Children’s books are known for their beautiful illustrations, with pages full of bright colors and descriptive pictures. The illustrations are key to keeping a child engaged in the story. Many may wonder if a child can get as much from an e-book as a book. The answer is yes, they can get just as much and more through reading books on an iPad. Not only can they read the story, but they can also interact with the book, making the story even more appealing. Deciding which children’s books to buy for an iPad or tablet can be a daunting task. Here are 15 children’s books that are best read on an iPad:
How Rocket Learned to Read
Written and illustrated by Tad Hills
Happy Hippo, Angry Duck
Written and illustrated by Sandra Boynton
Happy Hippo, Angry Duck is a colorful book by bestselling children’s author and illustrator Sandra Boynton. The book provides a lesson on emotions through Boynton’s signature cartoon animals. From excited to confused, Happy Hippo, Angry Duck covers every mood children—and grown-ups—may feel. Boynton is famous for her board books, but children will enjoy seeing their favorite characters in this brightly colored and easy-to-read e-book version.
The Story of Fish and Snail
Written and illustrated by Deborah Freedman
Fish is adventurous, but Snail…not so much. Every day Snail waits for Fish to come home with a new story to tell. However, Fish’s latest findings are too good to just tell: he wants Snail to see it all for himself. The Story of Fish and Snail is a heartwarming tale of friendship and bravery. With a three-dimensional feel, the visually appealing elements aren’t lost in the tablet version of this book. The e-book comes with a handy “double tap” tool to enlarge the text, making it easier to read on an iPad.
Llama Llama and the Bully Goat
Written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney
Author and illustrator Anna Dewdney once again brings her classic cartoon characters to life in her latest book, Llama Llama and the Bully Goat. The e-book version of this fun-loving story has the bright and colorful illustrations by Dewdney that children have grown to know and love, and offers an important lesson. Additionally, the text is larger and easier to read on an iPad. This Llama Llama story gives little ones a gentle example of how to handle the sensitive situation of bullying.
The Day the Crayons Quit
Written by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
Duncan is excited about coloring, but when he opens the box all he finds is a stack of letters…from the crayons that have had enough. Red is overworked, Grey is tired of coloring all of the big animals like elephants and hippos, and Yellow and Orange aren’t speaking. They have all quit. The Day the Crayons Quit brings the crayons to life and the story is certain to make anyone giggle. The electronic version includes a double-tap tool giving readers the opportunity to enlarge the text on the iPad. The imagery is as bright and colorful as the hardback book edition. The colorful ending will bring a smile to the faces of children and adults alike.
The Dark
Written by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Jon Klassen
Author Lemony Snicket and illustrator Jon Klassen take on a common childhood fear in The Dark. The book addresses the fear of the dark, which is a subject not often found in children’s books. Through intriguing illustrations and personification of the dark itself, the e-book provides a creative outlet, teaching children how to gain power over their fear.
Dragons Love Tacos
Written by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
Dragons Love Tacos, but not spicy salsa. This clever children’s book tells a tale of the dragons’ love for tacos; however, it strongly warns against feeding them spicy salsa. The silly pictures of dragons eating tacos and the little boy burying the salsa in the backyard are sure to bring a smile to any child, both young and young-at-heart.
Who Stole the Moon?
Written by Helen Stratton-Would, illustrated by Vlad Gerasimov
Who Stole the Moon is a beautifully illustrated e-book that includes four games and eight songs. The story is about a little boy named Bertie who loves staring at the stars and moon, but one night the moon is missing. Bertie becomes a detective searching for Who Stole the Moon. This e-book is sure to bring sweet dreams to little ones at bedtime.
Ladybug Girl
By David Soman and Jacky Davis
Ladybug Girl always knows how to put her imagination to work and have fun, even on the most boring of days. The e-book version of the New York Times bestseller adds more excitement to the book by allowing children to interact. Little readers can play with the leaves, build a fort, or hear the birds sing. Additionally, this book includes a fun dress-up game for kids to enjoy.
Written and illustrated by David Wiesner
Tuesday is a beautifully illustrated picture book by three-time Caldecott Medal winner David Wiesner. The book begins with “Tuesday evening, around eight.” The following pages show intricately illustrated frogs soaring around on lily pads taunting birds and surprising unsuspecting, late-night snack eaters. The e-book version of Wiesner’s classic illustrations encourages children to use their imagination and make up the story as it goes along.
Mr. Tiger Goes Wild
Written and illustrated by Peter Brown
Mr. Tiger Goes Wild is the story of a tiger who is tired of being proper all of the time, so he gets a very wild idea to be himself. The magnificent artwork in the e-book version of this picture book allows children to see the transformation of Mr. Tiger, as it is developed through the illustrations from muted gray coloring to highlights of bright orange. The story includes a moral for children to accept uniqueness in themselves and others.
The Mischievians
Written and illustrated by William Joyce
The Mischievians tells a hilarious tale of an ancient race of mischief-makers responsible for all the weird things that happen every day and that are never our fault. Intricate, descriptive illustrations show the truth behind who is really responsible for missing socks, strange smells and the disappearing remote control. When reading this book on an iPad, readers will enjoy the vibrant colors and appreciate the double-tap tool to enlarge text. This fun book will have children laughing and responding to the story with how the Mischievians must have been the culprit when their homework disappeared.
Flotsam
Written and illustrated by David Wiesner
Another award-winning picture book by David Wiesner to inspire the imagination of young children. The illustrations in Flotsam depict a boy, intrigued by science, looking for treasures along the beach. First, he finds a couple of crabs to closely inspect with his magnifying glass, then when he’s suddenly struck by a wave, he notices a barnacle-covered camera washed up alongside him on the beach. He has the film developed and the exciting journey begins as he discovers pictures of puffer-fish hot air balloons and dancing starfish. The book has a bit of a surprise ending, allowing the imaginations of little readers to run wild. Wiesner’s beautiful illustrations seem to come alive on the screen of an iPad in the electronic version of the picture book.
Love You Forever
Written by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Sheila McGraw
Love You Forever is a classic children’s book about a mother’s unconditional love for her son. The heartwarming story will bring comfort to children and a tear to the eyes of parents. The e-book version of the unforgettable children’s book doesn’t disappoint as it is complete with the colorful and descriptive illustrations that tell the story in a beautiful way.
Wherever You Are: My love will find you
Written and illustrated by Nancy Tillman
Wherever You Are: my love will find you is a beautiful book telling of the love a parent sends with a child throughout their life’s journey. The descriptive illustrations and gentle rhyming words perfectly depict the plot of the book, which is to show children that they are always loved, wherever they may go. The electronic version of this classic is one to have in your iPad e-book library.
