Apps & Activities

Cinderella app, by Nosy Crow Limited, 2011; available from the Apple App Store.

Summary - An interactive storytelling app with three modes, read to me, read by myself, or read and play, and many opportunites for creativity and interaction.

Librarian Review - Original music and artwork and innovative features that create a uniquely interactive storytelling experience. The latest version has added Spanish and Chinese to make it accessible to an even larger audience. Recommended for ages 4-8.

Professional Review - "An enchanting and highly entertaining take on the classic fairy tale … There are simply too many delightful elements and surprises to enumerate, but suffice it to say that a touch-tilt treasure trove awaits curious and persistent little fingers … A magical masterpiece that hits the technological and artistic bull’s-eye." - Kirkus Reviews

Snow White app, by Nosy Crow Limited, 2015; available from the Apple App Store.

Summary - This app uses features of the device to allow the user to interact with the story in several different ways as they read along. The story stays close to the original Grimm brothers tale, though not as dark and with some modern updates.

Librarian Review - Encourages engagement with the story rather than passive listening, and has text-highlighting to support emerging and early readers. Original music and artwork, and innovative use of device features to create interaction. Recommended for ages 4-8.

Professional Review - "Nosy Crow adds another outstanding title to its series of fairy tale adaptations with this cheerful retelling. Young readers will enjoy the delightful voiceovers supplied by children, gentle soundtrack, and charming illustrations. The app is intuitively navigable with arrows on each page and a map that allows readers to jump from scene to scene. The app strikes an appealing balance between storytelling and interactivity." - Alison Tran, School Library Journal

Fairytale Play Theatre app, by Nosy Crow Limited, 2016; available from the Apple App Store.

Summary - This app allows the user to re-tell an existing fairy tale, or make up their own original stories, with numerous characters, scenes, props, and soundtracks to choose from, as well as the ability to insert their own voice and sound effects. Available as a limited free version, or purchase the complete version.

Librarian Review -This app could be a great way of creating stories and encouraging imaginative play, and could be used as a storytelling activity at home and in the classroom. For ages 4-8.

Professional Review - "The Complete Fairytale Play Theater is a superb storytelling tool that encourages children to express themselves, and it’s likely to draw repeat visits from those who love to write, imagine, and perform." - Cathy Potter, School Library Journal

Little Princess Coloring Book, TabTale LTD, 2018, available from the Apple App Store.

Summary - This app allows the user to color, draw, listen to the story of Snow White while coloring it, use interactive stickers, mix and match, play a memory game, navigate a maze, do a puzzle, and more.

Librarian Review - This app can keep a child entertained and encourage creativity with the multitude of activities available. The free version does have ads and in-app purchases, so check your settings. One can also pay to upgrade to the full version without ads. Recommended for ages 4-7/

User Review - "My 4 year old plays this at least once a day....Lots for little minds to do and figure out. " - jobo2424 , 5/5 stars (average rating 4.15/5 stars), user review, Apple App Store

Fractured Fairy Tales interactive writing tool, by ReadWriteThink, http://www.readwritethink.org/parent-afterschool-resources/games-tools/fractured-fairy-tales-a-30186.html, 2006.

Summary - This app helps children develop their understanding of the construction of a story and practice their writing skills by introducing them to fractured fairy tales. After reading a short example, children can then choose The Princess and the Pea or two other tales to rewrite and a fractured fairy tale, and are given prompts to help them do so.

Librarian Review - This is very simple to use, and provides an excellent tool for helping kids understand how to develop a story, and guiding through writing one of their own. The only drawback is that it is very limited, with only 3 fairy tales to choose from. For ages 5-10.

User Review - "...easy and fun to use. This program has significantly changed my students’ attitude towards reading and writing." - Dona Maggio, Educator, Broward Education Foundation

Princess Stem Challenge by Sara J Creations, http://www.sarajcreations.com/2017/09/princess-stem-challenge.html, 2017

Summary - This STEM activity uses building challenges inspired by princess tales, such as "build a bookshelf for Belle's books" and "build a bed for Sleeping Beauty" to get girls excited about science. Complete instructions, supply lists, photos, and a printable file for the challenge cards can be found on the blog.

Librarian Review - A very simply but fun activity using the appeal of princess characters and fairy tales to get kids involved in STEM. Use this as inspiration and make up your own challenges! Recommended for ages 4-10.

User Review - Sara J Creations is rated 4/4 stars by Teachers Pay Teachers.