“Toy Story Showtime!” is a Disney Learning interactive storybook designed to help children explore essential early reading concepts. Kids are invited to join Buzz Lightyear as he sets out to impress Jessie the Cowgirl in the talent show. As Buzz tries his luck at everything from comedy to juggling, emerging readers discover new vocabulary words in the context of a rich, interactive storytelling experience. Bonus activities encourage children to use the vocabulary in both guided and exploratory play."


Features:

• Age-appropriate sight word vocabulary is explored through storytelling and interactivity.
• Advanced vocabulary is introduced through context, supported by art and animation, and reinforced through repetition. Tap story vocabulary words for age-appropriate definitions.
• Narration with word-by-word highlights supports the read-along experience.
• Special feature taps indicated by a yellow glow engage and surprise young readers. Find and tap the pea; tilt, trace, and shake to trigger Buzz’s moves; shake to toss roses on the stage, and much more!
• End of book activities provide extended practice with early-learning concepts.
• Info Page offers story extension activities for parents and caregivers.  

Recommended Age: 4-6.

Buy It:  You can purchase the “Toy Story Showtime!” iTunes App for $4.99 at the iTunes Store. The App  is only compatible with fourth generation iPod Touch, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPad. Your device must have a wireless connection for the initial download. 

Our Take: “Toy Story Showtime!" is a reading app that is great for preschoolers and for children learning to read. The brightly colored graphics make it seem like you are watching the movie, except you are reading the book. You have the ability to read the story yourself or you can have the narrator read the story. On each page there is a highlighted word and you have the ability to tap the highlighted word to hear the definition. Children can click around and interact with the pages, which is Little Man's favorite part. He loves hearing the story and interacting with the pages, on one of the pages you can drag lettered blocks around to make a tower, when you click on each block it will say the letter then a word that will go with it, for example "s" is for "spectacular", on another page you can make Buzz dance and spin around.

Almost 4 year old Little Man gives “Toy Story Showtime!" a big thumbs up!

Disclosure:  The representing PR or Company provided the App to review. No compensation was provided. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts.