Sydney the Scarecrow

This is a very simple, sweet story about a scarecrow's trials and tribulations (don't want to give anything away!) The graphics are simple, lovely, not crowded or overly distracting like some children's apps. The story includes lots of good repetition, as any good early reading should, as well as a nice moral about friendship and kindness. But it's also interactive: not so much that it distracts from the story but enough that it keeps kids engaged and coming back for more. Most children's apps sell books for about the same price but they aren't interactive so I thought it was a very good purchase. Especially because my 4 yr old daughter insisted on watching it over and over before I had to cut her off. I was quite surprised given how simple the story is, but this is exactly what kids like. And I now desperately hope this developer will put out more stories!!!

I downloaded this app for my niece and nephew, and now I can't get my iPad back! They are entranced with the story, the interaction (not too much or too little), and, of course, the wonderful visuals. Speaking as someone in his 30s, the style is particularly evocative of the wonderful felt board stories I remember as a child. There is just something so charming and wholesome about felt board stories, and this is no exception. While this app stays true to its source inspiration, it also brings the style into the present with clean graphics, engaging interactive elements, and highly entertaining narration. Highly recommend; can't wait for the next one... for, uh, my niece and nephew.

I love this app. My 6-month-old enjoys watching Sydney make friends. She likes to put her curious fingers all over my iPhone/iPad and this allows her to play with a purpose at such young age. She even giggles when a bunny hops by. I believe this is an app that we'll be able to use to change her mood (all parents can relate to this) as she grows up. I'm lucky enough to say that I grew up with the Felt Board Lady's stories and it makes me nostalgic to see this as an app. We want more stories!

This is a cute story app with a lot of repetition, but I doubt it has much replay or re-read value. The story is not that engaging and the interactions are all and always the same. The pictures are very cute but the directions to tap the animals distract from the story, and as the result is always the same it loses interest really fast. In short story books w/lots of repetition like thus, the book can hold up when a parent is reading w/the child and can make the repetition a fun reinforcer for the child, who is pleased to be able to anticipate what will happen. But this app's direction- giving breaks that up too much, leaving a lack of continuity while just annoying with the repetitive motions.

Sydney the Scarecrow is a wonderful story about making friends. Initially, Sydney takes his job so seriously that he doesn't stop to get to know his neighbors. Faced with the possibility of a winter's loneliness, he takes a look at himself and changes his approach in relating to the other animals. The visuals are stunning, and calming to the senses. I love the textures and the narration. Such an important message - that we have the power to change - not only for kids, but for all of us. Recommended.