What it is: over 100 'woodenlike' puzzles with shapes, words, colors and sounds.

What you do with it: see our video presentation

What we liked: concept, graphics, sounds, smooth interaction, options (colors, autocomplete), number of puzzles.

What we didn't like: -

Appysmarts

What it is: An app for strengthening early math skills (three activities: for finger counting practice: counting/number sequencing, addition, subtraction).

What you do with it: learn about numbers by putting fingers on the screen (e.g. when you put 4 fingers, the voice will read out 'four'). Learn to count by putting fingers on the screen in a sequence. Solve simple additions and subtractions by placing the correct number of fingers on the screen.

What we liked: excellent concept (combining learning with fun), funny illustrations and animations, extremely simple operation (innovative concept of multifinger interaction with the device), great educational value.

What we didn't like: some sort of visual/audio clues for addition/subtraction activities would make this app even better. Parental help may be necessary for setting up the app and initial instructions.

Bottom line: a perfect choice for 'finger math' practice and fun.

Appysmarts

What it is: a pack of activities for strengthening early reading and writing skills.

What you do with it: the activities include: letter and word matching, letter tracing, letter recognition, word spelling, word grouping, reading aloud (using voice recording). Range, type and level of difficulty will depend on the chosen age settings (basic activities for ages 3+, medium difficulty for 4+, advanced for 5+ age group).

What we liked: the concept (combining learning with fun/game experience), the number of activities, the age level/difficulty settings, the range of learning material, excellent educational value, simple, non-distracting illustrations, audio instructions and clues, very good rewards system with stickers (related to the main educational activitie), information and help section for parents.

What we didn't like: you cannot choose a particular activity to practice it (only linear navigation). We wish there was more variety in the activities.

Bottom line: an excellent all-round package for developing and strengthening early literacy skills. Easy and fun to use. Well worth the price.

Appysmarts

What it is: an interactive adaptation of Dr Seuss's classic.

What you do with it:three ways of 'reading' this book: listen to the narrated story with the words highlighted, read as a 'traditional' book and auto play (automatic reading and turning the pages). Tap on the pictures to hear the associated words read out.

What we liked: the story, original artwork, professional audio narration, sound backgrounds, picture/word associations, excellent reading options (words are highlighted when read by the narrator, you can tap on a single word to hear it read aloud or long press to listen to a paragraph).

What we didn't like: the ads for other apps have to be manually turned off (they are 'on' by default).

Free preview: if you are not sure, please see our 'See before you buy' video (below).

Appysmarts

What it is: an interactive adaptation of Dr Seuss's classic.

What you do with it:three ways of 'reading' this book: listen to the narrated story with the words highlighted, read as a 'traditional' book and auto play (automatic reading and turning the pages). Tap on the pictures to hear the associated words read out.

What we liked: the story, original artwork, professional audio narration, sound backgrounds, picture/word associations, excellent reading options (words are highlighted when read by the narrator, you can tap on a single word to hear it read aloud or long press to listen to a paragraph).

What we didn't like: the ads for other apps have to be manually turned off (they are 'on' by default).

Free preview: if you are not sure, please see our 'See before you buy' video (below) or try the free version of the Green Eggs and Ham app.

Appysmarts