Wheels on the Bus

By Christine Morris on February 18th, 2009
Our Rating: :: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad

This application is a singing book designed to entertain a young child. However, it is much more than that. It has multiple languages, instruments and recording support, turning it into a great educational tool.

This application is a singing book designed to entertain a young child. However, it is much more than that. It has multiple languages, instruments and recording support, turning it into a great educational tool.

I love that this application was designed by parents and tested by their friends, it really does meet exactly what you would make for your own child. Their dedication and commitment to it really makes it a quality application. The colors are bright and fun, and the illustrations are well thought out. The flying airplane in the corner can easily be missed first time round and is worth a click or two! The interface isn’t overly cluttered, and simple clicking and sliding actions are used well.

The great things about this application is it could have easily stopped at being an ‘interactive’ song book, by having the usual flipping pages and that’s all. The reason why this is so good is all the extras that they are offering. You can select different languages, and so sing along in French if you like. This is a really fun way for them (and adults) to learn. Current language options are English, French, Spanish, Italian, German.

In addition to that, you can select just certain types of instruments so your child can also learn about the sound it creates. Current instrument selection is Violin, Cello, Piano Trio, Duet, Kazoo and Gibberish.

The best feature, for everyone will be the ability to record your own version. This really is a blast for the kids. In all honesty its great fun for moms and dads too. This will keep you reusing the application, though you might be a little embarrassed when it gets played loudly in a shop. If you have car journeys or wait for appointments and want to avoid tantrums, (or just encouraging creative play) then this application will be a hit with you and your family.

Looking closely at this application and how they have made it so versatile I can’t really comment on improvements in it’s current state. I would like to see more of this type of creative application and hope they continue to make more books and applications with learning in mind.

Overall, if you have a family and find yourself carrying toys, books or entertainment items for young kids then this really is a must have application. There is potential for them to create funny recordings or even just make up a story that matches the visuals. Really great little application that ticks all the right boxes.

Wheels on the Bus

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Buy Now: $0.99

Our Rating: :: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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Released: 2009-01-27 :: Category: Education