The Monster at the End of This Book…starring Grover!

This app is a brilliant adaptation of the classic picturebook of the same name that has been promoting the joy of reading for decades. Here, however, Grover is animated and talks to readers, making the story come alive. On top of turning the pages, readers can further interact with Grover by destroying the protections he builds around the pages. The app manages to be incredibly entertaining at the same time that it promotes several literacy skills. The story is all about understanding how books work, how turning the pages advances the story and the conventions of visual narratives like comics and picturebooks. As Grover speaks, the words are highlighted, facilitating children’s association of print and speech. Although the app can be read autonomously by children, shared reading is promoted, and the app presents tips for parents and educators on how to discuss children’s fears and other activities to be done during joint-reading.