Small in a Big World | Touch and Go

In an Eric Carle-like world of gentle creatures, a colorful cast of animals help Milli discover what it is that snails do best.
Vibrant watercolor art and an empowering message make this app—and story—"worth sharing."
Screen shot from Milli

Screen shot from Milli: A Small Snail in a Big World (MixlVision Digital/Honig Studios)

If any uneasiness remains at the thought of handing a child an iPad instead of a print book, here is an instance where it would be well worth the trade. While digital stories may not replace print materials entirely, the argument for their value is growing increasingly significant. With gorgeous illustrated frames and a vibrant palette of colors, Milli:A Small Snail in a Big World (MixtVision Digital/Honig Studios, iOS $2.99, Android, $2.71; PreS) is digital storytelling at it's most successful. This Eric Carle-like world of creatures is gentle yet diverse, with a colorful cast of animals helping Milli discover what it is that snails do best.
The story evokes classic children’s literature, with myriad wise creatures and subtle lessons often found in fairy tales or folktales. The narration is pleasant and moves forward at a comfortable pace, keeping the text rhythmic and upbeat. In each frame, there is much more that meets the eye, offering young children plenty to uncover.  In various scenes, a tap to the screen will send butterflies into flight, pinwheels and flowers to twirl, creatures to pop up from a pond, ants to crawl across the page, and characters' thoughts to become visible—elements often accompanied by sound effects or snippets of a tune. Several games add value to the story and give children focus on character and plot. Full of interactive delights, Milli is thoughtful story with great emotional depth. A story worth sharing.–Caroline Molnar, Delaware City Schools, OH

For additional reviews, see School Library Journal's dedicated app webpage.

 

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