One of my favorite books, MOO, BAA, LA LA LA!, was recently released as an app. Taking on an app for review means taking on the topic of ebooks for babies. eEek. But I must, if for no other reason than to get the sand out of my eyes.
First,
My bias:
Board book or bust.
Babies are natural scientists who form attachments. You can't test gravity with an ebook without weighty consequences. Or tease out its compression strength with a good bang or a bite. You can't hug an ebook. You can pat an ebook, GENTLY. You can't take an ebook to bed.
I downloaded Boynton's app, tapped the screen, and fell in love.
Her e-animals moove, bleat, and multiply. QUACK! says the duck. A horse says NEIGH. Tap the duck. He quacks. A second duck appears. Tap. QUACK! A third duck appears, and so on till you're just shy of a dozen. Tap Mr. Eleven. QUACK! A baby duck shoots across the page to the horse on right. Tap. Quack! A mighty wind sends mane and tail flying. Riveting. Why do I find that worrisome?
Boynton's book app costs between $1.99 and $3.99 depending on your platform; a new copy of the board book, $5.99.
A stack of ebooks is mobile. Imagine having a library in your diaper bag for wait times.
Babies, 0 to 2, partner and play in the rebound zone. They throw, catch your reaction, and throw again. A board book is stiff, but resounding. Fun bounces off of it.
A board book is static, a baby is not: No two reads are alike. Each is tailored to the changing mood and abilities of the child. Parents supply an infinite variety of sound effects, raspberry kisses, and toe tickles. Plus the fanfare. Baby, not the book, is center stage.
The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) 0 Comments on MOOve Over--There's a New Cow In Town as of 1/1/1900