Ruckus Media Group iPhone/iPad Apps for Children – Review and Giveaway!

RUCKUSMOBILEMEDIAFINALLOGOIf you’re a regular reader of AYMB, then you already know how much I appreciate kid-friendly iPhone apps for my toddler.  The use of educational yet entertaining iPhone applications for children can be such a fantastic teaching tool and I strongly believe in their value. It goes without saying that I’m always on the lookout for great new apps, which is why I was very excited when Ruckus Media Group contacted me about reviewing a few of their new story apps for children.

Ruckus Media Group, a global mobile family entertainment company, has just released it’s first animated children’s story applications for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. These classic stories include:

Tom Thumb and the Knights of the Round Table, told by John Cleese, illustrated by Tim Gabor, music by Elvis Costello

The Velveteen Rabbit, told by Meryl Streep, illustrated by Dave Jorgenson, music by George Winston

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The Velveteen Rabbit (image courtesy of Ruckus Media Group)

Johnny Appleseed, told by Garrison Keillor, illustrated by Stan Olson, music by Mark O’Connor

Pecos Bill, told by Robin Williams, illustrated by Tim Raglin, music by Ry Cooder

John Henry, told by Denzel Washington, illustrated by Barry Jackson, music by B.B. King

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Pecos Bill (image courtesy of Ruckus Media Group)

I was given the opportunity to sample The Velveteen Rabbit, as told by Meryl Streep, and Pecos Bill, as told by Robin Williams. With all five story apps, you have the option to watch the video narrated by the actors, read the story yourself, or even read and record the story.

The Velveteen Rabbit

Meryl Streep is one of my favorite actresses and to hear her dramatization of The Velveteen Rabbit story was an absolute pleasure. In a lilting British accent, Ms. Streep brings a wonderful tone to this classic story. The images, drawn by Dave Jorgensen, were visually stunning and rich and the music by George Winston was soothingly gorgeous. The story is the perfect way to end a day and calm a child for sleep. It’s also the perfect story app to have in time for the upcoming holiday season.

Pecos Bill

The story of Pecos Bill was brilliantly brought to life by comedian/actor Robin Williams. As only Mr. Williams can do, his characterization of Pecos Bill and the other storyline characters is perfect blend of comedic entertainment and riveting storytelling.  The Pecos Bill images, drawn by  Tim Raglin, are beautifully detailed and the accompanied music by Ry Cooder is a wonderful complement to the storyline.

My toddler and I were both transfixed during these videos and then enjoyed reading the stories on our own. Reading through the story on your own might pale in comparison to the storytelling talent of these consummate actors and performers, but it’s also a wonderful way to enjoy these classic stories. At $3.99 for each app, these stories are so delightful that I plan to download all five apps to enjoy with my child for years to come.  The best part is, as long as you have your iPhone or iPad handy, you’ll always have access to them.

Please note that in order to download these apps to your iPhone, your phone must be updated to the 3.2 version or 4.0 version.

Give-Away!

Ruckus Media Group has graciously offered all five apps for a give-away! To enter the give-away, please leave a comment below. For additional entries, you may subscribe to AYMB, follow AYMB on twitter, follow Ruckus Media Group on twitter, and post a tweet about this review and give-away. Please make sure to leave an additional comment for every a point of entry you complete.

I will select 5 winners on Thursday, November 4th using www.random.org.

Good luck!

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Disclaimer: I was not compensated by Ruckus Media Group for this review or give-away. I was, however, given two apps to review. This review is based on my own experience with the applications and was not influenced by any free product I received.