Classic children’s books for the iPad

We all grew up with them, those classic children’s tales that get passed down from generation to generation and whose storylines are as comforting as a bowl of mac and cheese. But while the characters and narrative maybe familiar, the way today’s kids are experiencing these books couldn’t be more different. Gone are the cracked covers and dog-eared pages of those old hand-me-downs. Instead, our kids are mesmerized anew by seeing these wonderful stories come alive on the iPad.

It’s no longer a question of just following along with the printed words. Now there are voice-overs, animations, games, puzzles, music, and a whole lot more. We recently took a look at some of the best-known children’s classics that are currently available for the iPad. Here are 10 of our favorites:

Jack and the Beanstalk Children’s Interactive Storybook

This classic story is perfect for a digital transformation, and Jack and the Beanstalk come alive in over 30 pages of imaginative animation, games and other features. Shake the iPad to scare the giant, tickle Jack to get him to sing, or match up the beans in a fun game of memory. The beautiful illustrations, the friendly narrative and the great sound effects will keep your kids coming back for more!

Developer: Ayers Animation
Price: $3.99

PopOut! The Tale of Peter Rabbit

This carefully crafted reproduction of the classic Beatrix Potter tale has won numerous accolades, including induction into the iPad Hall of Fame! Accompany Peter as he chomps his way through fields and gardens, encountering enchanting scenes along the way. A beautiful soundtrack sets the tone and children can choose the voice-over or read the text aloud themselves.

Developer: Loud Crow Interactive
Price: $3.99

Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?

Oh the wonderful sounds Mr. Brown can make! Part entertainment, part education, this compelling picture book includes dozens of delightful sounds as Mr. Brown impersonates everything from cows to cats. But it also acts as a wonderful teaching aid for kids who are learning to read. Tap individual words to have them read aloud or just follow along with the excellent narration.

Developer: Oceanhouse Media
Price: $3.99

Cinderella: Storybook Deluxe

This busy version of the classic Disney tale has multiple reading modes, lots of coloring pages, interactive puzzles, and even sing-along games. The mice, the cruel stepmother, the Fairy Godmother, and Prince Charming all come alive through beautiful pop-up illustrations and the perfectly matched musical score. The puzzles have three different difficulty levels to cater for even the youngest Cinderella fans.

Developer: Disney
Price: $3.99

Pat the Bunny

This award-winning app is perfect for toddlers and pre-schoolers. Join Pat as he pops bubbles, catches butterflies, plays hide and seek, and much, much more. The book includes various reading modes and a paint mode to allow kids to add their own color touches. The music and sound effects add to the interactive play, and the book will offer a different experience every time your kids pick it up.

Developer: Random House
Price: $4.99

Grimm’s Puss in Boots – 3D Interactive Pop-up Book

This truly interactive book features over 30 pages of beautifully-illustrated text, interspersed with magical pop-up scenes full of games and fun challenges. Help Puss as he transforms his master into a worldly prince, takes over the ogre’s castle, and fills its coffers with the King’s treasure. A wonderful music score and spot-on narration keep the action flowing.

Developer: StoryToys Entertainment
Price: $4.99

The Monster at the End of This Book…starring Grover!

Play along with Grover, as he does everything in his power to keep you away from the monster at the end of the book. Children are empowered to engage the book at their own pace, working past Grover’s challenges with touch-screen animation. Word highlighting helps reading skills, and there are even tips for parents on how to help kids deal with their fears and emotions.

Developer: Sesame Workshop
Price: $4.99

Goodnight Moon

The Margaret Wise Brown classic has been reimagined as a completely interactive experience. Children can use the touch, swipe and tilt features to help the cow jump over the moon, empty the bowl of mush, make the mittens wave goodbye, and much more. Discover over 200 objects and hidden interactions, or just sit back and let the soothing narration and sound effects lull you off to sleep.

Develop: Loud Crow Interactive
Price: $4.99

The Cat in the Hat – Dr. Zeuss

A wonderfully enriching reading experience, whether your kids are on-the-go, sitting quietly at home, or getting ready for bed. Children can read the story themselves, have it read to them, or use the auto-play feature for a movie-like experience. Highlighters and individual word pronunciation promote literacy, and the voice feature allows kids to record and share their own narrative track.

Developer: Oceanhouse Media
Price: $3.99

Grimm’s Red Riding Hood – 3D Interactive Pop-Up Book

Another classic Grimm Brothers tale brought to you by the animation experts at StoryToys Entertainment.  The book includes over 30 pages of beautifully-illustrated text, including pop-up scenes, simple puzzles, and entertaining challenges, which take advantage of all the iPad’s touch and swipe capabilities. A wonderful music score and humorous sound effects complete the delightful experience.

Developer: StoryToys Entertainment
Price: $4.99