We are big fans of StoryToys apps, since they offer such a great mix of game play and reading. The new Haunted House 3D Pop-Up Activity Book app is no exception. It’s a wonderfully creepy ebook with 8 pop-up scenes that require some sort of action. From tickling monsters to decorating jack-o-lanterns, the activities leave no Halloween creatures out.

Like other StoryToys apps, this one is available in 4 languages: English, French, German, and Spanish. The narration is professional and especially creepy to match the occasion. These 3D apps really offer an incentive for children to improve listening skills, since each activity page includes new, sometimes multi-step directions. There is also a puzzle section and a sticker section for hours of additional fun.

My favorite thing about this app is that it is long enough to offer surprises each time my little guy uses it, so he won’t get bored after the first couple times. Since he, like most kids, absolutely loves Halloween, I know he will revisit the Haunted House 3D Pop-Up Activity Book all year long.

Bonus: Take advantage of the half-price deal and get this quality app for just $0.99 until November 2nd!

Find Haunted House 3D Pop-Up Activity Book in iTunes and Google Play

Available for iPhone, iPad, and Android

Recommended for ages 5-9

Price: $1.99; ON SALE for $0.99 from October 25th-November 2nd

Check out all of the 3D apps from StoryToys on their website and Facebook.

StoryToys, the same app developer that brought us 3D versions of Puss in Boots and The Little Mermaid, now has a new electronic pop-up book. Beauty and the Beast 3D Interactive Pop-up Book is another adorable multilingual app that offers a great combination of story time and game time.

Since most kids are already familiar with the Beauty and the Beast tale, they will enjoy how this storybook is broken up with interactive pages to make it a little more exciting. You can help Belle open gifts, help the merchant escape from the wolf, or – my favorite – play ping-pong with the Beast. The favorite part of make-believe princesses everywhere will be breaking the spell at the end!

The story is also nicely simplified and can be entertaining for a range of ages, from toddlers through early readers.

I particularly love that parents can use the Parent Center to customize the app in various ways, including changing the reading mode and opting out of promotional screens.

Find Beauty and the Beast 3D Interactive Pop-up Book in iTunes

Available for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch

Recommended ages 3 and up

Price: $4.99

Check out more from StoryToys on Facebook and Twitter.

Little princes and princesses alike will have fun with the new StoryToys app, The Little Mermaid/La Sirenita. A pop-up book in electronic form, it’s another cute adaptation of a classic story. The best part, of course, is that it can be played in Spanish (and 4 other languages, too). 

Even kids who don’t know the story of La Sirenita will enjoy the games that pop up every few pages and include tasks like decorating Ariel’s hair with conch shells and pushing buttons so that she and the prince will dance. 

This story is relatively long, so it doesn’t leave out important details from the original tale. It’s a book that’s interactive, multilingual, and accessible from many platforms!

Find La Sirenita in iTunes and Google Play

Available for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch and Android

Recommended for preschoolers

Price: $4.99

Check out our previous review of Puss in Boots for more from Story Toys, or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

The new interactive storybook app from StoryToys is much more than a new twist on an old favorite. Grimm’s Puss in Boots 3D Interactive Pop-Up Book introduces a concept that ups the cool factor in the world of kids’ apps. Instead of simple 2D animation with responsive characters, this classic story turns into a game or puzzle every few pages. There are 9 pop-up scenes in total, in which you can help Puss in Boots chase away mice, leap over obstacles, and more.

Choose to have the story read in English, French, German, or our favorito, Spanish. The cuento is long and thorough, with a great range of vocabulary and high-quality animation. It’s ideal for preschoolers and kindergarteners, but would be awesome entertainment for older or younger children.

I love that an app like this one can give me a break from reading traditional bedtime stories after an exhausting day, yet still allow me to talk about the story with my son. The pop-up activities make the reading more interesting and, therefore, more educational!

Find Grimm’s Puss in Boots 3D Interactive Pop-Up Book in iTunes

Available for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad

Recommended for ages 4 and up

Price: $4.99

Check out more from StoryToys on their website, Facebook, or Twitter.