How many of you are jumping for joy now that Pokémon GO is now available as a free download in Canada from both the iPhone App Store and Android's Google Play Store? If you have been living under a rock, Pokémon GO has become extremely popular in such a short time frame and has been causing quite the stir. This new app allows users to discover Pokémon in a whole new way using real world locations to encourage players to search far and wide to discover Pokémon. 

This year, people across the globe will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Pokémon in a way like never before thanks to Pokémon GO, a celebration which will continue with the launch of Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon on November 18. 

Still reading this? Or are you already off in search of Pikachu?

Hello? 

Yeah, that's what I thought...

This year at Hallmark Canada, they have expanded their line of recordable gifts to help families press pause and record special messages for loved ones. From recordable cards and picture frames to recordable storybooks and iPad apps, there are so many ways to personalize your Christmas wishes. One of my favourite Hallmark gift ideas is Jingle the Husky Pup with Storybook. As you or your child reads the story, Jingle will respond to select sentences as indicated in red font. And now, you can include Jingle's Magic Christmas Recordable Storybook which also works with Jingle the Interactive Story Buddy (2012 buddies or newer). You can also purchase a Jingle All the Way DVD for $9.95 for more interactive fun.

Mommy, can you buy me that toy?

How many times have you taken your kids to a toy store looking for gifts for their friends and all they want to buy are toys for themselves? It happens to me all the time and it drives me bonkers! They act as though they have never seen a toy in their life. That's when the mom guilt sets in. Have I totally spoiled my children? Or have I failed to teach them about the concept of money and that it doesn't actually grow on trees? Teaching young children about money is undeniably a life skill that has been overlooked in our household. Until now.

Learning Money with Leo 

Learning Money with Leo is an iPad app that has been designed with the input of early childhood education experts and parents. It features a variety of kid-friendly and interactive games to teach your children about earning, saving, and spending money. As your child plays each game, he or she can earn coins, which can be used to buy stickers for his or her very own virtual sticker book. Available for FREE from iTunes in both English and French, the purpose of this app is to:

• Provide kids with an introduction to the concepts and value of money
• Teach kids about earning, saving and spending money
• Help kids develop a foundation of basic money skills that they can build upon as they get older

 

Today, children are growing up as digital natives. From motion sensitive video gaming systems to interactive whiteboards, they can easily become engaged more fully. Their exposure to touch technology gives them the unique opportunity to explore on a totally different level. With innovations such as the iPad, children can now throw themselves into an incredible world where stories come to life right before their very eyes. And now, thanks to MoBad Games, they can also experience the wonder of an interactive storybook in 3D without the need for glasses. MoBad Games has recently introduced their premiere Peek 'n Play interactive interactive storybook, The Penelope Rose.

The Penelope Rose is an original fairytale about how roses were saved and how fairies became artists. On every page, children are immersed in stunning scenery accompanied by a lovely narration and soft music. They can choose to have the story read to them while each word is highlighted, helping them to improve their reading skills, or read it at their own pace. A neat feature is the ability to touch a word and have it read out loud if your child comes across a challenging word. Each page can be advanced by touching the upper right corner or by swiping your finger across the page. I found the swiping feature didn't always work properly on my iPad but since I downloaded the latest version, it seems they have fixed that minor glitch. It also runs a bit faster now, too, which is nice because I found the transition between pages was a little slow. When you think of how interactive this storybook is, it's understandable knowing that there is much to load. Not only is each page artistically crafted to provide a remarkable 3D experience sans glasses, your child will also delight in interacting with the fairies, pixies, gnomes, bunnies and more. The pixies are probably my favourite. Every time you click on their pointy hats, they pop up, laugh and giggle in their sweet baby voices. On the main screen, you can click on Contents to view each page and find out how many pixies are hidden on each page, if there is a puzzle, the ability to 'paint' or a fun animation. You can also adjust the settings here by turning the "I can read" function on or off, auto-hide the text box, and turn off the music or hints.

"Every click within this colorful tale unlocks magic and wonders, as its pop-out three-dimensional visuals will mesmerize kids and parents alike." - Apple

The Penelope Rose is certainly a wonder to behold. The breathtaking imagery is what truly makes the story stand out. All of the interactive features are simply the icing on the cake. The only recommendation I would make is to have the Contents page easily accessible from each page. The only way I have been able to access it is by scrolling to the end or the beginning of the story. You can find The Penelope Rose in the App Store and is available for the iPad in HD, iPhone, iPod Touch or Mac version. Below you can watch a video but it is really best experienced in person.

Disclosure: I received a free download of The Penelope Rose for the purpose of this review. I was not compensated in any other way. The thoughts and views expressed in this review are strictly my own honest opinions.