Just A Big Storm - Little Critter
October 4, 2014
By: Carisa Kluver
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User Rating:
Rating: Not Yet Rated!
Just A Big Storm - Little Critter
October 4, 2014
By: Carisa Kluver
The Digital Media Diet
Another enchanting Little Critter title for young digital readers ...
Just a Big Storm by Mercer Mayer is one of the latest Little Critter titles, published in print in 2013. In this title, Little Critter and his family prepare for and then go through a big storm. The digital version of this book also adds a new twist, keeping track as the young reader tries to find all 21 of the little mice and spiders hidden on nearly every page.
Many readers have asked, "What kind of animal is Little Critter?" According to Wikipedia, Mercer Mayer did not specify which type of animal the Little Critter is, but, "he resembles a hedgehog, hamster or guinea pig." So, basically he's a rodent ... although a rather lovable one! Over 200 books have been released in this popular series, not to mention a whole line of toys, dvds and other products.
Like other apps by Oceanhouse Media, this book is interactive in a way that enhances early reading skills. Most images (of mom, Little Critter and the people & things around them), will name themselves aloud while the word briefly appears over the illustration. For example, touch the lantern (the family sets it up when the power goes out) and the word will appear on the screen simultaneously with audio narration. Additionally, the text on the page will highlight if the word is in the story. This provides nice audio-visual reinforcement for early literacy. The app also has great settings, including the ability to record your own narration, turn off sound effects or even to disable the interactive elements. Simple navigation is intuitive with a thumbnail page guide.
The delightful child narrator is easy to understand and a perfect fit, since the story is told in the first-person by Little Critter. Featuring emergency preparedness and survival skills from a beloved family, this title provides a great conversation starter for talking to young children about weather disasters.
Recommended!
This app has been thoroughly evaluated by our staff. Please click on the 'star ratings' tab above, to see how it fared in all nine of our rating categories. See synopsis tab for more details about the storyline.
All reviews are of the app, not the platform/device. Based originally on iPad versions. Minor technical details may vary.
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Author/Illustrator:
Mercer Mayer
Developer:
Oceanhouse Media, Inc.
Length (time):
4 - 6 Minutes
Based on non-digital book: Yes
Allows Own Narration:
Yes
Uses Motion: No
Age: 2 - 6 +
Languages:
English •
Length (pages):
21 Pages
Story Synopsis - Just A Big Storm - Little Critter
Join Little Critter in this interactive book app as he and his family prepare for a big thunder storm! Explore pictures, learn new vocabulary, and personalize the story with your own narration. Will Little Critter be frightened when his house loses power, or will his family keep him occupied with lots of fun activities?
Explore the Story:
- ENCOURAGE literacy skills with highlighted narration
- LEARN new vocabulary with tappable words and pictures
- RECORD your own narration & share it with others
- SELECT a scene with easy-to-use navigation
- KEEP kids in the story with parental controls
Play two find-the-creature mini games! Can you can find all of the mice and spiders within the story? Tap to tally them up!
Designed for children ages 2-5
[Source: iTunes]
Orientation: Landscape & Portrait
Format: Universal
Options:
Read to Me, Read Myself, AutoPlay, Record, Page Guide, News On/Off, Sound Effects/Interactions On/Off, Home, Links to: AppStore, FB, Twitter, Email, Web, Privacy Policy
App Release Date:
2014-07-10
Size: 31.95 MB
Version: 2.6
Lite Version Available: No
Just A Big Storm - Little Critter
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