Piccolo picture book – The Competition – Review
By App Type: Uncategorized
Our rating: 
By: Unieboek Het Spectrum
Version #: 1.0
Date Released: 2010-08-19
Developer:
Price: 3.99
User Rating:
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This is one of a set of reviews for the Piccolo brand of children’s picture books out of the Dutch publishing house Unieboek | Het Spectrum.
The Competition tells the story of a fish named Harry on his way to a swimming competition. Along his route, he meets a rat named Rat and adventures ensue.
The book has three modes. The first is reading, which is silent and allows the user to flip through the pages. The second is listening, in which the user flips through the pages but on each page a voice narrates the text. The final mode is learning to read, in which the text is highlighted as the narrator speaks the words.
Since the story takes place underwater, there are underwater sound effects to add to the book’s atmosphere. Arrows appear on the top to turn the page either way and the page does a "flip" effect to move to another. You can also swipe your finger on the page for the same effect.
There may be some confusion in which not all text might appear on a page and an arrow on the side center may have to be tapped to read more. The controls for reading the additional text could stand to be more intuitive (perhaps having it blinking).
The pictures are very colorful and the app is quite easy to use. The story itself seems a little odd for a children’s book (as one who was raised on Dr. Seuss), but that could just be the cultural differences between America and Europe. It’s still much cheaper than your average children’s book. Recommended.
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Quick Take
Value:Medium. Higher if you have kids.
Would I Buy Again:If I had children - yes!
Learning Curve:Low.
Who Is It For:Children and their parents.
What I Like:Cute picture book.
What I Don't Like:Navigation between pages could be more intuitive.
Final Statement:Dr. Seuss may have some competition!
Piccolo picture books can be used in various ways. Parents can read to their children in the traditional manner. Toddlers and preschoolers can also use the read-aloud function themselves, for instance in the car. Very simple and intuitive use, suitable for kids 2-years and up. Using the ‘learn-to-read’ function the highlighted text helps beginning readers make associations between the words they hear and see.
Piccolo apps are a sensible and entertaining alternative to movies and games. At home or on-the-go – always a picture book on hand. The story is told using the pictures and text from the book, adding sounds and interactive elements.
Features
• Beautifully illustrated pages that can be turned at will
• Interactive children’s books with useful read-aloud functions: read by yourself, be read to, or read-along with the special ‘learn-to-read’ function
• Simple and intuitive navigation
• Available in five different languages (Dutch, English, German, French and Spanish)
• High quality audio, professional narration and background sound
• With interactive audio effects
About The Competition
Pim’s parents want him to dump his pet goldfish Harry into a canal because they are going on summer holiday. A heartbroken Pim leaves for their house on sea where he is supposed to take part in a competition. ‘Competition’ Harry overhears: ‘Count me in!’ Harry is determined to win the competition and begins a long swimming race. On the way, he meets unusual animals and experiences a lot more than in his goldfish bowl at home! At the end of his journey, Harry is the fastest by far…but was this only a swim competition? ?
About Piccolo Picture Books? Piccolo picture books is an imprint of the Dutch publishing house Unieboek | Het Spectrum specifically interested in turning successful picture books into digital & interactive content for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. Piccolo Picture Books aims to bring children's books to life through interactivity and audio.
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Stay tuned for new Piccolo picture books through
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Related topics: kids comics, children’s comics, kids books, children’s book, children’s stories comics for kids, kids entertainment, education, reading, kids travel apps, interactive storybook
The label Piccolo Picture Books is a joint venture between Unieboek het Spectrum & Mobile Generation
https://www.mobgen.com
