Your children can have access to stories on a number of devices (PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Android) through a company called MeeGenius that markets a selection of retold classics and many new original titles. The format is very book-like, and the illustrations have no animation or whistles and bells. Children can read the stories themselves or listen to them being read aloud as each word is highlighted. All of these are short and will appeal to preschoolers up through third graders.
READY, SET, RACE, written by Kyla Steinkraus and illustrated by Bob Reese, is a cute takeoff on the old Tortoise and Hare tale. This race involves a wide variety of animals, with Fox playing the speedy but over confident character. Health and nutrition tips are woven into the story. Fox learns his lesson, of course, but the other racers generously invite him to join in celebrating the end of the race.
WHEN PIGS FLY by Valerie Coulman with whimsical paintings by Roge' Girard takes this old adage and turns it into a story about a hopeful and determined little calf named Ralph. He wants his dad to get him a bicycle even though cows don't ride bikes any more than pigs fly. Ralph uses clever logic to accomplish his goal.
What third grader will be able to resist a story called SNAKES IN THIRD GRADE? Written by Maureen Picard Robbins and illustrated by Sarah Conner, this snake tale is about one boy who is afraid to admit his fear of snakes. When the classroom snake goes missing, how will Jack be able to help search? The ending may be a bit of a surprise but offers a positive conclusion.
With charming illustrations and an engaging plot, THE SECRET POLICE DOG by Bobbie Gale illustrated by Erika Baird, won the last MeeGenius contest. Sam is a regular dog by day, but at night he works for the police. Young readers will enjoy the amusing, nonviolent method that Sam uses to capture a burglar.
Sheila Kelly Welch is a mother, grandmother and retired teacher. She’s been writing all her life and counts among her children’s fiction books Little Prince Know-It-All and A Horse for All Seasons. Sheila's most recent book, WAITING TO FORGET, published by namelos, has been selected by Bank Street College and Pennsylvania School Library Association for their lists of best-books-of-the-year.
You can learn more about Sheila on her web site.
