This week's Best iOS App for Kids is a great app for little ones to learn basic motor and cognitive development skills. The app, Tappie Colorit, is an education and game app that features puzzles to teach young kids, ages 1 to 3, the basics about colors and shapes. Tappie Colorit has 8 different puzzles that become more challenging as a child advances through the app. In each puzzle, your child will learn how to match colors and shapes. For example, a puzzle may feature a red ball, blue train and white rabbit. One of the item in the puzzle will disappear, leaving an outline of the item in the color that it was. It's up to your child to find the missing object and choose the right color of the object. Pro reviewers praise Tappie Colorit for being fun, adorable and educational. The app has an 88 AppScore and a reasonable price of $1.99. Read more about it below and let us know your thoughts.

AppScore rankings are based on aggregating professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		Tappie Colorit	88
		$1.99: iPad
		From the app description: "Tappie Colorit is the new touch-screen application suitable for small kids aged 1 to 3 years old. Kids are encouraged to figure out simple cognitive puzzles based on shape or color." Check out a quote from I Use This App: "Honestly, Tappie Colorit is genius! It’s adorable, fun, educational and exciting. You couldn’t ask for much more from an app geared towards toddlers. I don’t want to get too carried away with my excitement about how well this app works, but if you have a toddler and you don’t have an iPad or iPhone, get one – even if it’s just for the Tappie apps! In my opinion, the purchase is nothing compared to the results you get" (May 4, 2012). Here is another quote from Smart Apps For Kids: "Bottom line: Great app to use for children who are cognitively at the toddler or preschool stage of development in order to assess and develop shape and color recognition skills" (January 19, 2012).

I love hanging out with my young nieces because they are so imaginative. They come up with the most interesting stories and reasons for why things are the way they are. When I am with them, I feel young and alive. This week's Best iOS App for Kids is the perfect app for me to enjoy with them. The app, Lil' Red - An Interactive Story, is an interactive book based on the classic children's story of Little Red Riding Hood with a twist. The twist is that the book contains no text or narration. It's up to you and your kid(s) to make up the story. I definitely can see my nieces making up some pretty adventurous stories. The app contains 12 illustrated interactive scenes, music and little hidden surprises. One of the pro reviews calls it "Simply delightful" and another says: "What I didn’t like: Nothing!" According to the app description Lil' Red - An Interactive Story is made for kids 2 and up. The app has an impressive 93 AppScore and a reasonable price of $3.99, a small price to pay for a little imagination. Read more about it below and let us know your thoughts.

AppScore rankings are based on aggregating professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		Lil' Red - An Interactive Story	93
		$3.99: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (Universal)
		From the app description: "This interactive storybook is a unique interpretation of classic tale of "Little Red Riding Hood". Everything is told exclusively through animation, music, and interactivity - so kids and parents can tell the story in their own way without the use of text or narration. Navigate through lush environments filled with enchanting illustrations and memorable music... all made with thoughtful attention to detail. Young children will also delight in helping Lil' Red discover tons of hidden surprises." Check out a quote from Smart Apps For Kids: "Bottom Line: Breathtakingly original with a universal appeal. The music and artwork tell the story better than words ever could. Smartie award winner and critically acclaimed" (February 13, 2013).

So this week's Best iOS App for Kids is a little older having been released in late 2011. But it's from a very reputable source (PBS Kids), has a 90 AppScore and features Sid from the TV series Sid The Science Kid. With all that going for it, we think Sid's Science Fair is a worthy addition to our weekly series. The app aims to teach kids math and science through a series of mini-games. There's one about matching patterns, another about charting and a third about sequencing. It may sound a little much, but with names like Gabriela's "Collection Inspection", May's "Chart It!" and Gerald's "Time Machine", it's definitely geared towards the little ones. Just keep in mind that some of the user reviews on the App Store say they've had trouble with the sound and our guess is it's due to the app needing a quick update. Hopefully PBS KIDS will do just that but if your child loves Sid, this might be worth it anyway...what do you think?

AppScore rankings are based on aggregating professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		Sid's Science Fair	90
		$2.99: iPhone, iPod Touch
		From the app description: "*Editor's Choice Award Winner from Children's Technology Review* Sid’s Science Fair engages players (ages 3 to 6) in experiential learning with core science and math concepts from classification and identifying patterns to charting and sequencing. Emcee’d by Sid, from the hit series SID THE SCIENCE KID, the app presents three absolutely addictive Science Fair games specially crafted for your curious early learner(s)" Check out a quote from BestAppsForKids: "Bottom Line: An educational, fun, and easy way to engage young learners in the exploration of science skills and concepts" (June 22, 2012).

When I was a kid my grandma used to always worry about me not wearing enough or too much clothing depending on the season. She was concerned with me being too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. My grandma basically taught me about weather and seasons through her concern. Now we can have apps help you do that with your kids! This week's Best iOS App for Kids is an education app. The app, Seasons and Weather ! Science educational games for kids in Preschool and Kindergarten by i Learn With, teaches kids about seasons, the weather, the calendars and days of the week through fun games. The app features two friends as guides - Poko and Beebee. There is a cute game with Poko and Beebee where they wear inappropriate clothes for the weather and your kids need to figure out which items don't belong. Thankfully I had my grandma setting me right in my clothing choices back in the day. Another game has your kids guessing which activity Poko performed based on the weather and month. With an 85 AppScore and at no charge this could be a great app to play with the kids. Read more about the below and let us know your thoughts.

AppScore rankings are based on aggregating professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		Seasons and Weather ! Science educational games for kids in Preschool and Kindergarten by i Learn With	85
		Free: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (Universal)
		From the app description: "Discover these great science games for kids in Preschool and Kindergarten! Top educational app to get children ready for school. Poko will help your child learn to identify various weather situations in different seasons, and will teach him/her all about appropriate clothing and activities, a curriculum staple in preschool learning. " Check out a quote from AppAdvice: "Overall, this app is incredibly well done and enjoyable. I enjoyed testing it out with my three-year-old and will continue to use it to teach her about weather, the calendar and days of the week" (April 21, 2011).

Our Best iOS App for Kids this week is an interesting genre mix. The app, Mystery Math Town, aims to teach math skills through the use of games. As a game, kids take the role of a ghost who has to save fireflies throughout the town. As an education app, they use their math skills to open doorways and unlock passages in order to progress the adventure. A story also plays out along the way as kids meet talking portraits/townspeople on their journey. As far as math skills, they include addition, subtraction and multiplication. One of the cool things is the math skill level can be tailored to the player to accommodate age differences. The game even allows for multiple kids to play it at the same time with different skill levels set for each player. It really does look like a cool setup and one of the pro reviews even calls it something they'd expect to see at Hogwarts. While at $2.99 it's above the standard $.99 app price point, I'd say three bucks is well worth it for an app that gets your kids to focus on their math skills. Plus it has a 95 AppScore which is darn good. What do you think? Money well spent?

AppScore rankings are based on aggregating professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		Mystery Math Town	95
		$2.99: iPad
		From the app description: "Your mission: Help a friendly and curious little ghost rescue the fireflies that are hidden in Mystery Math Town. Players use math skills to unlock rooms and passages on their enchanting journey. Along the way, you can also earn talking portraits of the townspeople for your Gallery. Every picture has a story to tell and the colorful cast of characters in this town have plenty to say." Check out a quote from Common Sense Media: "The mysterious setting, funny townspeople, and discoveries throughout the houses keep kids engaged, and the math keeps them challenged" (May 3, 2013).

I feel like all kids, boys and girls, go through a phase where they are fascinated by cars and trucks. Not sure what is so interesting, maybe it's the wheels and noise. Anyway, this week's Best iPhone and iPad App for Kids turns this fascination into an educational and interactive experience. The app, Cars in sandbox: Construction (Thematica - apps for kids), has an 86 AppScore and allows kids to the explore the world of construction vehicles. It comes in both an iPad version (Cars in sandbox: Construction (Thematica - apps for kids)) with an 86 AppScore for $2.99 and an iPhone version with a 90 AppScore for $0.99 (Cars in sandbox: Construction for iPhone). The app is clever in that it presents all the vehicles in a relatable way - by making them toys in a sandbox. Videos and colorful animations explain what each vehicles does. Plus kids can play with and move around the vehicles going on little missions with each to learn more about how they work. It's a simple concept but I think an effective and fun way for kids to explore and learn. Check out more about the apps below and let us know your thoughts.

AppScore rankings are based on aggregating professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		Cars in sandbox: Construction (Thematica - apps for kids)	86
		$2.99: iPad
		From the app description: "Many parents find their young children to be particularly fascinated by construction vehicles. We've made it easy and exciting for your child to explore them. Different types of construction vehicle and road-building machinery are presented as toys in a sandpit, making the process of learning familiar and appealing. Throughout there are lots of beautiful animations, with great video and sound effects. These make clear what each vehicle can do and how it helps people in the real world. All the vehicles are charmingly but accurately depicted, with little surprises such as opening doors and horns which sound. It is really easy to make vehicles move by touching or tipping the screen. Your child will also be able to do things such as extend the arm of the crane or operate the dumper by simple touches. Each vehicle comes with an involving little mission to complete, such as moving toys around, which will help your child discover what each kind of construction vehicle can do. This exploration will be great for fine motor skills, and success at each stage will be made clear by the award of another gold star." Check out a quote from Crazy Mike's Apps: "Cars in sandbox: Construction is a fantastically well done children’s Education app that any parent will want for their own child" (June 22, 2012). Here is another quote from PadGadget: "If you have a little one in your life that loves cars and other vehicles, this is a fun game that also happens to be educational at the same time" (January 11, 2012).

		Cars in sandbox: Construction for iPhone	90
		$0.99: iPhone
		The iPhone version of the app. Check out a quote from Lowdown Mag: "Overall, Cars In Sandbox is a an enjoyable little game designed for kids. With a colourful and fun sounding soundtrack, and with various levels full of user interaction, this is certainly one of the best child games I have seen available" (July 23, 2012).

This week we really have a gem in our Best iPhone and iPad Apps for Kids series and it's actually meant to be enjoyed by anyone, not just kids, as its content is pretty amazing according to the pro reviews. The app is The Magic of Reality with a 100 AppScore. Yes, that's right, a 100 AppScore. Granted this is subject to change over time, but that's a pretty darn good start. The app itself is an eBook by prominent scientist Richard Dawkins and seeks to explain the world around us. For example, the app answers questions like When and how did everything begin? What is a miracle? What is the sun? and Why do bad things happen? from a scientific perspective. It's also been the #1 book app in 27 countries and won the Digital BookWorld Publishing Innovation Award for Best Non-Fiction App 2012. Some pretty impressive credentials. It is a bit on the expensive side but between the professional reviews and awards it's received, it certainly seems like money well spent. As usual, at AppMyWorld we let the AppScore created by averaging the pro reviews speak for quality and a 100 AppScore is simply the best an app can get. So what do you think? Does this iPad app look compelling to you?

AppScore rankings are based on aggregating professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		The Magic of Reality	100
		$13.99: iPad
		From the app description: "The Magic of Reality for iPad is a new and groundbreaking approach to interactive books, taking us on an enthralling journey through scientific reality, and showing that it has an awe-inspiring beauty and thrilling magic which far exceeds those of the ancient myths. Richard Dawkins and Dave McKean have created a dazzling celebration of our planet that will inspire and amaze people of all ages." Check out a quote from 148Apps: "For those looking to explore the magic that is all around us, to gain a better understanding of the natural world or for those interested in the best of digital publishing, The Magic of Reality should not be missed." (October 28, 2011). Here is another quote from AppStorm: "The care with which the app has been put together is evident, and it makes for a very enjoyable and absorbing read. This attention to detail is also seen in the body of the text, too" (August 7, 2012).

So last week I talked about living off your kids one day by having them become the next Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg. Well today I have another option for you to live off your kids. How about turning them into the next Bruce Springsteen or Justin Timberlake? Yes isn't it all about starting them young on a path to support you later on in life! (I say this in jest of course, well, maybe) This week's Best iPhone and iPad App for Kids can potentially turn your kids into the next musical genius. The app, PianoBall, has a 90 AppScore and encourages the exploration of music in a fun and colorful way. The basics are that kids choose an instrument, a song and then are taught how to play the song. 10 popular children's songs are offered in the app like Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and Mary Had a Little Lamb. I could see my young nieces playing with this app for hours. Kids loving singing the same song over and over again. Multiple modes are offered as well, so exploration can be customized to babies, toddlers and preschool children. PianoBall also gives kids the opportunity to color the instruments and learn the names of colors. The app is $1.99 but like I said last week, a small price to pay for early retirement perhaps? Learn more about the app below and let us know what you think.

AppScore rankings are based on aggregating professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		PianoBall - Fun With Learning - magic instrument for kids	90
		$1.99: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (Universal)
		From the app description: "PianoBall is a fun and easy toy, that encourages children to explore music and colors in a new creative way! Choose from 2 rainbow colored keyboards - for younger and older children. Select your instrument and choose your favorite tune! Magical stars will show you how to play. Just follow them! ...or… select “auto” mode to play music with no mistakes :) Turn… Turn … turn around 4 magic balls and see what happens! Discover the color ball and paint the keyboard in your favorite color! Check the rainbow ball and change the rainbow colors on your keyboard! Shake your screen to see magical shower of stars and learn names of used music instruments. With PianoBall you can play together with your kids and experiment with sounds, melodies and colors in lots of fun ways. Let’s find out what will happen when you turn the ball! " Check out a quote from AppAdvice: "If you want your child to eventually learn music and want their first impressions to be fun and whimsical, PianoBall will be a great tool for you. My kids love it, and I venture to say yours will as well" (May 23, 2011). Here is another quote from BestAppsForKids: "PianoBall is an innovative musical learning app that allows little ones to explore various instruments, colors, and songs. With two piano options , solfege syllables, a key locking mechanism, and added security for parent only areas, this app has it all. If you have a toddler or preschooler interested in music, this is the perfect app to introduce them to various instruments while teaching them fun songs" (March 14, 2013).

My opportunity to be the next Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg has passed. The story is always the same, they code their way to billions but they didn't start in theirs 30s, they started in their youth with a fascination with computer programming. So here is a great addition to our Best iPhone and iPad App for Kids series that can potentially turn your child's life story into the next Silicon Valley king. Hey why not live vicariously through your children, laugh! The app, Move the Turtle, has an 85 AppScore and teaches kids the basics of computer programming. A cute turtle guides children through programming tasks using the Logo language. The tasks give them a fundamental understanding of loops, procedures, variables, spatial orientation and lots more. I feel like I should try Move the Turtle myself, maybe there is hope for me yet. $2.99 is the cost of the app, a small price to pay for maybe billions later? Enjoy reading more about the app below and let us know what you think. Could this app inspire a new generation of engineers?

AppScore rankings are based on aggregating professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		Move the Turtle. Programming for kids	85
		$2.99: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (Universal)
		From the app description: "Move The Turtle is an educational application for iPhone and iPad that teaches children the basics of creating computer programs, using intuitive graphic commands. Do you remember the Logo programming language? A friendly Turtle will introduce your child step by step to the basic concepts of programming in a colourful graphic environment. Who knows, maybe your child will be the next outstanding programmer! " Check out a quote from BestAppsForKids: "Move the Turtle is a kid-safe environment for building your child’s problem-solving skills and to learn basic programming commands" (April 9, 2012).

On Fridays we like to write about an app for our Best iPhone and iPad App for Kids series. Normally Lucy writes these, but I'm taking over for today. So what's the app that I chose? Well, it's Math Mathews which starts out with a strong 90 AppScore. The app is relatively new to the App Store having been published on March 7th but the professional reviews are pretty darn good, just take a look at the AppScore. Also, I like the look of the screenshots and it's on sale for $0.99 at the moment. It's definitely a cross between an education app and a game which in my opinion is a good thing. I'd say it's hard to engage kids if they aren't having fun but then again I'm no expert. So check it out and what do you think of my choice? I bet you like Lucy's articles better, ha!

		Math Mathews	90
		$0.99 (on sale): iPhone, iPod touch & iPad (Universal)
		From the app description: ""Math Mathews - The search for the necklace of Sylla " is a (serious) game made to allow children and adults to practice multiplication tables in a fun environment. Join the crew of Captain Mathews and dive into epic adventures ! Will you be brave enough to break the curse which turned Captain Mathews into an octopus ?" Check out a quote from Smart Apps for Kids: "Bottom line: Indiana Jones meets Pirates of the Caribbean, with some great multiplication table practice thrown in. Well-drawn graphics and a deep back story make math fun for ages 8-11" (April 1, 2013).

My brother tells me the hardest thing to get his kids to do besides eating their vegetables or brushing their teeth is cleaning up their rooms. My nieces are really good at pulling out all of their toys and dress-up clothes from their place and not putting them back! That's why I think parents everywhere can rejoice with this week's Best iPhone and iPad App for Kids. The app, Azawhistle Kids, has an 85 AppScore and teaches kids how to clean up there rooms and make it clean as a whistle (I like the clever play on letters from the title). I think my brother would easily pay $4.99 for the app if it could get his kids to clean up after themselves. A cute story is the backdrop of this book. Tejas is the little boy at the center of the story, his room is a huge mess and he wants to tidy it up to surprise his mom but he doesn't know how or where to start. Enter his dog, Lollipop. The dog shows him how to unclutter his room. Oh and to help calm Tejas' stress over his room, he does yoga. Yes this book also throws in a little yoga and meditation practice 101 to teach kids about calm. I never thought stress could be a reason for kids not cleaning up their room but I could see it now after this app. I mean I do get overwhelmed over disorganization in my apartment. Additional features of Azawhistle Kids include the story being read by a soothing English accented narrator, an original tidy up song and games about organization. Find out more about the app below and let us know your thoughts.

AppScore rankings are based on aggregating independent professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		Azawhistle Kids	85
		$4.99: iPad
		From the app description: "“Go clean your room,” is hardly a positive command…that is until Azawhistle’s kid-friendly cleaning warriors jump into downward facing dog. Using yoga for kids and calming meditation, Tejas and Lollipop inspire kids to tidy and clean up. Not based upon a movie or fairy tale, this highly original story teaches life-skills." Check out a quote from Crazy Mike's Apps: "This is a wonderfully imaginative kids’ learning app for the iPad that not only encourages tidiness, but provides some good behavior examples that will help kids deal with everyday life — calm and focused" (January 1, 2013).

There are a few things in life I wish I learned or started at a young age: how to play the guitar, how to ski and how to play chess are among them. I don't think you can learn to ski from an app and I don't own a guitar, so what about chess for my future kids? Well, this week's Best iPhone and iPad App for Kids certainly looks like a good start. The app, Chess Academy for Kids by Geek Kids, has an 80 AppScore and teaches kids the basics of chess. It offers two modes: chess tutorials and 1-on-1 games against friends or the computer. The tutorials have a lot to offer with 140 interactive tasks that explain chess rules, moves and concepts. Plus it won a Parents' Choice Gold Award. So at $4.99 I think it's a good deal for a future lifetime of being able to say "checkmate". Yes, I wish I could say that but alas I am not skilled at chess. Maybe I'll pick up this app to help me get better. Its 80 AppScore makes it seem like a solid choice. Anyone out there a chess lover? Let us know what you think of this app.

AppScore rankings are based on aggregating independent professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		Chess Academy for Kids by Geek Kids	80
		$4.99: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (Universal)
		From the app description: "Chess Academy for Kids is an excellent iPhone and iPad application offering an easy introduction to chess, created with children in mind. The app is designed to teach chess in an engaging, step-by-step, rewarding way, where learning is well balanced with practice. The app is a tool for older children aged 8+ to teach themselves the rules and basic strategies of chess, as well as for younger children aged 5+ to start out on a chess adventure with adult help. " Check out a quote from BestAppsForKids: "Chess Academy for Kids by Geek Kids is super well made, rampantly intelligent and entirely kid friendly. This is the perfect app to introduce kids of any age to chess" (March 15, 2012). Here is another quote. Smart Apps For Kids says: "Bottom Line: I really enjoyed learning about chess (for the first time) and older kids can learn a lot as well, but it could use a bit more pizzazz and assistance for the price" (June 17, 2012).

Toys and games that are both educational and fun are the best combination. I have nieces and I always strive to find gifts that are a combination of the two. This week's Best iPhone and iPad App for Kids is just that as well. The app, Kids Mosaic HD with an 85 AppScore, teaches kids about shapes, colors, objects and animals while improving their memory and creativity. The app is built around creating mosaic artwork using different colored and shaped tiles. There are two modes in the app: "Adventure" and "Free". "Adventure" provides objects from animals to cars that kids fill in with the appropriate tiles and in "Free" they get to flex their imagination and create whatever objects they want using the tiles available. The "Adventure" mode also features 36 levels from easy to difficult. I actually think I would find Kids Mosaic HD entertaining to play myself. I might pick it up myself for $2.99 and play around before handing off to my nieces! Read more about the app below and let us know your thoughts.

AppScore rankings are based on aggregating independent professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		Kids Mosaic HD	85
		$2.99: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (Universal)
		From the app description: ""Kids mosaic HD", an interactive educating game will help your children to train their memory, learn to distinguish colors, develop imagination and hands motor functions. “Kids mosaic HD” has two categories. The first one “Adventure” implies that the child needs to make up a given image form pieces, going from easy to more complicated. The game has 36 complexity levels, 9 different pieces (square, triangle etc.), 12 colors. This section also has Tips which you can use in case of difficulties. In the second category «Free Mode» kids can make up something they imagined from the given pieces and make a screenshot of their piece of art which will automatically be saved in the photo gallery in order that parents could also see the fruits of their children’s imagination." Check out a quote from BestAppsForKids: "Bottom line: I fell in love with this app for many reasons, one big reason, and it’s a selfish one, is no more of those little magnet pieces left laying around" (June 11, 2012). Here is another quote. Tapscape says: "Heck, even adults might enjoy playing around with it: it’s exactly the sort of mid-day de-stressing tool that can help lower your blood pressure or de-clutter your mind" (June 19, 2012).

Even with all this technology, every kid in America today grows up watching Seasame Street. It's like a rite of passage. Except with technology, you can now watch Seasame Street anywhere, anytime. This week's Best iPhone and iPad App for Kids gives you that ability. The app, PBS KIDS Video with an 88 AppScore, gives you and your kids the opportunity to watch all their favorite PBS shows from Seasame Street to Curious George to WHY! on your iPhone or iPad. The app also provides 1,000 of videos in a child safe browsing and viewing environment. I mean when PBS Kids is involved, it has to be a positive place. And with PBS Kids there is always fun and education. PBS KIDS Video has a "Weekly Pick" feature that showcases a set of educational videos around reading, science and math. Additionally, you can create playlists within the app around your kids' favorite videos. I might even pick up this app for myself, I mean it's free and I kind of want to take a walk down memory lane with Seasame Street. I love that show. Read more about the app below and let us know your thoughts.

AppScore rankings are based on aggregating independent professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		PBS KIDS Video	88
		Free: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (Universal)
		From the app description: "Watch videos from your favorite PBS KIDS television series anytime, anywhere (in the USA). “PBS KIDS Video” features more than 1,000 videos from over a dozen top PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO! television series, including Curious George, The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That, Dinosaur Train, SUPER WHY!, Sesame Street and Wild Kratts." Check out a quote from I Use This App: "I definitely recommend PBS Kids Video for anyone with a toddler who needs a little entertainment at inconvenient times. If you’re not familiar with PBS, the shows are very good! They teach kindness and education! Definitely, great things to instill in a little one" (January 22, 2013). Here is another quote. AppAdvice says: "If your iPad is ever in the hands of children, or you find yourself occasionally needing to keep some little ones entertained, this is a must-have app. And, what makes it even better is, it’s packed with educational content" (May 12, 2011).

The learning tools kids have today are much more advance and fun. The iPhone and iPad brought forth so many creative ways to teach. This week's Best iPhone and iPad App for Kids is one those types of really cool learning tools. The app is ART ABC with an 90 AppScore and it introduces young children to the ABCs through artwork. But it's not just any artwork, its fine art. I learned the alphabet the usual way through block letters and the old abc song. This new way of learning is high def and high class. Kids can interact with the artwork in app as they begin to associate the written letter with sounds. To help, a narrator is there to guide them through the experience. The app also comes in an iPad version ART ABC HD. For $2.99 each for the iPhone or iPad, it's a pretty good deal for your little ones to learn some basics and to start them off young on art history. What do you think? Would you grab this app for your kids?

AppScore rankings are based on aggregating independent professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		ART ABC	90
		$2.99: iPhone
		From the app description: "Enjoy Fine Art from Vincent van Gogh and Henri Rousseau with your Children! Art ABC introduces little learners to the alphabet in an entertaining, engaging, beautifully illustrated manner. With backgrounds drawn from famous fine art paintings, a soothing narrator, and interactive elements that encourage exploration, Art ABC is a learning app that parents can feel good about." Check out a quote from The iPhone App Review: "While I personally had little use for this app myself, I firmly believe that Art ABC is a solidly built app that will certainly appeal to art-appreciating parents of youngsters and those youngsters themselves" (January 4, 2013). Here is another quote. iPhoneGlance says: "Every letter is elegantly presented against a fine art background, so it all becomes a great way for the kids to learn visually and audibly at the same time" (December 30, 2012).

		ART ABC HD	XX
		$2.99: iPad
		iPad version of the app.

I want to tell you a secret and also fantasy of mine. I've always wanted to be a writer. I guess my blogs on AppMyWorld count! Of course I've always really wanted to be a published author. How does my over-sharing tie into this week's Best iPad App for Kids, well this week's app would bring me closer to my dream. The app could also be a fun creative project for you and your kids. The app is Book Creator for iPad, it lets you create iBooks and allows you to share your iBook directly with friends, distribute your creation in the iBookstore or even print it out. There are a lot of cool features in this app. You can make your iBook really personal by adding your own photos or photos from the web. There are multiple layouts you use from portrait to landscape to square. The app also offers over 50 fonts to create your text/storyline. And you can even add video, music or your voice to your creation. I can imagine the kick my nieces would get out of hearing their voice in a iBook they created. Book Creator for iPad will definitely make you feel like an author and creator. I'm really looking forward to starting on my own great novel with this app. Maybe I'll let you all download it in the iBookstore one day as well. If you do create something, please come back and share it with us. We'd love to read it!

AppScore rankings are based on aggregating independent professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		Book Creator for iPad	90
		$4.99: iPad
		From the app description: "The simple way to create your own beautiful iBooks, right on the iPad. Read them in iBooks, send them to your friends, or submit them to the iBookstore. Ideal for children’s picture books, photo books, art books, cook books, manuals, textbooks, and the list goes on." Check out a quote from iPhone Life: "Book Creator for the iPad is fun and easy to use. With just a few minutes with the app, I was able to create a simple little book. I think this is a great app for teachers and parents to create kids books. It would also be a good way to quickly put together a rough draft of book layout to share with team" (January 19, 2013). Here is another quote. PadGadget says: "It was simple and very fun to create a book that could be read in iBooks. The thrill of having ones own books appear on the virtual bookshelf outweighed any down sides to using the application" (September 21, 2011).

This week's Best iPhone and iPad App for Kids is one that will warm your heart and is perfect for Valentine's Day. It's an interactive entertainment book / app called Biscuit's Valentine's Day and, as it turns out, there is a series of actual Biscuit books that have sold over 16 million copies. The app has an 80 AppScore and features a cute little dog named Biscuit (of course) delivering Valentine's Day gifts. If your kids are ready for it, they can read the story themselves but the app also has a built in narrator who can read the story back to you. I imagine this is a particularly good feature for young ones. Biscuit's Valentine's Day also has a few games built in, one memory related and one puzzle, as well as coloring book and sticker features. For only $2.99 I think it's a sweet app to teach kids about Valentine's Day. If this sounds familiar to you, Biscuits Birthday was one of our Top 5 iOS Apps of the Week back on April 1, 2012. Seems like the developers have a good thing going. Read more about Biscuit below and don't forget Valentine's Day is around the corner!

AppScore rankings are based on aggregating independent professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		Biscuit's Valentine's Day	80
		$2.99: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (Universal)
		From the app description: "It's Valentine's Day and Biscuit and the little girl have a lot of special deliveries to make. But when that silly puppy smells a treat, he just can't help himself! How will the little girl show Biscuit how much she loves him? Biscuit has been a bestselling family classic for fifteen years, with more than 16 million copies in print. With animations and sound effects on every page, this sweet and warm-hearted story is fun for children of all ages." Check out a quote from Digital Storytime: "Overall, this is a delightful holiday title, perfect for reading and playing as a Valentine's Day treat. Little biscuit is a cute character in this lovingly illustrated series. These books are well-written and have a reading level perfect for Kindergarten through 2nd grade. Toddlers and preschoolers will also enjoy this title with narration. Recommended" (February 8, 2012). Here is another quote. PadGadget says: "Biscuit’s Valentine’s Day is a charming addition to the digital library of any family with a developing reader" (January 31, 2012).

I believe technology can make learning much more interactive and dynamic and this week's Best iPhone and iPad App for Kids, LetterSchool, aims to do just that by injecting fun into learning the basic ABCs and 123s. With a 92 AppScore, LetterSchool is both an education app and a game that scores well with the critics. The app turns learning letters, numbers, counting, writing and phonics into four kids games per letter and number. Kids are first introduced to the letter's or number's name and sound, then tap to connect the dots helping learn the shape, next trace the letters and numbers to reinforce it further and finally try to write the letters and numbers from memory. For the price of $2.99 it looks like a great app to pick up and teach your children the fundamentals of the alphabet and numbers. The professional reviews certainly indicate it's a high quality app. But if your unsure, the app also comes in a lite version if you want to try it out first: LetterSchool Lite. What's your opinion? Let us know below.

As always our AppScore rankings are based on aggregating independent professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		LetterSchool	92
		$2.99: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (Universal)
		From the app description: "An amazing, intuitive game to learn all about letters and numbers: writing, counting, phonics and more." Check out a quote from BestAppsForKids: "Bottom-line: LetterSchool is a great tool for teaching young children the proper handwriting technique, but also can be fun for older kids who may need some practice on their technique" (January 6, 2012). Here is another quote from Smart Apps For Kids: "One thing there is not a shortage of in the app store is letter apps. Is this one any better than the others you may already have? Almost certainly. The step-by-step focus, cute animations, and ability to choose handwriting style make this app a great choice" (April 4, 2012).

		LetterSchool Lite	XX
		Free: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (Universal)
		Free version of the app.

I think there are classic books and authors that every child should read growing up. Their books are like rites of passage. Some authors that come to mind are Roald Dahl, Judy Blume and A.A. Milne. Dr. Seuss is probably the author at the top of the childhood reading heap so I was excited to find The Shape of Me and Other Stuff - Dr. Seuss and feature it as this week's Best iOS App for Kids. The app is an educational ebook / app with a 93 AppScore that teaches kids about shapes and words through the rhymes of Dr. Seuss. In the app kids are encouraged to think about shapes of objects in the world such as a beds, balloon or a bike. The Shape of Me and Other Stuff - Dr. Seuss promotes reading by highlighting words for a child to repeat and offers three different ways to read the book: "read it myself", "read to me" or "auto-play". The app is also ideal for kids ages 2-6. I think for the price of $3.99, it's a great app to pick up and enjoy with your kids and take a walk down memory lane. Read more about the app below and let us know what your favorite Dr. Seuss book is.

As always our AppScore rankings are based on aggregating independent professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		The Shape of Me and Other Stuff - Dr. Seuss	93
		$3.99: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (Universal)
		From the app description: "Learn new shapes and words in this wacky, eccentric exploration of silhouettes and Seussian rhymes – perfect for beginner readers! Children are encouraged to seek out details and ponder unique shapes like "the shape of beans and big machines" or "the shapes of ships and water when it drips!" Kids will love the silly rhymes and funny images, and parents will appreciate this original take on the largely untapped world of shapes." Check out a quote from Digital Storytime: "Overall this is an exceptional book, especially for encouraging a visual focus not unlike the one children need to make for word-shape identification. The range of things to find is expansive, too, including dozens and dozens of items, like a backdoor key, beans spilling off a fork, campfire smoke and even a Seussical looking machine. It definitely goes way beyond the typical early reader full of geometric shapes. Of course, we'd expect nothing less from Dr. Seuss! Highly Recommended" (June 22, 2012). Here is another quote from BestAppsForKids: "The Shape of Me and Other Stuff is another Dr. Seuss gem. The app is consistent with other Oceanhouse Media Dr. Seuss apps; well done and reasonably priced" (May 11, 2012).

Two of my favorite subjects growing up were history and science. I loved learning about the evolution and history of the world. It was almost magical which I guess is ironic since magic is the exact opposite of the science of evolution. Anyway, I am excited to highlight Back in Time as this week's Best iPad App for Kids as it speaks to this part of my childhood (note: this app was briefly listed in las year's Best Apps for Earth Day lineup and I felt it was worth a closer look). The app is an educational ebook app with a 95 AppScore that teaches and takes kids on a journey through the history of the earth, civilization, life and universe. Back in Time takes you through major events in history through facts, images, animations and timelines. A cool feature of the app is the clock that simulates in 24 hours the conception of the earth to modern day. The clock puts into perspective how major events in our world's evolution are related and connected. This is definitely another app that I wish I had when I was kid, it would have made learning that much more fun and interactive. I also wonder if this app could be used as a great teaching aid in today's classrooms. The iPad app is $7.99 and there is also an iPhone version for $4.99 (Back in Time for iPhone). It would be nice to see a universal version, but I like the concept enough to overlook that as it's not going to break the bank and developers do deserve to earn a living from their hard work. If you decide to pick up the app, leave us a message in the comments below with your thoughts!

As always our AppScore rankings are based on aggregating independent professional review scores from around the web. Click on an app's name to see all the professional reviews.

		Back in Time	95
		$7.99: iPad
		From the app description: "Back in Time will take you on a stunning exploration of the history of our Universe, Earth, Life and Civilization. A journey through time where each event is documented with social and historical context, several images, an illustrative timeline and little-known interesting facts. Custom made animations bring those events to life, creating an interesting, immersive learning experience. An imaginary clock will guide you through this quest, proposing a simple analogy: the entire Universe started 24 hours ago. The Big Bang, the source of time and space, is the first event in our journey – the clock reads 0:00 hours. Today, 13.7 billion years later, the clock reads midnight. In between is a sequence of key events that has brought us to where we are today. Explore them, place them in perspective, see how they relate and understand the connections." Check out a quote from PadGadget: "Any reader who enjoys learning about science will find Back in Time a solid addition to his iPad library. While some of the information might be too challenging for kids younger than 10, the app may provide a chance for parents to explore the book with children who aren’t ready to read it on their own yet" (January 27, 2012). Here is another quote from Touch Reviews: "If you are looking for a beautiful iPad app to engage you and your family and show off the beauty of your iPad then Back in Time by Landka is a great place to start" (December 27, 2011).

		Back in Time for iPhone	XX
		$4.99: iPhone
		iPhone version of the app.