Children's books for mobile devices: PicPocket Books

A Little Book About Feelings

Lynette — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:45:23 +0000

Overview: A beautiful picture book app with enchanting images and empowering messages from the experts on social and emotional learning for young children. Colorful photos of handmade felt creatures engage young children as they learn about the origins, universality and variety of feelings. Based on the “A Little Lesson On Feelings” segment in the award-winning children’s show, ”Ruby’s Studio: The Feelings Show.” (Narrated by Ruby, too!)

“What a helpful book coming out of a timely and entertaining new series for children. We love Ruby’s Studio!” — Jennifer Garner, actress & mother
“Take a look at Ruby’s Studio! It’s fun and important. Kids who are good at expressing feelings grow up more confident, smarter, healthier …and happier!” – Dr. Harvey Karp, MD, creator of the DVD/book “The Happiest Toddler On The Block”

ABOUT RUBY’S STUDIO
“Edutainment at its best” – Daily Candy

Ruby’s Studio is a series of helpful shows, books, products and apps designed to assist young kids in developing character, a stronger sense of self-worth, and solid problem-solving skills. Brought to you by The Mother Company: mamas on a mission to “Help Parents Raise Good People” by nurturing social and emotional literacy in the next generation.

As mothers of preschoolers, we know first-hand that the most important lessons we can teach our young children are based in social and emotional learning: how to be a good friend, how to share, how to be nice to your sibling, how to move past bedtime struggles, how to appropriately express your feelings, etc. The ABC’s and 123’s will come; the main challenge in raising a young child is how to best lay the foundation to become a good person.
Dubbed “The Whole Foods of children’s entertainment,” our award-winning Ruby’s Studio products are stylish and gently paced, with a homegrown organic appeal and old-school aesthetic. For parents, we also offer TheMotherCo.com, a beautiful, easy to navigate website with world-renowned expert advice around the same social and emotional issues we all face as we strive to raise good people.
Discover more at www.TheMotherCo.com

ABOUT THIS APP:
Features:
-Narration by the beloved Ruby, from “Ruby’s Studio”
-Original music
-High fidelity, full-color illustrations of adorable felt creatures
-Learn-to-read highlighting feature
-Animated details and tappable audio “hot spots” emphasize the storyline
-Turn pages with an easy swipe

Language: English

ABOUT PICPOCKET BOOKS
PicPocket Books brings quality children’s picture book literature to digital media. Now, children can enjoy their favorites stories on-the-go, even when they do not have a physical book to read.

PicPocket Books offer a unique and new experience, combining the beauty of quality picture books with audio recordings and interactive visual text. This combination enables independent enjoyment for children regardless of reading level, subtle support for early readers, and nostalgic fun for adults.

Whether standing in a grocery line, taking a car trip, or waiting in a doctor’s office, PicPocket Books provide personal, interactive story experiences. The books can be downloaded with one click or tap, and provide educational and entertainment value to children and adults alike.

Your PicPocket Book is a perfect complement to regular story time with parents or grandparents, and a gentle alternative to flashy, fast-paced digital media time.

PicPocket Books is a member of Moms with Apps, a collaborative group of family-friendly developers seeking to promote quality apps for kids and families.

Recommended Ages: 0-3, 3-6, parents
Subject: BOOK, READING, PRESCHOOL, KINDERGARTEN, EDUCATIONAL

Children and Media: How to Choose iPhone Apps for Kids

Lynette — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:13:55 +0000

By Elizabeth Lyons

Originally published by PBS Parents

Is anyone else fascinated when parents turn to their offspring for help programming (or even answering) their smartphones? Children’s seemingly pre-wired proficiency with today’s technology is amazing. The high-tech world is advancing at lightning speed, and as “digital natives,” no one’s adapting more quickly than kids.

Case in point, toddlers love to talk on the telephone. They’ve always loved talking on the telephone. Today’s toddlers, however, are infatuated with cell phones, and parents beware: even a 20-month-old knows the difference between the real deal and a toy stand-in (and far prefer the former).

It’s not surprising, therefore, that according to a recent CNN report, four of the top 10 best-selling educational iPhone apps are designed for children under the age of five. And the benefits of such advanced technology may go beyond mere distraction from a checkout line’s candy display.

The Benefits of Apps

According to developmental psychologist Peter Gray, engaging with an app is preferable to a passive activity such as watching TV. “[Kids are] interested in tools where they can actually make something happen,” notes Gray, which isn’t surprising because “we are a tool-using species.”

“These ‘mobile kids’ are the purest breed yet of natives to the wireless world where the rest of us are refugees,” concurs Neil Swidey through a Boston Globe article. “Parents use [digital technology] to distract a less-than-thrilled child in the grocery store, but quickly become amazed by how instinctively tech-savvy even a toddler is. This generation will use technology far more than we can even imagine today.”

“Touch-based devices like the iPhone and iPad harness this fundamental human instinct and remove the complexity of the keyboard and mouse for interacting with the computer,” notes Bryan O’Malley of Axeva.com. “As a result, it’s possible for young children to explore the world of computer learning at a much younger age.”

Abbie Davies, president of My First Yoga, also agrees that many apps are “beneficial for the younger set.” Yet she also points out that “while apps can both educate and stimulate, just like any other form of media, it is important for parents to make informed decisions about the apps being downloaded for or by their children.”

Criteria for Choosing Appropriate Downloads

Parents who turn to apps as a way to educate, entertain or merely distract their children are overwhelmed by the thousands of options combined with hundreds of ratings and user comments. What guidelines can parents use to make informed decisions regarding which apps to download – and which to avoid?

Brett Singer, the founder of DaddyTips.com, advises “I’m very careful about what apps I put on the device because there is no way (that I know of) to block inappropriate content. I either stay with certain publishers (Sesame Street apps are always appropriate), or try the app out myself before I give it to the kids.”

User reviews and comments can also point parents in the right direction. Notes Singer, “Reading user reviews on the iTunes store helps, and online app guides are a good place to start. The posted age ranges are useful, but like movie ratings, parents should consider their own values and standards.”

“When choosing an iPhone app for a child of any age,” advises Davies, “make sure to think about [your] objectives. Will this app be an educational tool? A time filler? Even if an app is amazingly educational, it’s always important to remember to encourage using apps in moderation.”

Lynette Mattke, co-founder of MomsWithApps and Publisher at PicPocket Books, reminds parents to “remember [that] kids are best engaged when the features in an app address as many senses as possible and when these features offer variations on a theme, and are not too repetitive. For instance, putting different outfits on different characters offers variation and holds a child’s interest, while shooting or popping identical objects gets repetitive.”

Mattke also recommends book apps, which are “fun and educational, and often stimulate conversations that continue long after the device is put away.”

“A ‘bookapp,’” notes Mattke, “is a term used to describe a book that is downloaded as an app and displayed to be read on the iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. Some bookapps have animations and other interactive features. Most have audio recordings.”

When to Be Cautious About Apps

Possibly more important than knowing what to look for in choosing an appropriate app is knowing what to stay away from. The most important goal is protecting a child’s privacy and ensuring his safety.

To that end, Stanley Holditch of InternetSafety.com advises parents to be wary of apps that require peer interaction. “Marketers and app developers are quickly learning that kids are the most active social networkers,” warns Holditch. “Peer interaction at young ages can and does lead to cyberbullying. Parents should base their decisions on whether or not to allow a child to engage in peer interaction through social networks and apps based on the child’s maturity level and the average maturity level of their peers [rather than] the age requirements of the network or app.”

Another feature of which parents should be wary: geolocation apps. “Foursquare, Facebook, Twitter, GoWalla and even Apple’s MobileMe data network are all embracing geolocation as the latest way to bring people together,” mentions Holditch. “Parents need to be wary of this trend, since the essential component to all geolocation apps is revealing the user’s location in real-time. Depending on how vigilant the child/parent is about privacy settings, these apps are capable of revealing the child’s exact location in real-time to complete strangers.”

The Future of Apps

There’s no arguing that we’re only at the beginning of the app revolution.

According to Casey Ayers, president of MegatonApps, we should “expect educational gaming to take the forefront in kid-targeted apps,” while Jesse Feiler, author of Get Rich With Apps believes that “lots of drawing programs” will soon hit the market. William Weil, co-founder and CEO of Tales2Go, believes that “niche educational apps…within categories such as behavior, writing, science, math” are about to break loose.

Barbara Pritchard, executive producer at Smashing Devices, believes that the children’s book publishing industry will hit the app world by storm. “Enhanced books allow us (as designers and producers) to add interactivity into the reading experience, fully engaging kids and encouraging them to want to read more. [Of the] Top 10 titles in the iTunes iPad app store for kids, five are ebook titles. We think this trend will only continue to get bigger.”

O’Malley summed up the trajectory of iPhone apps by noting, “I suspect that someday we’ll look back at the early 2000′s as a major turning point in the way we consume information. Our children will be the first to grow up in the Touch Generation. Without the steep computer learning curve that past children faced, imagine how much faster these kids will be absorbing information?”

Imagine, indeed!

A Bright Outlook

Lynette — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:32:04 +0000

This video is a bit of a general State of the Union for Apps. With a record-breaking 1.3 Billion apps downloaded Christmas week, 2011, by owners of smartphones and tablets, the app space sure is looking bright!

Apps prove gold rush for Silicon Valley

Toddler MedBasics

Lynette — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:42:07 +0000

Overview
Toddler MedBasics: If your toddler-aged child suddenly burned his hand on the stove, or choked on a hot dog, would you know what to do? With Toddler MedBasics, a frantic parent can find that information quickly and easily. With first aid for choking, CPR, fever, bleeding, and more, Toddler MedBasics pares it down to the essentials, providing parents and caregivers with an absolute “must-have” reference in preparing for serious emergencies.
In an emergency, every second counts: with its quick-to-find tabs, and mobile digital format, Toddler Medbasics is an empowering “peace of mind” resource for parents and caregivers.
“Simple and straightforward – baby MEDBASICS is a critical reference for anyone who cares for children.” -John Findley, M.D., Physician and father of three

“One of the few parental resources that provides only the necessary critical information for the emergency care of infants while being organized in a take-it-with-you-everywhere format.” -Ari Cohen, M.D., Chief of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital

Application Description
PicPocket Books brings Toddler MedBasics to the mobile iOS app format. Lifesaving information is now at your fingertips. Easy to use: a single tap takes you to step-by-step CPR instructions, instructions for a choking emergency, and more. Pages swipe for quick navigation. A must for parents and caregivers looking after a toddler.

Benefits and Features:
So easy – Anyone can use it!
tap info button on bottom left of pages to add and save personal info like emergency numbers, allergies, etc.
TEN sections for emergency reference
High fidelity illustrations and diagrams
Age range birth to one year
Includes preparing for an emergency and the medical ABC’s

Languages: English
Requirements: Compatible with iPad

For more information, or to order a MedBasics Home Pack or Travel Pack, go to www.babymedbasics.com

Have you decorated for the holidays yet?

Lynette — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:13:32 +0000

If you are considering an “ART”ificial tree, these examples may give you a few ideas.

Choco Gets a Check Up

Lynette — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:21:38 +0000

Overview: Choco is a little brown pet bunny who loves to learn and do new things. Today, though, Choco has to do something that makes him a bit nervous. He has to go … to the doctor! This whimsical photo book will ease the fears of any child as they join Choco on a visit to Dr. Poppi in his cabin in the woods. Photo pages of a real check-up and a story line based on Fry’s Instant Words add meaning and educational value to the beautiful photos of Choco and his friends.

About this App:
PicPocket Books brings quality children’s picture book literature to digital media. Now, children can enjoy their favorites stories on-the-go, even when they do not have a physical book to read.

This interactive CHILDREN’S STORYBOOK app promotes EARLY LEARNING and helps your children develop READING skills by connecting the audio words and sounds with the written word on the page.

Your PicPocket Book is a perfect complement to regular story time with parents or grandparents, and a gentle alternative to flashy, fast-paced digital media time.

Benefits:
high fidelity, full-color illustrations that stay true to the original print book
high quality audio recording
Learn-to-read highlighting feature
Animated details emphasize the storyline
turn pages with an easy swipe

Language: English

PicPocket Books is a member of Moms with Apps, a collaborative group of family-friendly developers seeking to promote quality apps for kids and families.
Recommended Ages: 4-8
Subject: BOOK, READING

Peterkin Meets a Star, by Emilie Boon – a video trailer

Lynette — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:39:27 +0000

…There was once a star that twinkled…and a boy who reached for it. Thus begins a simple but profound story about friendship, holding close, and letting go.

A Royal Little Pest

Lynette — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:30:06 +0000

Overview: Prince Hayden is a REAL little prince who is ALWAYS busy doing something. Prince Hayden gets his kicks out of imitating and irritating his older brother and sister. Although Prince Hayden finds his royal siblings’ frustration with his silly antics quite amusing, they don’t join in on the laughter. In this story, Prince Hayden learns that playing with his siblings is WAY more fun than bugging them.

This interactive CHILDREN’S STORYBOOK app promotes EARLY LEARNING and helps your children develop READING skills by connecting the audio words and sounds with the written word on the page.

Your PicPocket Book is a perfect complement to regular story time with parents or grandparents, and a gentle alternative to flashy, fast-paced digital media time.

Language: English

PicPocket Books is a member of Moms with Apps, a collaborative group of family-friendly developers seeking to promote quality apps for kids and families.
Recommended Ages: 3-6
Subject: BOOK, READING

A Royal Little Pest: Mine!

Lynette — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:40:06 +0000

About This App:
PicPocket Books brings quality children’s picture book literature to digital media. Now, children can enjoy their favorites stories on-the-go, even when they do not have a physical book to read.

This interactive CHILDREN’S STORYBOOK app promotes EARLY LEARNING and helps your children develop READING skills by connecting the audio words and sounds with the written word on the page.

Your PicPocket Book is a perfect complement to regular story time with parents or grandparents, and a gentle alternative to flashy, fast-paced digital media time.

Language: English

PicPocket Books is a member of Moms with Apps, a collaborative group of family-friendly developers seeking to promote quality apps for kids and families.
Recommended Ages: 3-6
Subject: BOOK, READING

Right Brain or Left Brain? How about both?

Lynette — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:16:50 +0000

When’s the last time you paused to take some time to think about the way you (and your children) see the world, figure out what is going on around you, and how you tackle tasks? This visual walk with psychologist and writer Iain McGilchrist gets at the very nature of existence as he explains how “our ’divided brain’ has profoundly altered human behaviour, culture and society.” I think that the best quotation of McGilchist’s presentation about the “divided brain” is “The intuitive mind is a sacred gift, … and the rational mind is a faithful servant.” But he notes that we have created a society that honors the servant, but has forgotten the gift….

Make some time to celebrate intuition, creativity and imagination!

RSA Animate – The Divided Brain, Taken from a lecture given by Iain McGilchrist