Katie Loves Everybody Together
Review & Giveaway
Developer: PicPocket Books
Review
Some stories can be a great help for preparing children for life’s ups and downs, for example new babies, visits to the hospital, even a topic as sensitive as death. This kind of life story can help to provide vocabulary for children to express their feelings, and are a great starting point for discussion. They can also let children know that they are not alone. Katie Loves Everybody Together by Annie Monique Chalifoux is one of those stories. It is the story of how a family copes with separation as seen through the eyes of Katie, their little girl.
The story starts with the family together, but as the story progresses, Katie sees her parents are unhappy. Katie is worried and blames herself, but her parents realise and talk things through. Finally Katie’s father moves into a new home and the story looks at how Katie adjusts to living in two homes. The message throughout the story is one of love and respect, as both parents guide their children through this major change in their lives. The child’s fears and concerns are dealt with, and we see her happily living her life in two homes.
Features
- Easy navigation – swipe pages to move through the story.
- Audio can be turned off for those who wish to read aloud themselves or to read silently.
- Text is highlighted as spoken. This feature is supportive of emergent readers who are reading along with the narration.
- Beautiful illustrations – The story is beautifully illustrated by Jennifer Kalis.
- “Hidden Sounds” – Sounds from the environment, such as birds chirping or a child giggling, are “hidden” in each illustration.
- The expressive narration by Allison Cohen is well-paced.
- No external links to websites, social media or advertising. This is a safe app for children.
Verdict
Normally when I review eBooks, I look at features that are supportive of emergent readers, for example I’d love to see an option to replay narration on each page, and I’d like to be able to click on individual words to hear them spoken aloud. While I’d still like to see these features, in this case these supportive features are not as important as the message of story.
Katie Loves Everybody Together is a story that is aimed at a wide range of children, including toddlers, and it might be a great help for young children in Katie’s position.
Description:
Katie Loves Everybody Together!
Written by Annie Monique Chalifoux, illustrated by Jennifer Kalis
Overview:
Katie Loves Everybody Together! shares how one family dealt with their marital separation. Written in the voice of two-year-old Katie, this story captures the innocent reactions and pure emotions experienced by toddlers and young children during divorce. See how one family worked together to create a positive transition.
“Katie Loves Everybody Together! is a great way to introduce young children to separation and divorce in a positive way.” -Dr. John Gray, author of the New York Times #1 Best-Selling Book, MEN ARE FROM MARS, WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS
“This books is a must read for any family going through a transition. Annie Chalifoux masterfully and loving portrays the challenge of divorce through the eyes of a child and I am confident that this story will empower young readers to release any sense f self blame when a family transitions.” -Susan Sly, Author of the highly acclaimed Have it All Woman
About this App:
PicPocket Books brings quality children’s picture book literature to digital media. Now, children can enjoy their favorites stories on-the-go, even when they do not have a physical book to read.
This interactive CHILDREN’S STORYBOOK app promotes EARLY LEARNING and helps your children develop READING skills by connecting the audio words and sounds with the written word on the page.
PicPocket Books offer a unique and new experience, combining the beauty of quality picture books with audio recordings and interactive visual text. This combination enables independent enjoyment for children regardless of reading level, subtle support for early readers, and nostalgic fun for adults.
Whether standing in a grocery line, taking a car trip, or waiting in a doctor’s office, PicPocket Books provide personal, interactive story experiences. The books can be downloaded with one click or tap, and provide educational and entertainment value to children and adults alike.
Your PicPocket Book is a perfect complement to regular story time with parents or grandparents, and a gentle alternative to flashy, fast-paced digital media time.
Benefits:
high fidelity, full-color illustrations that stay true to the original print book
high quality audio recording
Animated details to support the storyline
audio surprises for an added dimension of discovery
turn pages with an easy swipe
Parents, take notice. This App:
– Does not includes analytics.
– Does not collect or share any personal data.
– Does not contain any ads.
– Does not contain any In App Purchases.
– Does not contain Social Network Integration.
– Links to the iTunes App Store for the option to see other family-friendly, educational apps from PicPocket Books and KidsMathFun.
Language: English
PicPocket Books is a member of Moms with Apps, a collaborative group of family-friendly developers seeking to promote quality apps for kids and families.
Recommended Ages: 1-3, 3-6
Subject: BOOK, READING
Specifications:
Category: Books
Released: 03 January 2013
Version: 6.0
Language: English
Requirements: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 6.0 or later.
Links:
Website: PicPocket Books
Facebook Page: PicPocket Books
Twitter: @PicPocketBooks
You Tube: PicPocket Books
Pinterest: PicPocket Books
Author’s website: Two Houses Club
Author’s Facebook: The Two Houses Club Inc. – Stories of Kate and Matty
iPad: Katie Loves Everybody Together HD
iPhone: Katie Loves Everybody Together
Cost: $1.99
Giveaway:
We have a Rafflecopter giveaway until March 15, 2013
The Appy Ladies 
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