Storybook Rhymes Volume 2 app review: learn through rhyming

Introduction

Helping kids learn to read can be an incredibly rewarding experience but it can also be very frustrating for little ones who are having a hard time. The Storybook Rhymes Volume 2 app is a great way to combine fun, song, and interactive with education so that the process of learning is a positive experience and will encourage them to keep trying.

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Rhymes Plus More

It’s important to note that this app is completely free to use and you’re provided with two activities which are Row, Row, Row Your Boat and The Animal Fair. However, where this app can really thrill kids is if you use it with the Apptivity Storybook Reader, also from Fisher-Price. I didn't test the app with this product but according to the developer when it's used with the reader, kids will have even more interactive features to enjoy.

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So let’s get back to the features found in this free version. Launch this app and you will be taken to the main menu that uses picture icons so kids can easily pick which activity they want to do. No matter what they pick they can choose to read and sing or read and play.

In read and sing mode the narrator sings the words as they are each highlighted so kids can sing along. This is best for younger kids who haven’t yet learned to read. Kids will flip the page using their finger just as they would a real book. The app is incredibly intuitive so even small fingers will have no problems with the pages. The fact that it highlights the words as they are spoken help with word recognition. The narrator alerts kids when it’s time to turn the page in read and play mode and again the words are highlighted to help them out.

 

Not all Roses

I wish I could say the app was all roses and wonderful but I felt it was lacking a bit. Now obviously I didn’t use the Apptivity reader so maybe with that it would be an entirely different and better experience. As a stand-alone app this one is mediocre at best, I’m afraid. There just isn’t enough to keep kids happy and entertained for long. I also can’t imagine them coming back to this app time and time again.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

• Kid-friendly and very intuitive
• Fun narration
• Helps with word recognition as each word is highlighted
• Offers two different modes of play/learning
• Ideal for kids three years and older

 

Cons

• Not enough variety/activities to keep kids coming back for more
• Even though the app is meant for kids it feels a bit young even for them

 

Final Thoughts

While there are some cute features of the Storybook Rhymes Volume 2 app I don’t feel there are enough to keep kids entertained again and again. They need to want to come back to the app if there is any chance it’s going to help them with learning to read and recognize words.