Top 10 iPad Books – Most Innovative Use of Interactivity
Interactivity in iPad books is a double-edged sword. When done well, it can enhance a picture book in magical ways. When done poorly, it can distract from the story or even become more like a video game played over ‘pages’ instead of ‘levels’. So what makes for great interactivity?
Truly innovative iPad books don’t have interactive elements just for the sake of having ‘bells & whistles’, but instead integrate these elements into the app in creative ways. They tap the potential to make the reader a part of the story – providing a unique experience never available in print. Whole plot twists can be triggered with the tap of a finger. The storyline can also be nicely reinforced with subtle interactive elements like sound effects and light animation to emphasize the core elements on a page. And above all, well-done interactivity doesn’t interfere with reading comprehension. If the child can’t tell you what the story is about after replaying a book app several times, then it may mean the interactivity is more of a distraction than a way to ‘make reading fun’.
Below are my top 10 picks (from almost 200 reviews!) for interactivity that is innovative, well-integrated into the story and, of course, fun!
1. The Three Little Pigs by Nosy Crow
3. Treasure Kai and the Lost Gold of Shark Island
4. Nursery Rhymes with StoryTime
5. The Monster at the End of This Book
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6. Lazy Larry Lizard (Also See Look Out Larry!)
7. The Birthday by Sylvia Van Ommen and Maurice van der Bij
10. Teddy’s Night (Also see Teddy’s Day)
And a Special Mention goes to:
Pop-Out! The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Wild Fables – The Crow and the Pitcher
Bartleby’s Book of Buttons Vol. 1
Category: All About Apps, Top 10 Lists
