JustKidsApps has just released Heidi story collection - 3 in 1 a top iPad storybook which combines all three part of the timeless classic Heidi originally written by well-known Johanna Spyri author of children's stories and first published in 1880 and now adapted to the iPad. Heidi is the story of a little girl who charms all (or at least most!) of those around her. Heidi was first published over an130 years ago ... and since then has been working its magic with children and parents! If you already have the previous versions of this beautiful storybook app, make sure to update as this brand new version still have all the stunning illustrations ... but the complete text has been rewritten and adapted by the Deanne Shoyer. Read the story! And ... If you don't have it yet make sure to download now ... It is on sale for only 2.99 USD (RRP- 8.99)
By Deanne Shoyer
As someone who grew up in Europe, I don't remember a time when I didn't know Heidi's story. My mother had given me the copy of the book she had as a child which I re-read many times, so when Katrin asked me if I was interested in updating the text of her app versions of Heidi, I jumped at the chance. She and I embarked on a journey that has taken us all summer to complete. She has completely overhauled the apps - only the beautiful and unique illustrations by Diana Kizlauskas have remained the same.
In discussing the update, we agreed we wanted the apps to be true to the story, good value for money, educational and fun. Well, in terms of value for money and fun educational content, when you buy a Heidi app you get:
- Two versions of the story. The first is told from Heidi's viewpoint and the text is highlighted when read to support the development of younger children's reading skills.
- The second version is longer but also narrated which, together with the illustrations and other extras, is specifically designed to encourage reluctant older readers.
- Both stories are available in English, German and Swiss-German.
- All the characters speak on every page when tapped - professional voice actors were used for all the speaking parts.
- There are interactive elements on each page as well, so you get to hear what marmots, goats and birds of prey sound like, for instance.
A lot of work went into the extras - there are quizzes so parents or teachers can check reading comprehension, information about where Heidi lived as well as details about Swiss food, flowers and fauna amongst lots of other things. We also threw in some jokes and fun Swiss facts.
Unlike Katrin and myself, there are many people in North America who haven't heard of Heidi. Maybe their grandparents remember the film version starring Shirley Temple, but the story didn't loom large in the childhoods of most of the people I know, so they simply don't have the same emotional connection with the story. To them it's a 19th century Swiss book - what could possibly be relevant about that? The challenge I set myself was to create a version of the story that preserved the themes and characters I loved but that would also make it interesting and appealing to new readers.
Heidi is such a feisty, honest, caring and fun-loving character, so one way of bridging the 130 year gap from the time the book was written until now was to tell the story from Heidi's perspective. After all, there's an awful lot about six year old girls that doesn't change! (They still talk a lot!) I also tried to bring out the themes in the book that I believe still resonate strongly with people today - the importance of place, family, friendship and loyalty. I hope people feel we've succeeded.
Now, it's the time to discover this European timeless classic and let the world know about the new adapted version of Heidi's story.
Heidi Story 3-in1 is available for download via the iTunes App Store .... iPad App ... On sale for a limited time only!
Note: Buying the collection is cheaper than buying the other parts separately, but at 380MB, the app is a large one! If you prefer to get each title individually (On sale at 1.99 USD - RRP: 4.99)
Heidi Part I - Heidi on the Alp - JustKidsApps - Katrin Draemann Barothy - Free today Monday 17 Sept.!
Heidi Part II - Heidi in Frankfurt - JustKidsApps - Katrin Draemann Barothyt (Read fun Educational Apps Review)
Part III - Heidi and Klara - JustKidsApps - Katrin Draemann Barothy
About Deanne: She is the mother of 6 year-old twin boys who are both on the autism spectrum. You can read more about her and her children on her blog, smallbutkindamighty.com. She also reviews apps for smartappsforkids.com.
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