Recognize that image? If you’re of a certain age, I’m betting you will.The Monster at the End of this Book was my absolute favorite book as a child – or, at least, it’s the one book that stuck in my head from childhood all the way into my old age!
I put off getting The Monster at the End of this Book … Starring Grover iPad & iPhone app. I feel a fierce loyalty to the original book – and to the idea of reading it as a REAL book with Birdie. But, the app’s interaction is innovative, true to the story, and there’s lots of Grover antics which keep Birdie (and me) entertained. I don’t think she has any hang-ups about “real” books versus “fake” books, so she really doesn’t mind. The hang-ups are all on my end! The app does a great job of continuing the original illustrations, plus recreating page turns and a book-like experience in general. Normally I don’t want my iPad books to be like real books, I’d rather they expand beyond it (to avoid any confusion!). But when the story revolves around a book, it makes sense.
The The Monster at the End of this Book … Starring Grover app is available for iPhone and iPad for $3.99. It’s worth it, but we also have the real book at home! We’ve checked out Another Monster at the End of this Book … Starring Grover & Elmo!, but maybe it’s my old loyalties, I think the first one is better. Though the second has just as much function and a cute story as well (I’m kind of an old school snot, I just don’t like Elmo as well as Grover!)
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I didn’t know this was an actual book, but downloaded the App when Starbucks had free codes for it a few months back. I profess to being a bit of a luddite, preferring the more traditional ways of actual books and such, but I must admit I think the app’s hilariously cute! So I guess it can go both ways :)
I agree, it really does a good job of walking the line between book and techie app. We really enjoy it.
I LOVED this book as a kid. I was dissapointed when my son was not insanely excited about it like i was. I’m tempted to get the app… .:)
Man, isn’t that the worst?! I’d try the app, because Birdie is definitely intrigued by it, she likes to watch it unfold, and you get to “interact” with Grover too.
My younger brother loved this book. During family reading time, he always picked it — over and over and over and over. I grew to dislike it due to the repetition. I was more of Dr. Seuss and Bill Peat kid. However, I did expect my daughter to like it these many years later. She did not.
He also loved the wordless “Red Balloon”
Great memories, I’m always amazed at how how different each kid is – we show our preferences and personalities so early…