iTunes App Review: “Toy Story Showtime!”

Toy Story Showtime! – Disney Publishing Worldwide Applications

Updated: February 4, 2012

ABOUT THE APP:

“Toy Story Showtime!” is a Disney Learning interactive storybook designed to help children explore essential early reading concepts. Kids are invited to join Buzz Lightyear as he sets out to impress Jessie the Cowgirl in the talent show. As Buzz tries his luck at everything from comedy to juggling, emerging readers discover new vocabulary words in the context of a rich, interactive storytelling experience. Bonus activities encourage children to use the vocabulary in both guided and exploratory play.

FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS

• Age-appropriate sight word vocabulary is explored through storytelling and interactivity.
• Advanced vocabulary is introduced through context, supported by art and animation, and reinforced through repetition. Tap story vocabulary words for age-appropriate definitions.
• Narration with word-by-word highlights supports the read-along experience.
• Special feature taps indicated by a yellow glow engage and surprise young readers. Find and tap the pea; tilt, trace, and shake to trigger Buzz’s moves; shake to toss roses on the stage, and much more!
• End of book activities provide extended practice with early-learning concepts.
• Info Page offers story extension activities for parents and caregivers.

Recommended for children ages 4-6.

MY THOUGHTS:

First off the animation in this app is amazing!  It felt like the real Toy Story movie come to life.  The app is a reading app perfect for young kids.  It reads the story and kids can interact with special features on the pages.  I like the new vocabulary words used where you can tap the words to hear the definition.  My boys loved being able to tap around, tilt, shake and trace to make Buzz move!  There are two somewhat games at the end that are a great addition to the app.  The first is like a Simon game where you have to click the certain movements for Buzz to do as it is said and the color flashes.  The second game has kids pick the correct letter to fill in the blank.

Overall, this Toy Story app was a hit with my 3 and 5 year old boys.  They had no problem navigating around and I love the interaction.

BUY IT: You can download Toy Story Showtime! – Disney Publishing Worldwide Applications for your iPad for $4.99.

Mom and More Disclosure: I received this app to review in exchange for my honest opinion. Please see my Disclosure Policy.