Favorite Apps: Merry Christmas!

I went on a hunt for Christmas apps this month even though they have a limited play/interest period.   The following are three totally different apps to enjoy, each celebrating the Christmas season.  Enjoy the music of Tchaikovsky, make some Christmas cookies and build a Nativity Scene.

The Nutcracker Musical Storybook

by Mouse King Media

I'm more a fan of the music than the storyline but this app does a great job of introducing children to both - the music and the story.  Every child should be given a chance to recognize such classics as the March and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.  (How many of you just started humming the beginning of The March?) 

The reader joins Clara and The Nutcracker Prince in a fully animated storybook adventure of the Christmas classic, The Nutcracker Ballet.  The original artwork is created by Yoko Tanaka and is paired up with "full symphonic orchestral excerpts of Tchaikovsky’s timeless score."   

The storyline is a bit fragmented.  For instance, at one point, the nutcracker breaks but in the next scene is whole again with no explanation as to how he was "healed".  Also, the font chosen for the text is difficult for an emerging reader to read.  It's a lovely font, but not practical for early readers.  

This app is an excellent introduction to the story and music of The Nutcracker Ballet. 
I believe it is available for both android devices as well as the iPhone and iPad.  The cost is around $3.00.

A Christmas Cookie Maker
by Crazy Cats Inc

Mary Kline will be sharing one of our all time favorite books next week; think Christmas cookies & character traits.  This is a delightful app to share with your child after reading our Christmas cookie book...this app is just plain fun.

The graphics and cookie designs are terrific and easy to manipulate for young children.  After downloading the app, it takes only a few minutes to figure out how to create your own special Christmas cookie.   Any child could beat my "figuring out the app" time, I'm sure.  What I appreciated the most were the many decorating choices.  I can't wait to share this app with my little ones over Christmas.

Children mix the ingredients, use cookie cutters to create their cookies and then place them in the oven.  Once the timer goes off, it's time to decorate the cookies with various shades of icing, candies and so much more.  

You can even select different Christmas dishes on which to display your cookies!   Once your masterpiece is finished, you might want to share your creation with Grandma by emailing a picture of your Christmas cookie. 

This is a great, "hand the iPhone to your impatient child in the restaurant while waiting for dinner to arrive" app.   (Oh, and did I mention that it's free?)

My Nativity Scene
by Life's Good Entertainment

You can build your nativity scene inside on a table
(don't forget to start with the moss) or outside.

There are over 60 items to use to create your nativity scene.

One click and your nativity scene goes from daytime to nighttime.
You can also choose your weather: sunny or snowy.

I'm not 100% crazy about this app - even though I really wanted it to be awesome.   However, at 99 cents, you can't go wrong.   The only real problem I have with it is the figures are a bit small for little fingers.  Please comment below and share with us if you found a gem Christmas app to share.

Enjoy!
Deni Corbett