Lost Song, The - Living Stories

$2.99, iPad

Teaches: reading, language, music

CTR Rating: 82%

CTR Review

Discover beautiful music hidden under layers of graphics, in this third interactive book app from the Living Stories series from Ravensburger. Some of the pages are less than responsive -- you don't know where to touch to make things happen. This leads to a lot of random screen tapping, as you try to find the musical hot spots. Our testers would accidentally exit the app when the iPad's multitasking gestures were turned on (these can be deactivated in the preferences). In the 27 screen story, you visit the land of Silentium where music is forbidden and work is emphasized. After you discover an old violin, you awaken Mimi, who is sleeping inside the instrument. Together you bring back the music to the world. The art is well done, and the music weaves together nicely to contribute to a pleasant experience. As you explore the pages, you can direct your own orchestra, composing music from items you find. Other options let you choose between five languages (only German and English are read out loud); and the app includes a digital edition of a Ravensburger puzzle on each page. Contains links to the app store under the "news" tap on the main menu.