Written Android App Review
Hansel and Gretel is a classic darker fairytale now available as an Android app. Combined with great illustrations and a number of useful features, StoryChimes provides a fun way to entertain children and those unfamiliar with this classic fairytale.
Features
Hansel and Gretel StoryChimespacks a number of features in this Android app. After loading up the home screen, the two main options are to read the story or listen-and-read-alongwith the story. In the listen-and-read-along mode, you can change your settings by turning off the narration or by turning off the text giving you a complete listening or complete read-along experience. There is a subtle background music which goes along with the theme of the story extremely well. There is an option to turn this off as well.
Hansel and Gretel
StoryChimesalso has a useful page indexing and bookmarking system which makes navigating the storybook on your handheld device easier. Unfortunately, because these options are smaller icons on the homepage, they are easily overlooked and probably not utilized for the user’s first time. Other notable features are a short, eight-questioned quiz and a memory game at the end of the storybook.
Graphical Layout
Hansel and Gretel StoryChimes has a relatively simple layout. The illustrations are simply fantastic, and the features and options are easily accessible. However, where Hansel and Gretel StoryChimes falls extremely short is in its reading mode. Only two text lines are presented at one time, and the arrows to scroll through the text are very hard to use. I have thin fingers and it was hard for me to navigate the text using the arrows making the reading mode more difficult than necessary. It seems entirely possible to fit three lines of text, without obscuring the great illustrations, and incorporating a swipe-scrolling text navigation. Hopefully, StoryChimes will consider throwing in an update to make these changes.
Value
Hansel and Gretel StoryChimesputs a classic fairytale story onto your Android device. It offers splendid illustrations and a multitude of features to tailor your storybook experience. Hansel and Gretel StoryChimes is ad-supported, so do not be alarmed when you see an ad at the top-middle of your screen. You can choose to pick up the ad-free version for $0.99, but as a storybook, there is little replay value to warrant even the meager $0.99. If you have yet to hear the Hansel and Gretel story, or have a child you would like to share this story with, pick up this free storybook and you will not be disappointed.
Android Apps Review Details: The Hansel and Gretel StoryChimesAndroid application is free. This application requires Android 1.6 and up. You may download Hansel and Gretel StoryChimes from the Android Market.
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