Dawn Publications, known for children's books on nature topics, has produced a number of apps based on its print titles, including Over in the Ocean, and Over in the Jungle. Featured below are three additional apps carrying the same titles as their print versions. Luminous illustrations, a rhyming text, and rich vocabulary combine to make Chad Wallace’s The Mouse and the Meadow (Dawn Publications, $3.99; PreS-Gr 2) a treat for youngsters. The story, featuring anthropomorphized creatures, realistically portrays the dangers predators, such as the hungry snake that pops out of hiding, or the swooping owl after a meal, pose to a field mouse. Other encounters with animals such as a spider and a box turtle are less threatening to this small creature. The wonder and natural beauty of the meadow and the characteristics of its distinct inhabitants are the focus of this tale of exploration and discovery. As they travel with the diminutive rodent through the story, children will learn a facts about the meadow and animals that live there, along with related terminology. In a section that follows the story, viewers will find additional information about this unique habitat, and one page devoted to each creature that appears. There’s also a discussion on whether animals actually “talk” (and animal communication), and another on whether in the natural world creatures “really help each other.” One or two interactive elements are found per screen (the mouse sniffs, a honey bee’s wings vibrate,  etc.). "Read to myself" and “Read to me” (words highlighted as they are read, and a pleasant narration) options are available. Detailed artwork in warm browns and golds offers close-up looks at this quietly dramatic landscape. Both art and charming text have the feel of a bygone era.—Cindy Wall, Southington Library & Museum, Southington, CT

Interior screen from 'Noisy Frog Sing-Along' (Dawn Publications) Himmelman

Up-close illustrations featuring vibrant colors, simple texts, and animal sounds will keep young readers engaged as they learn, touch, and mimic the sounds of the insects and amphibians featured in John Himmelman’s Noisy Bug Sing-Along ($3.99) and the Noisy Frog Sing-Along ($3.99, both Dawn Publications; PreS-Gr 1). Both narrated and authentic sounds are heard for 12 of each of the subject species. Small animations occur when the animals are touched (or the device is shaken). Following this series of animated screens is information about the how and why of the noises created by the individual creatures (e.g. the cicada tightens and loosens its abdomen muscles to make the loud ZZZZ sound, while male frogs sing to be heard by females). Also presented are animated images of the vibrations of each sound made. A game entails matching (and dragging) the images of the sound waves  to their corresponding bugs. While this concept and game may be a bit difficult for the intended audience, with a little perseverance some children are able to play with success. Options allow readers to turn off the narration, and return to the table of contents from any screen. Author/Illustrator and developer pages are included. The inclusion of the actual sounds made by crickets, beetles, peepers, and bullfrogs combined with the price and portability of the apps, make these productions practical science lessons.—Debbie Whitbeck, Media/Technology Educator, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI For additional app reviews, visit our Touch and Go webpage.