If the iPad already had a “classic” standard of children’s books, the Dr. Seuss iPad books would fit that description. With interactive pages, Auto Play, Read-to-Me and Read-to-Myself modes, the Dr. Seuss books take full advantage of the iPad’s abilities without the distraction of built-in games.
What is your favorite Dr. Seuss book that you would like to see as an app? Reply in the comments section below. Personally, having survived many a medical ogling, I like You’re Only Old Once.
While waiting for prescriptions at a Denver Kaiser-Permanente pharmacy with a 3-year-old, I was rescued by the colorful Penguins of Madagascar app. My niece, however, prefers to click straight on the coloring or kaleidoscope features even when I want to read a book with her.
Also, for the use of iPads in schools, a book-only app would be needed to be used at student listening stations. The OM Books would be ideal for early readers.
Oceanhouse Media makes games as well, such as Lorax Garden ($0.99) and the Dr. Seuss Camera – Happy Birthday Edition Camera app (introductory price is free), but I like that these are separate from the book apps.
In celebration of Theodore Geisel’s birthday on March 2, 2011, Oceanhouse Media has a sale this week only on Dr. Seuss iPad and iPhone book apps and games starting at $0.99. There are also app giveaways via their Facebook page.
The book apps have a Read-to-Myself mode so the iPad can be used like any hard copy book: The adult reads to the child who still gets to flip the pages.
The Auto Play mode reads the book aloud and then changes the pages on its own. The Read-to-Me mode narrates the book but allows the child to swipe the page turn on their own. They can also tap on the pictures and word zooms up which describes the picture. In both these modes, words are highlighted as they are read. See video to the left for a demonstration of The Cat in the Hat app on the iPhone.
Another popular Dr. Seuss book is Oh, the Places You’ll Go. Since its publication, some editions of Oh, the Places You’ll Go have included the subtitle “to be read in utero.” The text also frequently appears in addresses at high school and college graduation ceremonies. See slideshow to the left for screenshots of the app.
In all the modes, there are background sounds, such as a breeze, bird song, music or a growling monster on the “not-so-good street.” The artwork is clearer than in any print edition and enhanced with motion. See slideshow to the left for screenshots.
Which Dr. Seuss book would you most like to have as an app? Reply in the comments section following this article.
Unfortunately, the “Read Across America” day, where volunteers read to school classes on March 2 each year, has been forgone at most Colorado schools in recent years because of the date conflict of Dr. Seuss’s birthday with CSAP testing.
The Littleton and Lone Tree Barnes & Noble stores, however, are hosting “Read Across America” in two of their stores this coming weekend. The Denver Public Library and The Tattered Cover Bookstore also held events on Wednesday; look for those to come around next year as well.
Read Across America Storytimes at Barnes & Noble Stores this weekend:
- Friday, March 4, 2011, 10:00a.m.: Green Eggs & Ham and coloring at the Littleton Barnes & Noble [map]
- Friday, March 4, 2011, 11:00 a.m.: Dr. Seuss titles and craft at the Lone Tree Barnes & Noble [map]
- Saturday, March 5, 2011, 10:00 a.m.: Green Eggs & Ham and coloring at Littleton Barnes & Noble [map]
Follow Gretchen Vaughn on Twitter @ipaddenver for up-to-the-minute iPad reviews, news and bargains. All retweets and links verified and judiciously selected. Please contact via e-mail at ipaddenver@gmail.comto suggest future topics or to request an app or product review.
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