Milli the small snail

Once upon a time, apps that took their cues from print books were likely to be one dimensional affairs that offered little above their physical counterparts.  Nowadays, just a few years later, we are seeing them rise to  the quality of this one, giving us apps that have taken a traditional story and made it even more appealing to children than it could have been on paper.

The first thing that strikes a user of this app is the beauty of the art that fills each and every page of this story of Milli the snail.  Sometimes, when apps use a painting style that takes its cue from print, it can look a little contrived but this has been avoided here.  The layering and textures of the artwork build up to reveal Milli’s world every bit as well on screen as it would on paper.  Milli and her friends are also designed in a matching and just as appealing style, with what facial features their species allows exuding character and friendliness.

Each scene is further enlivened with subtle animations designed to attract attention and encourage further exploration.  Many of these can be prompted into further action, a small challenge, or fun sound effect with a tap from the user.  Just as children have always enjoyed pop-up books, anticipating the next turn of the page, so will children be intrigued to see what will be possible next time Milli moves on in her adventure.

As befits an app that is aimed at young children and early readers, the app is accessible in a few ways.  Parents can read it to their child and discover the interactions together just as they would with a physical book.  If they prefer the soft tones of the perfectly paced narration they can still enjoy their time together hearing the story unfold.   When children wish to revisit the story, they can do so independently, in their own time, and combine their developing reading skills with listening to the speaker.  The app makes it easy to move to a specific spot in the story to re-engage with favourite parts or to pick up the story where it was last left.

Being such a visual and audible treat, it would be disappointing if the story was not of a similar quality but fortunately it is.  Told in a rhyming style, each sentence feels lovingly crafted with a rhythm that lends it a poetic air.  It is happy chance indeed that Milli  is a name that is easily rhymed with, as this tale belongs to her as she searches to  find her place in the world.  Taking the advice and company of others, Milli sets an example for young children as they too start to think of what makes them who they are.

The story told in this app is substantial and with its high quality content is excellent value for money.  If the contents of this app were to be transferred to a traditional paper book it would be an excellent product.  With the flexibility and extra features possible from being on a tablet, this is an app that you should definitely check out.