Do you struggle with establishing a bedtime routine with your toddler? Well, the folks at Heppi (pronounced “Happy”) Apps want to give you a hand.
The app’s title character, Bo the Giraffe, asks for your child’s help in getting ready for bed. Your child, together with Bo, will go through several bedtime tasks. When first launched Bo will ask for help with putting away his toys in the assigned baskets. Each basket is labeled. Attempting to place a toy in the wrong basket will greet you with the sound of a horn. Other tasks include picking up clothes from the floor, washing Bo’s hair, drying him off after a bath, brushing his teeth, etc. During these “mini-games” your child will utilize skills such as counting, sorting and recognizing colors. There is also a bonus mini-game where your child can play dress-up with a boy or girl doll.
The overall design is executed well. The app is dominated by primary colors and they pop well on the iPad screen. Lines are drawn well and any pixilation is barely noticeable. The interface is very clear and easy to use. The buttons and objects respond almost flawlessly to touch. The voice of the narrator is likable and upbeat. The directions given by the narrator are very clear and to the point. The song at the end is a well-produced children’s song about Bo the Giraffe. Your child will thoroughly enjoy it.
The game play gets a little clunky at times and is not as fluid in the animations as some other apps out there. One of the pajamas got stuck behind a character and we found it difficult to match up the top with the bottom because of that. Keep in mind, this is a first effort for Heppi Apps. I am definitely looking forward to seeing more from them in the near future.
Overall, I think it is a buy. If you are in the market for an app to help establish a bedtime routine, you would be hard pressed to find one as complete and fun as Bo’s Bedtime Story. It can act as a checklist for your child’s bedtime routine. Your kid will love it!
Bo’s Bedtime Story is available in the App Store for the iPad for $1.99, in the Android Market for $2.09 or in the Amazon AppStore for $1.99.
Bo’s Bedtime is available for the iPhone or iPod Touch for $0.99.
You can find Heppi Apps at www.heppi-apps.com.
