What it is: a storybook (about 15 pages long) with a simple coloring feature.

What you do with it: read the book, touch the illustrations to reveal their colors.

What we liked: the story, simple illustrations, the 'coloring' feature, ease of use, no distracting elements.

What we didn't like: no narration (parental assistance is required for non-reading kids). The coloring feature could be more responsive.

Appysmarts

What it is: an interactive story (about 15 pages long) about a baby giraffe. 2 extra activities (coloring and simple picture puzzles).

What you do with it: 2 modes of reading (listen to the narration or read by yourself). Touch objects on the pages for simple animations.

What we liked: the story. Simple illustrations and animations. Interactive elements complementing the storyline. The extra activities (coloring and puzzles). Quality narration. Sounds. The option to record your own narration. Ease of use. No distracting elements.

What we didn't like: 'timed' puzzle challenge. Only one coloring sheet and only one puzzle scene.

Appysmarts

What it is: an interactive book illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Contains 6 ministories with additional activities.

What you do with it: play a minigame to select the animal (Lucky Lamb, Gobbly Goat, Cuddly Cow, Portly Pig, Diggity Dog or Higgledy Hen). Read the story yourself or listen to the narrator. Touch the animations for interaction, sounds and 'minidialogues'.

What we liked: the concept, great illustrations and animations, fun characters, interactive elements enhancing the reading experience, sounds and sound backgrounds, reading options (word highlighting feature, speech bubbles), ease of use, the way the stories are selected (a slider puzzle).

What we didn't like: none.

Appysmarts

What it is: a set of 14 interactive scenes based on the book by Dorothy Kunhardt.

What you do with it: the 'activities' mode: choose a scene and follow the audio instructions to complete a simple task by tapping or swiping on the screen (e.g. pop bubbles in the bath, make 'music' in the kitchen, find the bunny in the room, play peek-a-boo). In the paint mode: rub the screen to reveal the colors in the pictures.

What we liked: the concept, great illustrations, extremely easy navigation and operation, number and variety of activities, audio instructions, background music and sound effects.

What we didn't like: the egg hunting activity as it may be confusing for smaller children who accidentally tap on the egg (could be available as an option instead).

Bottom line: one of the best apps aimed at the youngest kids we have reviewed so far.

Appysmarts