Harold and the Purple Crayon
© 2011 Trilogy Studios
They say the key to a good ebook is a great story, which helps explain why this is such an excellent app; well worth the rather pricey $5 download. Based on the 1955 book of the same name by Crockett Johnson, this app tells the story of a little boy's journey into his dream, where he uses a crayon to draw things that he wants to see. For example, when he falls into the sea, he draws a "trim little boat." One minor gripe -- the looping background music gets overbearing. Too bad it can't be adjusted. So what's special about the app? Two key features -- first, you can fill in key elements with your fingertip. When the lines are complete, the story continues, so you really feel like you're helping Harold get home. Secondly, you can touch any object to see and hear it labeled (the print pops out of the object). That, and the highlighted text as the narrator reads, help to make this into a "must have" early language experience.
$4.99, iPad
Teaches: reading, creativity
CTR Rating: 92%