOKbook (eBook) from Barnes and Noble or the Kindle from Amazon.com.

Further information is available by clicking on each title.

A Wrinkle in Time [NOOKbook] by Madeleine L'Engle $6.99