I loved books as a child. I would go to the library and take out stacks of them and then fall asleep surrounded by them. These days, I still love books, but enjoy them on my iPad. And, I’ve been known to fall asleep the same way, being an inveterate night owl, surrounded by stories I love.
So, when I got the opportunity to review Oz for iPad, an interactive pop-up storybook, I was very much intrigued. I still have fond memories of pop-up books with trees and monsters that seemed more real at the time than images on a page.
Oz for iPad is very easy to download and install on your iPad.
Released June 20, 2012, Oz for iPad is now on sale at the App Store for only $1.99!
One thing I noticed right away was the beautiful and detailed 3D illustrations. I loved that you could interact with the story by simply touching the screen. Tornadoes spun; birds squawked; and I could even see a whole group of munchkins at the door by simply tilting the iPad.
Along with the beautiful illustrations is a narration. I read this with my nephew and he loved playing with the screen as the story unfolded. What I thought was really fantastic was that I could leave him with it and come back, and he had no problem at all touching the screen to keep the story (which is broken down into chapters) moving right along. It’s something he could experience all by himself and play with for hours on end.
I think that this is a great tool to foster online education. It provides enough interest to capture any young imagination and keep children reading until the end. Every time they read the book, the experience will be different, as it benefits greatly from user interaction.
When I was little, my Mom said I would always ask her why this and what was this word or that. One day while reading to me, she had to take an important call, and that was the day I learned to read. My curiosity knew no bounds and I wanted to know what happened next!
Nowadays our children are digitally-inclined, and what better way to engage them than with this one of a kind experience. The illustrations are incredibly vibrant and come alive as you can see a bit of with these screenshots. As you tilt the iPad screen, you bring more of the 3D landscape into view.
We loved the scarecrow, the tin man, the cowardly lion, the good and bad witches and the flying monkeys. What a treat! And, the ending, well, I’m not going to give that away but it is very very cool.
So, check out Oz for iPad at the App Store today!
The Rebel Chick says
What a fun book!
Tom Shewbridge says
I love this story, great article, thanks for sharing!
Jenn says
Looks like something Sweet T would love to look at on grandma’s ipad. Thanks for sharing!
Theresa says
Sounds like a cute book for kids!
Rebekah says
I loved pop up books as a child too. This digital version looks like a lot of fun and cheap as well.
AmberFaith says
Wow, it looks like a very neat book! I like that it is sold at a reasonable price, as well!
Kathleen says
This sounds really cool!
Tricia Nightowlmama says
the wizard of oz is one of my favorite stories
Toni Patton says
Sounds very cool. I’ll have to check it out.
buttmuffin (jules mcnubbin) says
thats really cool!
Rachael says
What a sweet book!
Rachael says
What a sweet book!
tannawings says
I really like how many things are 3D now- who would have thought Wizard of Oz would once again come to life? One of my faborite books- nice review- thank you!
tat2gurlzrock says
Thanks for sharing!
Doodle741 says
Awesome! I’ll have to look into it for C!
christine says
Sounds like a great book for kids. My kids would would love it.
MomStart (Ashley) says
Ugh. Another reason I wish I had an iPad. ๐ Love interactive stories.
Carl Mizell says
What a great review.
Margaret says
The Wizard of Oz is my all time favorite movie. I used to force my granddaughter to watch it everytime she spent the night. She would say “Lets watch wizard in the box Nanas” Good times!
Diane says
Great story!! Thanks for sharing!!
nutmeg237 says
I love the Wizard of Oz _ what a wonderful way to share a classic novel with your children.
lifeonprint says
Love this! This is a must have!! Thank you so much for letting me know about this, going to download it now!
My3Sons33 says
Pop-up books have always been a favorite with my boys. I’m sure any child would love this app. Thanks for the elaborate review.
Tammy says
My daughter has discovered this movie, and loves it.
Stefanie says
Cool..I will check it out.
Jodi says
That is pretty cool! I love the illustrations!
Rachel says
Oh, wow! My kids would love this.
Emily says
Looks like a great app!
Billie says
How neat, thanks for sharing.
Jennifer (Double Duty Mommy) says
what a great app. I wish they had it for the iPhone or Android
Kelly says
That book looks awesome. Now I need to get an ipad.
Connie Ott says
I love WOZ and can’t wait for Disney’s new movie! Cute book!
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
OH my goodness, I am loving this! I wish I had an iPad so I could get a really close look.
Donna says
Checking it out in a few. Love pop-up books!
Ty W. says
Sounds awesome!
Notorious Spinks says
I bet the kids will love this!
Tammy says
I love that book.
Simply Being Mommy says
This looks like a fun book.
Zippy says
What great illustrations.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
ONe day I’ll get an iPad!
Notorious Spinks says
Looks great!
That Bald Chick says
Wish I had an iPad.
Charlotte Raynor :-) says
The Oz for iPad sounds absolutely fabulous. It sounds like so much fun, even for an adult. lol I might have to check out the app for myself. Thanks for the great review!
Julie W says
This looks like a fun book ๐ I’ll have to look it up ๐
farmermomwife at yahoo dot com
jopb says
This sounds like a great book for kids and perhaps even for an adult like me!
Robin O says
Oz is such a great story! It’s cool how technology can enhance the reading experience. Thanks for sharing!