Is Our Children Learning? Who Cares?–This App is GORGEOUS!

Been meaning to write about this for awhile…

Here are my choices for the best iPad apps for pre-schoolers aged 1 1/2 to 5:

1.) Earth School: Creationists, beware. This lovely app explicitly mentions Big Bang Theory. In fact, that’s how the app begins. You “create” The Big Bang, then you  do things like point to different features of our solar system, crash meteors into planets, and feed dinosaurs. It’s hardly an in-depth course on the Earth’s beginnings, but it’s absolutely age-appropriate and sweetly-narrated by a moppet with a British accent.

2.) Fierce Grey Mouse: This has to be one of the best-looking apps for kids–or anyone–out there. It’s an adorable tale of a mouse who wishes to be fierce, so he exercises…and practices being fierce! After a bit, he decides that being fierce isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. This is all charmingly-narrated. And exquisitely-illustrated by Chantal Bourgonje. And when I say “exquisitely,” I mean exquisitely. The pictures are done in this gorgeous, paper cut-out, scrapbooky sort of way that just makes my artist heart sing.

3.) Endless Alphabet: I cannot believe this app used to be free. It’s fantastic-looking, whimsically-animated and just a joy to use. It’s “for kids,” but don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to re-learn the alphabet.

4.) The Monster at the End of this Book: Lovable Grover warns your kid over and over againnot to turn the page–there’s monster at the end of the book! I won’t spoil the surprise, but the monster is decidedly not scary. In fact, you might say he’s lovable. Ridiculously cute, clever app.

5.) Petting Zoo: This app was recommended to me by a friend and one of LGM’s very own commenters…and it’s superb. You use your finger to “pet” (move, manipulate, roll, poke, distend) all the animals at the zoo. It’s sophisticated, it’s attractive, it’s clever, it’s intuitive…it’s a must-have. Even if you don’t have kids.