School Library Service
Book related apps for KS1 children
If you would like to check these out before buying it is worth looking on YouTube as many of
them have short trailers/promotional advertisements.
Barefoot world atlas £2.99. A very accessible and educational app which can be used with a
wide age. I have included it in KS1 but some aspects are more relevant to KS2. Children can
use the menus to choose a region, country or feature or spin the globe and zoom in. Once
they have selected something they can hear the music from the region, words and phrases
and see photographs. Lots of facts like population, currency, current time as well as cultural
information and wildlife.
Cinderella created by Nosy Crow £2.99. An original retelling of this traditional tale. There
are lots of interactive elements and characters can be tapped several times with different
results. My 3 year old and 6 year old testers both loved it! See also Three little pigs, Jack
and the beanstalk and Little red riding hood.
Counting with the very hungry caterpillar £1.99. Based on Eric Carle’s famous book but
with a focus on encouraging children to count. The voice-over is American but then so is Eric
Carle!
Dig dig digging by Margaret Mayo £1.99. Colourful and fun with something interactive on
each page.
Elmer’s special day by David McKee £2.49. A straightforward reading of this perennial
favourite with simple interactive elements on each page. See also Elmer and the lost teddy
£2.49.
Flip flap safari by Axel Scheffler £0.69. Famous for illustrating many of Julia Donaldson’s
picture books. Perfect for pre-school and Foundation children. The rhyming text, silly
names and animal noises will keep children giggling. There are 120 different animal
combinations which create some crazy creatures. Also available: Flip flap farm
Hugless Douglas £1.99 Based on the book by David Melling, it is brought to life by the voice
of actor Alan Davies. A noughts and crosses game which can be returned to again and again
and a choice of animated hugs which you can send to a friend!
The little red train £1.99. Based on the book by Benedict Blathwayt. The story is narrated by
Richard Briers. The initial purchase of the Little Red Train app will give you access to one
book, The Runaway Train, with two further stories, To the Rescue! and Race to the Finish,
available via in-app purchase. Limited animation but children can click on the animals in the
story and the train for sound effects. Children can record their own narration.
The Lorax-Dr Seuss £1.49. Based on the original book but will have even more appeal
following the release of the film.
Mog the forgetful cat by Judith Kerr £2.49. This classic is brought to life perfectly by actress
Geraldine McEwan. Children can record themselves reading the story and play it back, which
is a great incentive to have a go at reading. There is opportunity for children to photograph
themselves with Mog and a lovely game based on Mog’s expressions.
Petting zoo by Christopher Niemann £1.49. This delightfully simple, wordless app is a
collection of hand-drawn animals that children can interact with by swiping or tapping the
screen. One creature morphs into another as children move through the app. May be
useful for children with special needs who have limited language.
Rumble in the jungle by Giles Andreae £1.99. Read by Hugh Laurie. Simple animations but
bright, colourful and fun like the book. One very simple puzzle game.
Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the really big adventure by Kristina Stephenson £2.99. The
original book was shortlisted for the Red House Children’s Book Award. The narration by
Michael Maloney is the great strength of this book. The interactive elements aren’t as
intuitive as some apps. Children (or adults!) can record their own narration which is fun.
There are also lots of black and white illustrations from the book which children can colour
in.
Spot goes to the farm by Eric Hill £1.99. Children can tap to lift the flaps and there are also
hidden animations and sound effects.
Who’s in the loo by Jeanne Willis £2.99. Children will love the slightly naughty humour in
this book! A lively, characterful reading of the text. Two good activities. One is a re-reading
of the text with key words missing and children are given three options from which to
choose. The second activity is a series of b/w images from the book which children can
colour in using the “crayons” on each page. This activity should have enduring appeal.
NC 12/2014