The Night Before Christmas (app)
Charlesbridge Publishing/Touchoo Ltd.
age 5-8
Performed by Peter, Paul and Mary; written by Clement C. Moore; paintings by Eric Puybaret
iPhone and iPad book app
Synopsis from Touchoo Ltd.:
The Night Before Christmas is America’s favorite holiday poem – bringing the joy of the holiday season magically to life. Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without Clement C. Moore’s classic tale of ‘The Night before Christmas’. In this first ever book from the iconic folk group Peter, Paul and Mary, this heartwarming poem is magnificently illustrated by acclaimed painter Eric Puybaret and rendered magically interactive by Touchoo…. So gather the family, turn on your iPad, iTouch or iPhone, and experience “The Night Before Christmas” as never before!
We had the chance to review the print form of The Night Before Christmas and thoroughly enjoyed it. All the elements of the book, like the colourful images created by Eric Puybaret and the wonderful voices of Peter, Paul, and Mary that are part of the printed books audio CD, make up this beautiful app with added interactive features. I love the whimsical musical score that floats through the whole book. You have the option of turning this and the sound off but it’s such a nice feature to the story.
In the app version of The Night Before Christmas, you can read along, listen to Mary (from Peter, Paul, and Mary) read it to you, or even record the story being read by someone important to your child. I love that the words can be displayed while listening to the story or slide out of the way. As for the interactivity, I find kids are very intuitive but little sparkley lights appear over objects that interact if you need some coaxing.
Sometimes apps aimed at kids, even book apps, can give off a feeling of energy and activity. I love that this app version of The Night Before Christmas has a calming affect. It’s a delightful way to engage in a children’s holiday classic, as a family or for a child on their own.
You can find a copy of The Night Before Christmas app by visiting the iTunes store. Visit our Kid’s Books section for other great book recommendations.
I have to thank Charlesbridge Publishing and Tuchoo Ltd. for my review copy.