Read it Yourself with Ladybird: Interactive reading practice for beginner readers

What it is and what you do with it: a library app with 4 books from the 'Read it yourself with Ladybird' series: The Three Billy Goats Gruff (Level 1), Pirate School (Level 2), The Elves and the Shoemaker (Level 3), The Pied Piper of Hamelin (Level 4). Additional books (at the moment there are about 34 titles available) can be purchased for $2.99 each.

Each book features 2 reading modes: 'Read to me' (with narration) and 'Read it myself'.

What we liked: very good selection of stories. Original illustrations. Professional narration. Excellent educational value. In the 'Read to me' mode the words are highlighted when read by the narrator. The option to record your own narration.

What we didn't like: the reading options could be better (e.g. we missed the 'touch to read a word' feature). The pages are very static (no animations or interactions). Prominent links to the in-app shop.

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