As I review many children’s interactive apps, it is a refreshing surprise and thrill to review the app, Gary’s Place. Written by Rick Walton and illustrated by Will Terry, the app is pure delight.  The story is about Gary a gopher that lives with his parents in a small borough. Unhappy with his small crowded environment, he decides he will move out on his own.The adventure is easy to read or can be read to a child.  The interactions are at a minimal so as not to detract from the reading experience, but the thing I like best about the app is the flow through and the way the pages/scenes change. I have never seen that approach used before and it was very entertaining.

This is a simple storybook app written for young children.  There are no add-ons or other activities like in many other children’s apps and although it might be a meaningful addition to have a learning activity, it certainly stands well on its own without it.  As for the story line, as an educator I think it takes a fatalistic approach to following your dreams so for that reason I give it a rating of 4 stars, but I would give it 5 stars if it had a more upbeat ending.  The illustration and the development of the app by Will Terry are amazing.

My rating:**** 4 stars

Category:  Books

Language:  English

Price: $2.99

Compatibility: Requires iOS 5.1 or later. Compatible with iPad.

Jan Watford
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Jan Watford

Manager at JCW Prism LLC
artist, author, illustrator
Jan Watford
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