iStoryTime – Barney Sucks, Fred The Fish Rules

3littlepigsIDIOT So the other day we were visiting the Just Another iPhone Blog web site and came across an app which is 100% pure garbage –> The Story Of The Three Little Pigs By L. Leslie Brooke. You can read their write up here, but in summary … anybody who publishes a children’s book without pictures is a complete IDIOT. But hey, why should the developer Appsessions care? They are cranking out these text audiobooks to a tune of nearly 700 apps thus far … so screw the kids – let’s make a buck!

Now on the flip-side, you have developers who specialize in kids’ books. Their main purpose is to present an interesting, colorful and interactive experience … one that will hold the child’s attention and  introduce them to the wonderful world of literature (and also to make a buck of course).

BarneyTarget11 But the more we research this whole kids book app thing … the more we are convinced you have to be slightly loopy to do a good job. It’s like those kindergarten teachers who talk to their students in a high pitched voice – then unable to shut off the Mickey Mouse impersonation when they speak with adults … freak! And you gotta be a loony tune to create such children’s shows as Yo Gabba Gabba!, Barney, Elmo … or heck, even Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was a bit odd.

So meet the folks at FrogDogMedia … a development company specializing in children’s book applications with their iStoryTime apps [iTunes]. Read their corporate mission – they get it: “iStoryTime brings the joy of a kid’s book … illustrated and narrated … the app is simple to use because it’s actually designed for kids 2-years and up”.

FrogDogLogo Ahhh … it’s ILLUSTRATED! And of course, the folks at FrogDogMedia are total nut jobs. Heck, just check out their app titles below … we got stuff about Weiner Dog Magnets – mix in a little Pink Elephant – of course a bit of Shoe-per Shoes – a Fish named Fred and a Squash – and top it off with Pirate Monkeys who are brave. WTF?!?! Who comes up with this stuff? We swear … it’s like sniffing glue is a requirement to create good children’s material. Puff The Magic Dragon baby … LOL.

FredFish   BinkyPinkElephant

MonkeyPirate

Shoes    WeinerDog 

Anyways – no matter how whacky and strange FrogDogMedia appears … and just like that annoying as hell purple dinosaur … they produce appealing and engaging story book apps that children adore. Sure they might seem too strange for adult comprehension, but it’s about the kids and perhaps we all should become more child-like (oh my, wth was that?).

GIVEAWAY – courtesy of FrogDogMedia, the first 10 viewers to leave a comment receive a free  iStoryTime app ($1.99 value each). Redeemable in US iTunes only.

Comments

  • OH my God! this is awesome! I want it… wait i started it. Do i still get the free app?

  • OH my God! this is awesome! I want it… wait i started it. Do i still get the free app?

  • well, since you are cooler than Barney … sure, what the hell 😉

  • well, since you are cooler than Barney … sure, what the hell 😉

  • Sounds lovely! My daughter (almost 3) loves the iphone – she would love there stories 🙂

  • Sounds lovely! My daughter (almost 3) loves the iphone – she would love there stories 🙂

  • Joe Mohr

    I have the pleasure of having my first Children's book published soon on istorytime! They do focus on making it enjoyable for the kids while giving potential up-and-coming authors (and illustrators) a chance to be seen.
    Thanks Graham!
    And thanks Krapps for being so spot on!

  • Joe Mohr

    I have the pleasure of having my first Children's book published soon on istorytime! They do focus on making it enjoyable for the kids while giving potential up-and-coming authors (and illustrators) a chance to be seen.
    Thanks Graham!
    And thanks Krapps for being so spot on!

  • Erica

    Nice idea! Love it.

  • Erica

    Nice idea! Love it.

  • extremocracy

    ….need it…..baaaaddddd

  • Extremocracy

    ….need it…..baaaaddddd

  • CUBuffskier

    Oh Barney

  • CUBuffskier

    Oh Barney

  • Franky

    Oh Barney!

  • Franky

    Oh Barney!

  • Kenneth

    Oh Barney

  • Kenneth

    Oh Barney

  • B Dow

    Oh Barney!

  • B Dow

    Oh Barney!

  • Oh Barney Fife!!

  • Oh Barney Fife!!

  • Nancy

    Looks super cute! wondering if my 8 year old is too old for it.

  • Nancy

    Looks super cute! wondering if my 8 year old is too old for it.

  • christopher robin

    Got any free copies of the iStoryTime app left? Would be happy to do another review of it on our site — http://lo.ly/yht – we focus specifically on reviewing kids apps for the iPhone.

    Also totally agree with this post – kids love things that adults have forgotten how to appreciate…

  • christopher robin

    Got any free copies of the iStoryTime app left? Would be happy to do another review of it on our site — http://lo.ly/yht – we focus specifically on reviewing kids apps for the iPhone.

    Also totally agree with this post – kids love things that adults have forgotten how to appreciate…

  • stephen

    Going on a vacation with toddler. This would be perfect for the plane ride!

  • stephen

    Going on a vacation with toddler. This would be perfect for the plane ride!

  • We don't … you might want to contact the developer (he's the first comment in this article) or perhaps download one directly … at $1.99, they are a very good value … we are particular to Fred The Fish 🙂

  • We don't … you might want to contact the developer (he's the first comment in this article) or perhaps download one directly … at $1.99, they are a very good value … we are particular to Fred The Fish 🙂

  • Very true! There are a ton of wonderful children apps that will keep your little one occupied … just stay away from the Three Little Pig krapps we led off this article with. Have a great vacation!

  • Very true! There are a ton of wonderful children apps that will keep your little one occupied … just stay away from the Three Little Pig krapps we led off this article with. Have a great vacation!

  • We don't … you might want to contact the developer (he's the first comment in this article) or perhaps download one directly … at $1.99, they are a very good value … we are particular to Fred The Fish 🙂

  • Very true! There are a ton of wonderful children apps that will keep your little one occupied … just stay away from the Three Little Pig krapps we led off this article with. Have a great vacation!