2011 Holiday Guide: Apps for iPad, iPhones and iPod Touch

"All Kinds of Santas" photo by Paula Slade

This is the ninth 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 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.

The applications for the 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.

If you happened to have missed earlier posts to this series, which began in November, links are provided in the right hand column on this page. Also, be sure to check out archived posts from this year and last year, as many products, in multiple categories, have been featured.

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

The Night Before Christmas

Based on the 5-star book and recording published by Imagine Books, this recently released app is a totally charming interactive and musical re-telling of the all-time favorite holiday tale by Clement C. Moore.

The Night Before Christmas includes magnificent illustrations by Eric Puybaret; narration, music and sounds by Peter Paul and Mary, and interactive magic added by Touchoo.

This app has numerous functions: Auto Play; record; listen to the recording; read to me and read by myself, along with pages that spring to life with touchable surprises.

Below is a video preview of The Night Before Christmas, which is compatible with Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad and requires iOS 3.2 or later.

Additional information, and screenshots, for The Night Before Christmas are available through iTunes where the app is priced at $1.99.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

From Loud Crow Interactive, comes a true classic translated into an interactive storybook delight.

The whole family will have fun with the entire Peanuts gang as they discover the true meaning of Christmas.

You’ll be able to unlock decorations for a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree; play Schroeder's piano; finger-paint with Peanuts characters and more, while you listen to the story, which is narrated by Peter Robbins, the original voice of Charlie Brown.

Below is a video preview of A Charlie Brown Christmas, which is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, and requires iOS 3.2.2 or later.

Additional information, screenshots, and reviews for A Charlie Brown Christmas are available through iTunes where the app is priced at $6.99.

There’s No Place Like Space!: All About Our Solar System

From Oceanhouse Media, Inc. and The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library, comes an app that not only entertains but educates young ones.

The “Cat in the Hat” is your child’s guide as he takes “Sally” and “Dick” on a voyage through our solar system. Along the way, kids will learn fascinating and fun facts; interact by tapping on stars to see constellations; learn about the planets and more.

This app is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad and requires iOS 3.0 or later.

Additional information, screenshots, and reviews for There’s No Place Like Space! : All About Our Solar System is available through iTunes where the app is priced at $5.99.

A Duck in New York City

Kids will have a great time, reading, listening, watching and singing along with this excellent app for iPad.

A Duck in New York City app is based on the critically acclaimed Parents' Choice Gold Award-winning storybook - music CD by author/singer/songwriter Connie Kaldor, illustrated by Fil & Julie, and published by The Secret Mountain.

The story is about a little duck from the prairie that has a big dream—making it to New York City and doing his ducky dance on Broadway.

Filled with stunning illustrations, sophisticated animation, superb musical performance and captivating narration, this is a heartwarming and funny tale about self-esteem and following your dreams.

Below is a preview of A Duck in New York City, which is compatible with iPad, and requires iOS 4.3 or later.

Additional information as well as screen shots for A Duck in New York City is available through iTunes where the app is priced at $3.99.

Let's Go Chipper - Nature and Environmental Movies, Books and Activities

From IAGmedia, a conscientious green media company that playfully delivers content and programs that instill positive life skills and respect for the environment in young children, comes adventures in nature with Chipper, the ambassador of the great outdoors.

Chipper playfully teaches good character, and a love for animals and the environment in this all-inclusive portal to the parks filled with coloring activities, nature-inspired movies, books, music videos, activities and more.

No in-app purchases are required, plus you get a free gift with download. 

Honored as an I-Parenting "Hot Product" winner, and a Disney Family Fun winner, this app is educational and fun, encompassing academic standards in Science, Arts, Literature, and Social Skills.

Chipper and friends sing songs, tell stories, and provide games that help foster the social and emotional growth of young children - playfully. 

To learn more about Let's Go Chipper! Into the Great Outdoors series, please visit www.letsgochipper.com.

The app is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad and requires iOS 3.1 or later.

Additional information as well as screen shots for Lets Go Chipper is available through iTunes where the app is priced at $0.99.

Not Without Bear

This is an absolutely endearing story about a little girl,”Audrey” and her best friend “Bear,” who goes missing at bedtime.

This app, published by appropo llc, is sure to become a bedtime favorite.

Children will listen to the story or have it read to them; they’ll be able to move pillows; travel around the world; open cupboards, smooth blankets, listen to music and so much more –all enhanced with sound effects and the ability to touch words and hear them spoken.

Based on Anna Grossnickle Hines charming picture book, this app is a delight.

Check out the animated screen shots at: http://www.appropo.co/appropo/home.html

This app is compatible with iPad and requires iOS 3.2 or later.

Additional information as well as screen shots for Not Without Bear is available through iTunes where the app is priced at $3.99.

NASA App HD by NASA Ames Research Center

This is a totally FREE app from NASA for iPad, sure to be treasured by teens who are interested in science and astronomy. They will be amazed at the number of features in this app- everything from live-streaming of NASA TV and launch information as well as countdown clocks to ISS and an Earth Orbiting Satellite Tracker, plus Facebook® Connect and Integrated Twitter™ for sharing.

The app is compatible with iPad, and a WiFi or 3G network connection, and needs iOS 4.3 or later.

The application collects, customizes and delivers an extensive selection of dynamically updated mission information, images, videos and Twitter feeds from various online NASA sources in a convenient mobile package.

The video below of the NASA App HD will show you the wealth of NASA information available for your teen’s iPad.

To download FREE, visit iTunes.

A Present for Milo: A Touch-and-Surprise Storybook

From Ruckus Media Group comes an app that provides more than 80 tap-interactive objects that initiate more than 125 animations.

This charming digital storybook provides narration, sound effects, music, read-along function, and surprises on every page that will provide hours of enjoyment for active little minds and busy fingers.

A Present for Milo has been honored with About.com's "2011 Readers' Choice Award for 'Best App for Kids’"; a Parents' Choice Award Winner: Mobile Apps; a “Best Apps Ever Award" Finalist (from 148apps.com) and a " Mom's Choice Award for "App and Software."

Below is a video preview of A Present for Milo, which is compatible with iPad, and requires iOS 3.2 or later.

Additional information as well as screen shots for A Present for Milo is available through iTunes where the app is priced at $3.99.

The Book Report: Sharing the latest in books, apps and literary marketplace news

'Books' by Paula Slade

Welcome to another edition of “The Book Report.” This week we cover a book signing for a good cause showcasing bestselling author W. Bruce Cameron, and provide you with a veritable virtual library of free legal downloads for eReaders.

EVENTS

Sharing a bit of wine, some cheese and a dog bone or two

The New York Times Bestseller "A Dog's Purpose"and the adoptable dogs of THE AMANDA FOUNDATION Present:

"WINE, CHEESE, AND BONES"

A Dog and People Book Party to benefit
Palisades Village Book Friends*

Village Books
Wednesday, June 8, 7:30 P.M.
1049 Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Event Notes:  “Bestselling author W. Bruce Cameron and his dog Tucker (and Tucker's Amanda Foundation dog friends) will be signing copies of the new trade paperback of the New York Times bestseller A Dog’s Purpose at a “Wine, Cheese, and Bones” Party at Village Books.

Half of the book’s cover price will go to the Palisades Village Book Friends, a non-profit 50 (c)(3) organization formed to promote and support literary events in the community, and to ensure the continuation of the tradition started by Village Books of organizing author readings, signings, and other literary events.

The Amanda Foundation is a partner in this benefit to help the “Dog Friendliest Independent Bookseller in Los Angeles” to survive and thrive.   One of LA’s oldest and most respected animal charities, The Amanda Foundation has been a pioneer in spay and neuter programs.  Several of The Amanda Foundation adoptable dogs will be in attendance for guests to meet, as well as Dina Zaphiris, host of Animal Planet’s “Petfinder” with one of her dogs that has been trained to detect cancer by scent.

A Dog’s Purpose spent 19 weeks on the New York Times bestsellers list when it was published in hardcover, and it will be debuting on the New York Times list in trade paperback this Sunday, June 12^th.

 

A Dog’s Purpose is also coming to the big screen as a major motion picture from DreamWorks Studios with Cameron writing the screenplay.

Everyone who reads A Dog’s Purpose is passionate about it.  It was voted “Top 5 Best Fiction of 2010” in the Goodreads Readers Choice Poll, and it was named a "Best Read 2010" in Cesar's Way Magazine.  Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker also raved about it on her website, saying “I laughed and smiled and cried…This book is wise and sure to open the hearts of all who read it.”

Kids, dogs, and grown-ups are all invited to meet W. Bruce Cameron and Tucker and support Village Books, one of Los Angeles’s most treasured independent bookstores.”

FREE AND FUN

The Library at Thebes

In addition to getting free eBook offers from Google and from the major online retailers, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Apple, there are a number of sites where free eBooks are the norm.

Some of the sites will offer reading direct from your computer or in PDF format, others invite free legal downloads to smartphones, eReaders and tablets.

Everything for every reading taste and age is available, from established classics to emerging writers and even children’s books.

Almost all of these sites offer fiction and non-fiction, but for your convenience, we have called out specialized categories that might be of interest.

You may want to bookmark this page for future reference and perusing these links at your leisure. Free is always fun.

AskSam Ebooks (Everything from governmental texts and legal to Shakespeare).

Authorama

Baen Free Library (For Science Fiction fans).

Bartleby.com

Bibliotastic (Good reads from self-published authors).

BookYards (Includes audio books, educational materials, foreign language books and more).

eBookLobby (Cooking, food, travel, law, arts, photography and more).

Feedbooks.com

FreeBookSpot

FreeComputerBooks (Best for computer, programming, lecture notes, tutorials, and math).

4eBooks  (Specializes in books on computer programming).

Free-eBooks.net

FreeTechBooks (Just what the name implies – engineering, science, textbooks etc.)

Fictionwise.com

GetFreeEBooks

Globusz

KnowFree (A virtual educational think tank).

Literature.org

ManyBooks (Perfect for iPod, eBook readers and Personal Digital Assistants).

MemoWare (Maps, technical references, religion, philosophy, literature).

The Online Books Page (From the University of Pennsylvania includes prize-winning books, women writers and banned book collection).

OnlineComputerBooks (Not only computers books but math, physics, science, Internet,  business and marketing).

OnlineFreeEBooks ( A wide variety including health, hobbies, sports and martial arts).

Open Library

Project Gutenberg

Scribd.com

SnipFiles (Free software along with free eBooks).

Universal Digital Library at Carnegie Mellon University

zillr.org (Magazines, games, graphics, photography).

The Book Report: Sharing the latest in books, apps and literary marketplace news

'Books' photo by Paula Slade

Welcome to the debut edition of “The Book Report.” This weekly column is dedicated solely to the best in books, apps and audio as well as literary news and events. Like our sister columns, “If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours,” Thursday’s “Musical Notes” and Friday’s “Popcorn Report,” which respectively features the information on toys and travel, music, and movies, this weekly post highlights the important world of literature as positive entertainment for children and teens. Be sure to check back each Wednesday.

NEWS

The American Library Association (63,000 members strong) took a stance when they issued a press release on March 14 regarding e-book lending restrictions that were imposed on libraries on March 7 by publishing house giant HarperCollins.

Libraries nationwide are now limited to 26 loans per e-title from Harper Collins. This policy has not gone over well with librarians, who in this present day economy serve more patrons than ever, while their budgets have been severely constrained. This action limits the individual e-book license to roughly one year of checkouts per title..

“Libraries have a long history of providing access to knowledge, information and the creative written works of authors,” said American Library Association (ALA) President Roberta Stevens. “We are committed to equal and free access for the millions of people who depend on their library’s resources every day. While demand has surged, financial support has decreased. The announcement, at a time when libraries are struggling to remain open and staffed, is of grave concern. This new limitation means that fewer people will have access to an increasingly important format for delivering information.”

A website, Boycott Harper Collins has been organized by two librarians, Brett Bonfield and Gabriel Farrell and provides a place for librarians to voice their concerns on this subject. Stay tuned - so far, Harper Collins has not responded.

When you build it they will certainly come if it’s done right and Rick Richter’s Ruckus Media Group was given a $3.5 million vote of confidence with Series A funding provided by the entrepreneurial group Alsop Louie Partners.

Ruckus entered the highly competitive app scene in October 2010 with five superbly produced apps that were featured in an earlier September post.

The freshman company currently has 15 app offerings (a new release featured below) and with this round of funding will expand their library as well their as their distribution reach beyond Apple’s iTunes and include Amazon’s App Store, Barnes and Noble Nook, Google’s Android Market and Research In Motion’s Blackberry App World,

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) and National Writing Project (NWP), two desperately needed educational literacy groups have been subject to a Congressional and Administration federal funding axe and need your help.

RIF costs every American taxpayer a paltry $0.25 per year, (translated $24.5 million total budget) but provides 4.4 million children (primarily low income) with a program of free books and learning opportunities at over 17,000 locations nationwide. NWP costs $25.6 million and reaches 130,000 teachers, 1.4 million- plus students. Studies show that both RIF and NWP programs work at promoting and providing literacy.

If you’re a concerned citizen or have children directly impacted by the withdrawal of these vital programs, link to these pages for RIF and NWP, which explain how to contact your legislators and others, in order to garner support on behalf of these organizations.

EVENTS

If you and your child live in the New York City area, or will be vacationing there this summer, the Thalia Kids’ Book Club Camp is taking reservations.

This is a unique camping experience geared toward avid readers and writers ages 9-12 (two one-week sessions) and 13-15 (one one-week session) based at Symphony Space (95^th and Broadway).

Children have the opportunity to interact with their favorite children’s book authors and illustrators, taking part in book discussions and going on book related field trips around the city.

Three (different) one-week sessions (24 campers per week)

Week one: July 25 - July 29 - This week in now full
Week two: August 1 - August 5
Week three: August 8 - August 12

Note: campers may enroll in more than one session when space is available.

Camp hours:  9am - 4pm
Cost:  $650 per session/$625 for Symphony Space members.

To read more about this exciting opportunity, and the authors and illustrators who will be taking part in the camp, follow this link to Symphony Space.

 AWARDS AND HONORS

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Art in Amherst Massachusetts has announced the “Sixth Annual Carle Honors Honorees” awards that “celebrate the creative vision and long-term dedication of key individuals and organizations to the world of picture books and the many ways they open minds to art and literacy.”

Alexandra Kennedy, executive director of The Carle, says “It is a thrill to honor these individuals whose work has contributed so positively to the world of children’s literature. Industry giants on their own, together these four talents comprise a sweeping scope of the breadth and impact of this exceptional genre.”

Lois Ehlert, Artist – Caldecott Honor winning author and illustrator

Jeanne Steig, Angel – Multimedia artist; donor of the William Steig picture book art archive to The Carle’s permanent collection

Michael di Capua, Mentor – Editor and art director of children’s books for more than 40 years

Karen Nelson Hoyle, Bridge – Professor and curator of The Children's Literature Research Collections at the University of Minnesota

These literary luminaries will be feted at New York City’s Guastavino’s on Thursday, September 22, 2011. Watch for additional information, or please contact Rebecca Miller Goggins, Director of Development for details at Rebeccag@carlemuseum.org or by phoning (413) 658-1118.

AUDIO BOOKS

AudioGo, the audio book publisher of BBC recordings are offering a half price sale from now until March 31, 2011.

These are children’s audio books as well as classic BBC radio programs, and original productions based on classic SF novels. 

Prices vary from approximately £3 to almost £10. ($4.81 to $16.03). Not all of the 740 titles, which are on sale, are available in the United States, but there still is a huge library to choose from for download.

All recordings are outstanding BBC quality productions and narrated in the “King’s English”; these are marvelous stories that reflect the best of literary accomplishments.

BOOKS

From the multiple entertainment hyphenate, Weird Al Yankovic comes a delightful new children’s picture book, When I Grow Up.

Geared toward the four-to-eight year-old marketplace, parents will also enjoy reading this offering out loud to kids because of Yankovic’s marvelously witty rhyming text, and delightful illustrations by Wes Hargis.

When I grow Up provides children permission (albeit silly) with all the delightful possibilities that their life can become.

Already a hot item at booksellers, and firmly ensconced on the New York Times Bestseller list, the video below gives you a sneak peek at what’s inside the covers.

The suggested retail price for this hardcover edition of When I Grow Up is $17.99. Best available pricing at the time of this posting is $7.72 through Amazon Marketplace.

BOOKS IN DEVELOPMENT

It is not often that a film is adapted into a book; it’s almost always the other way around. One of these rare exceptions to the rule, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is coming to a bookseller near you in November this year.

The publisher is Razorbill, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group and according to their press release, “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On: Things about Me will feature oil paintings based on photographs of Marcel in his home environment and will be aimed at readers of all ages. Razorbill will simultaneously publish an enriched, interactive digital version of the picture book, and an audio version of the text, recorded by Jenny Slate, will be available as a digital download.”

It was Slate, an actress, along with film director Dean Fleischer-Camp who created what has become an Internet award-winning sensational short , which since October 2010 has been viewed by over eight million persons via YouTube.

If you’re not familiar with Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, take a look at the video below. Talk about an idea whose time has finally come.

DIGITAL WORLD

APPS

Another fine title has been launched from Ruckus Media Group (see news item above), the retelling of one of the world’s most beloved folktales, The Three Little Pigs, which is narrated by notable actress, Holly Hunter.

The original recording production of Three Little Pigs received the distinguished Parents’ Choice Gold Seal Award.

The app is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. It requires iOS 3.2 or later and offers an interactive recording feature so a child can read along and record their voice.

The Three Little Pigs app is priced at $3.99 and may be purchased direct from iTunes.

Below for your enjoyment is a sneak peek preview of The Three Little Pigs.

It was only a matter of time and the 140^th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass that an outstanding app by the same title makes its debut.

Check it out below, you are in for a wild trip.  Enjoy!

Through the Looking Glass is available through iTunes, and is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 2.2 or later and costs $1.99

FREE AND FUN

Susan Kapuscinski Gaylord, author of Hands-On History: Middle Ages, Super Pop-up Reports for American History, and Multicultural Books to Make and Share, all from Scholastic Professional Books (teaching resources) shows us how to make an “accordion book.”  This is a great idea for having fun with the child in your life. Stop by her website; you’ll be delighted with what you find.

Gaylord’s artistic books are part of in permanent collections at the Museum of Modern Art Library, Yale University Library, and Wellesley College Library.

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

A Swiftly Tilting Planet [NOOKbook] by Madeleine L'Engle $6.99

The Giver by Lois Lowry [Kindle] $6.64 includes free wireless delivery.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry [Kindle Edition] $6.64 includes free wireless delivery

 Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson [Kindle Edition] $5.99 includes free wireless delivery.

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech [Kindle Edition] $5.99 includes free wireless delivery

Earlier editions of the 2010 Gift Guide are available by clicking on the following links:

2010 Holiday Guide: Gifts of Music

2010 Holiday Guide: DVDs and videos

Holiday Gift Guide 2010: Wizard of Oz theme oriented gifts

2010 Holiday Guide: Gifts of Music part two

Holiday Gift Guide 2010: Hanukkah Gifts

2010 Holiday Guide: Best books of the year