The Matter of App Awards!

I'm excited to present to you the very first A Matter of App Awards! I started this blog partially because people would ask me to recommend apps and I just didn't know. But now, here are my answers. While I've not reviewed a terribly large number of apps here, I've also been reviewing for YogiPlay and Common Sense Media. So all together, I've officially reviewed a few hundred apps in less than a year! That may not make in a dent in the grand scheme of the app world, but I think it's not too shabby for one person. With the knowledge that I've probably missed out on many great apps, here's what I've loved so far...

E-books

Best become part of the story experience:

• Even MonstersGet Sick –Busy Bee Studios
• Teddy’s Day – Auryn Inc.
• Little MonsterAt School - Wanderful
• Moo, Baa, La LaLa! – Loud Crow Interactive

Best overload of literacy-focused features

• Ice is Nice!All About the North and South Poles  – Oceanhouse Media

Most gorgeous and inspiring book about books:

• The FantasticFlying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore – Moonbot Studios LA

Literacy

Best apps for direct instruction of phonics:

• Starfall ABC’s– Starfall Education
• Alphatots (updated since my review) - Spinlight Studio
• Reading Raven – Early Ascent, LLC

Best taking it to the next level for comprehension

• Wubbzy’s PirateTreasure – GoodTalkApps

Best app for learning vocabulary in context:

• Beck and Bo – React-In

Math

Best math app with a focus on concept:

• Motion MathWings – Motion Math

Best think about math in a different way:

• Numbers League – Bent Castle Software

Art and Music

Best virtual piano lesson:

• Juno’s Piano – The Juno Company

Best adaptation of a song and turning it into so much more:

• Itsy BitsySpider – Duck Duck Moose

Inspiration:

Best apps that inspire you rethink what an app can be:

• Makego – Cowly Owl Ltd.
• AlienAssignment – Fred Rogers Center at Saint Vincent College

Best inspriation be a good teacher by providing the support and feedback needed:

• Team Umizoomi - Nickelodeon
• Starfall Learnto Read – Starfall Education

Best inspiration for kids to say, “When I grow up, I want to be a…”

• Toca Doctor – Toca Boca
• AC Cretaceous Dinosaur – Cognitive Kid
• Sid’s ScienceFair – PBS Kids

Best inspiration for family fun:

• Doodlecast – zinc Roe
• Out-A-Bout - Fred Rogers Center at Saint Vincent College

Best inspiration for those know-it-alls:

• Barefoot WorldAtlas – Touch Press

Best inspiration to take any topic and make it educational:

• Why Kids Poo – KTH

Best Parent Center within an app:

• iLearn with… series: Tribal Nova
• Mermaid Waters – Stickery PTE. LTD.

Just For Fun:

The Cuteness Factor Award:

• Toca Band (come on, Mr. Whizzle Whiz, Shaky McBones and gang have their own music video…)

Best kids app that adults probably secretly love:

• Millie WasHere, Book 1: Meet Millie – Megapops LLC

Best upgrade of the “Where’s Waldo” game:

• Pictureka! – Electronic Arts
• Haunted Manor:Lord of Mirrors – Big Fish Games, Inc.

Best combo of things you probably love:

• LEGO HarryPotter – Warner Bros. Entertainment

**Note these are all iTunes links, but some of these also have android versions.

       ENJOY!