Become an App Reviewer

Behind the scenes of The Culture Mom, during the time when I’m not introducing my kids to the cultural world around us, or enjoying everything that NYC has to offer, I’m working as a consultant.  One of my clients is Ruckus Mobile Media, a creator of children’s story apps.

Ruckus just released their first author-driven app created specifically for Apple’s iPad, A PRESENT FOR MILO, which is so perfectly targeted for the 2-5 year-old set, the storyline and use of language is right on and the art is just so impressive.

If you have an iPad, take a peek below and order your reviewer’s copy for a free download code. Then go to this post and post your review in the comment section.

A PRESENT FOR MILO written and illustrated (and narrated) by Mike AustinAvailable now for iPad at iTunes • Ruckus Media Group • $1.99 • Ages 2 – 5

Story: With over 80 tap-able objects that initiate more than 125 animations just right for active young fingers and minds, this interactive exciting cat-chases-mouse story is ideal for pre-readers and young readers alike.  With simple vocabulary and sound-out words, A PRESENT FOR provides a fun, engaging read-to or read-aloud experience.

Who’s knocking on the mouse hole? When mouse peeks out, he sees Milo…and off they go! Down the hall…through the kitchen…up the stairs…across the piano…around and around and around and around—Milo and mouse turn the house upside down as they scamper, pounce, jump, and bounce through every room. It’s a spirited chase right up to the exuberant surprise ending.

• Perfect for pre-readers and young readers—all animations, narration, and sound effects are activated by a simple finger swipe or tap.

• Includes read-along text (that repeats when tapped) and comical narration by the author.

• Each screen draws the reader into the story, opening with slapstick chase animations that repeat (and sometimes change) when you touch the main characters.

• Users get to join the fun in Milo’s topsy-turvy world: touch objects in every room to see over 125 animations—dozens of hidden surprises on every screen!

• Hours of fun with a thoroughly engaging story, animations, tap-able surprises and silly sound effects—a perfect digital storybook.

Story behind the story: “We’re especially proud of A PRESENT FOR MILO because the design is intuitive, anticipating where the young child will want to interact with the story,” says Rick Richter, CEO, Ruckus Mobile Media. “It’s the perfect combination of a high quality story, told just right for 2-5 year old set, that fully engages the child on mom’s or dad’s lap as well as the independent reader. And it’s this synthesis that caught the attention of a top children’s book publisher and led to our first app-to-children’s book deal.” Based on the storyboards and app design, literary agent Rubin Pfeffer sold a 3-book deal for MILO and creator Mike Austin to Blue Apple Books.  If that’s not proof of the right-on quality of this app, what is?

Order your reviewer’s copy now by commenting in the section below.  Please make sure to include your email address and first name.