Website Review: Curious Critters Club

CURIOUS CRITTERS CLUB is a set of technology resources focusing on the quest for fictional creatures.

This technology-rich project includes a website, apps, and interactive books. Users participate in a mission to help scientists find new creatures. Participants become members of the Curious Critters Club and explore a world filled with 25 fictional characters. The website is available in both English and French. An app involves users in an augmented reality adventure. Two interactive story apps are also available including CALL OF THE GIANT EAGLE and THE MYSTERY OF THE CADDY.

Librarians will find the website an engaging way to introduce fictional creatures to children. Involve youth in writing about the characters and creating their own. Use the resources to tie storytelling with mythology and cultures from around the world.

To learn more, go to http://curiouscrittersclub.com/en/experience.

Website Review: Fraboom

FRABOOM is an interactive, online children’s museum for ages six through twelve.

The Map section of the website leads to each area of the website such as The Mouth, Drawing Academy, Bugs, and more. Although much of the website is free, a subscription-based version is also available. The free registration allows users to save their personalized icon and game scores.

The Games section include dozens of fun science and social studies related games. The Video section connects to Fraboom TV for free video content. The short, engaging cartoons feature engaging science and social studies content. The Interactive Video section features interactive books. Bug Book and A Dinosaur Ate My Homework are available for free. Periodically the website offers free online classes in topics such has drawing.

Librarians will find this website to be a fun home to school connection.

To visit the website, go to https://fraboom.com/.

App Review: Storybooks from Nosy Crow

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD, CINDERELLA, and THE THREE LITTLE PIGS are just three of the amazing, interactive storybook apps available from publisher Nosy Crow.

Each of these award-winning apps contains an age-appropriate version of the classic children’s story along with visually stunning illustrations. Text-highlighting supports emerging readers.

The animation, music, and interactive elements contribute to understanding of the story rather than distracting from the plot. The open-reading environment incorporates a game where readers work their way through onscreen tasks such as collecting treasure as they read the non-linear narrative. This approach is particularly effective with reluctant readers.

Look for others in this series coming soon. SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARVES is currently under development.

To explore the apps, go to http://nosycrow.com/apps/.