Chuck and Friends: Friends for the Long Haul
© 2011 Ruckus Media Group
Designed for elementary age readers, this 70 page/screen book contains embedded spelling games. The story is based on content from HUB TV and Hasbro toys, so it will appeal to children who like vehicles. You should, however, note the commercial tie in, although we did not notice any overt selling. In the story, Chuck and friends are playing a game of chase when they encounter Flip, a new vehicle in the scrap yard. Chuck is not so sure about Flip and challenges him to a stunt contest. In the process, the two realize they can work together and become fast friends. Features include 70 pages of read-aloud content with narrative-driven matching, touch and reveal graphics and spelling activities that teach letter recognition, picture/word association and basic problem solving. It is possible to read and record your own voice on each screen and a slider bar makes navigation fast and easy. Words are highlighted as Chuck tells the story, enhancing basic reading comprehension, and randomized activities provide multiple learning adventures. All in all, this is an excellent reading comprehension app for older readers.
$3.99, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch
Teaches: reading comprehension, memory
CTR Rating: 92%