Justin's World - Goldilocks

This is the app that will break the mold for  future renditions of Old Nursery Tales. At present there are only 14 apps in Google Play for Nursery Tales and 46 in the iOS App Store. 

The app tells the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears which many children will already be familiar with before playing with the app. The story and interactive game sequences provide a spin on the traditional story; however, that is precisely the fun of the game. Goldilocks is portrayed as a kind girl, who can sometimes be a little lazy. She wants to clean and tidy the three bears’ cottage but she is going to need the app users' help. So Goldilocks, (a very funny Justin dressed up in a golden wig) asks the children to carry out a series of instructions in order to tidy up. When the instructions are completed correctly, there are bursts of encouragement within the app.

The interactive games develop visual and spatial problem-solving skills as well as practicing how to count, read, listen to and follow instructions. Although the instructions of the story are narrated, the text is also displayed so that children who are learning to read may follow the words and read-along. The app covers all the basics to get ready for the first year of Primary School and encourages children to learn by playing.

Justin displays his engaging charm that children and parents love so much. He dresses up as all the characters in the story and the results are very amusing as well as cute.

I was extremely impressed with the sound and design quality of the app. The illustrations deserve a mention because you can tell that they have been done with love and care. The texture in the smallest of things, such as the leaves, is beautiful, as well as the rustling sounds that they make when the finger is passed over any one of the leaves.  Parents and children will delight in working through the story. The app is a feast for little eyes, ears and brains!