Comments
This app is an adaptation of the classic Swedish picturebook by Gunilla Wolde, from 1985. The highlight is the story itself, which portrays the life of a small child, Betsy, in everyday situations. Readers can play by turning the iPad upside down to see how Betsy reacts to the same situations, often in amusing ways, at times when she is contrary. This gesture of turning the iPad over and over again makes the concept of "contrary" material, embodied and lived, therefore possibly more meaningful and graspable to young children. Parents and children will identify with such typical changes of mood and playful attitudes, themes that invite parent-child conversations during and after reading. The illustrations are lovely in their minimalist style and come to life through simple animations and interactions that are easy to use and will keep even 1- and 2-year-olds engaged. The "Special Reading" option allows readers to record their own voice-over narration. For children learning to read, it can be an optimal feature for tracking their development, but preschoolers of all ages can use the feature creatively and playfully to explore personalized tellings of the story, stimulating their speaking skills.
Other notable themes and features of the app include Multilingual, My World, Self care, Social & Emotional Development, Stories.
Learning Area Milestones
- Can follow longer stories
- Anticipates key events in stories
- Can remember and repeat simple stories
- Understands simple concepts (in/on, big/little)
- Understands action words i.e. jumping
- Understands use of objects i.e. ‘what do we drink with?’
- Listens to and joins in with stories
- Can begin to read words and simple sentences
- Has interest in illustrations
Best Features
Loads of fun
Play together
Lots to do
Creative
Make it your own
Interactive
