
Smithsonian's Prehistoric Pals is a nicely illustrated set of ten titles from Oceanhouse Media's Smithsonian Collection - a series based on popular non-fiction print titles about the natural world. The print versions were released in the past decade, along with audio CDs. This collection includes the following 10 titles:
As book apps, these titles sparkle, giving enormous value over their print counterparts, including narrated text that highlights as read. This book series fills a great need for digital book apps with non-fiction educational content. The books selected so far have been well vetted as print titles, making it easy as parents & educators to select these digital books with confidence.
Extra features include the ability to record your own narration as well as excellent navigation with a nice visual thumbnail page guide. Ample settings allow adults to set the book up with or without audio and interactive elements. Links that leave the app are contained exclusively in the 'info' section under a parental gate that requires fluid reading and following complex directions.
As a way to foster a child's interest in prehistoric animals, this app gets high marks. It is well developed and based on sound scientific information. There are even a few pages at the end with extra educational content. Paired with Oceanhouse Media's "OM" template, these Smithsonian non-fiction titles get a clear educational boost when print goes digital, engaging a whole new generation of young readers!
Highly 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.
Author/Illustrator:
Smithsonian Institution
Developer:
Oceanhouse Media, Inc.
Length (time):
45 - 90 Minutes
Based on non-digital book: Yes
Allows Own Narration:
Yes
Uses Motion: No
Age: 6 - 9 +
Languages:
English •
Length (pages):
150 Pages
Explore 10 adventures from Smithsonian’s Prehistoric Pals in this interactive book app collection! Explore pictures, learn new vocabulary, and personalize the story with your own narration. Travel back in time to the prehistoric world and learn all about the Saber-Tooth Tiger, Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus Rex and more! [Source: iTunes]
Orientation: Landscape
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:
2014-04-30
Size: 213.14 MB
Version: 2.5
Lite Version Available: No