Ug: A Prehistoric Adventure Review

Ug: A Prehistoric Adventure is a thoughtfully written and beautifully illustrated interactive storybook with versions for both iPhone and iPad from the brother and sister team at Ice Cream Fine Storybooks - definitely developers to look out for.

Meet Ug, a young cave boy who refuses to go to school, much to the chagrin of his parents who insist on Ug being educated if he wants to live in their house, so Ug runs away and starts his own school with some animal friends. Ug, like most children, doesn't know what he does not know and believes that his limited knowledge is enough to get him by in the world until situations unfold that Ug is unprepared for.

Ug is a very special story in many ways. The lovely illustrations are painted by hand in stunning water colors by Kate Buss, half of the sibling team that makes up Ice Cream Fine Storybooks. Words fail to describe the beauty of these illustrations or how talented Kate Buss is as an artist, but, to say the least, her skills are quite enviable. The colors are bright and vivid, and images are stylized and simply wonderful.

I love how Patrick Buss tells this story in the broken English of caveman speech in a way that is perfectly realized. I admit that when I read in iTunes of the “cave-speak prose” used, I was concerned that this would be a less than perfect format for young children to listen to, as I prefer my son to be immersed in correct English so the rules of grammar will come naturally to him in terms of articulation later in life. I have become smitten, however, with the quality of this story-telling and I think that there is something to be said for the minds of children to break down and interpret what is being said as furthering their grasp of language rather than hindering it. The narration is also excellent here, and I really enjoy listening to this narrator speak this style of “cave-speak.” His delivery adds to the comprehension of the story but can also be turned off to read this book to oneself, and auto-play as a choice is also included - my preferred way of enjoying this story.

This is a lengthy and thoughtfully told story. Moments remind me of imagery from “Where the Wild Things Are,” which I enjoyed as well. I admire how Ug’s character develops through this story and grows as a character, realizing he may not know all, and may need to follow his family’s rules as he misses them dearly, as does his parents change as they allowed him to leave, but are now looking for their son regardless of their conflict over education. This story reads as a modern classic, expertly paced, if not a little slow compared to apps that can over stimulate a child, but the glory of these images and the use of sound and the engaging story will keep the attention of children of all ages.

I have not, however, shown this app to my son, 3.5 years, yet as I am waiting for the correct time to introduce this story to him. The writing and choice of words can be heavy at times, as the first lines of this story reads “Poor Ug...No one love Ug, not even Ug love Ug,” which I think would make my son, sometimes overly introspective for his age, sad. My choices of what to shield him from and what expose him to may seem backwards to many as he already knows many of the darkest details found in classic Grimm's fairytales, but I avoid references to the deaths of parents and tone down greatly evil step-parents and other ideas that may be upsetting.

Here, Ug’s sadness at being all alone and deserving to be all alone as “Ug did bad thing” may be affect my empathetic and greatly attached little boy in a way that I don’t want to burden him with. Pre-school is coming soon, and my little guy is super-excited, unaware that others may not be happy to venture away from the house to learn new things. The idea of the father here tossing Ug from the house in a way most unconditional for refusing to attend school is also not an image I am looking to implant in my son’s head, and I prefer not to have to explain why some children don’t want to go to school or Ug's damaged self esteem at the beginning of this story, but these are personal issues with my use of this book right now with our son.

This is an excellent tale that will be well-received by children, except for those most sensitive, as my son can be, but I am looking forward to when my son is old enough not to take parts of this book literally and to heart so that we can enjoy this story together.

Interactive moments are also included throughout this app. I really enjoy the few that further introduce other characters, bringing added details and richness to the story. There are other pleasant interactions as well, but the focus here is on the storytelling, illustrations and sounds. I do like that when an interactive element is available, the page is marked, a nice touch.

Music, sound effects and ambient sounds are also included which are wonderful as well, but I do wish that the levels of sound effects and music could be altered to the taste of the reader, as I would like to turn up the track of experimental, mystical sounds used, bringing a very interesting tone to this story that I greatly appreciate.

An extra feature is included, where using finger drawings and prehistoric stamps, one can create interesting nice cave drawings. This section of the app is enjoyable, and I like the use of the included stamps. Although it is a little less intuitive than other apps with an art focus, it is nevertheless a fun extra that kids will enjoy. A table of contents is also included which is always a nice option to have.

I very much like what I have seen from this brother and sister team of developers at Ice Cream Fine Storybooks, and I admire how app-developing to them has become a family affair. I also greatly enjoy their other title, The Gobberwolly, an app soon to be reviewed as well. Their apps are made with loving care and handmade touches, making them utterly personal and with a great indie flair. They are the White Stripes of the world of apps, and I will be following them very closely as I am a great fan of their work.