Do you remember the Reading Rainbow? It was a children’s show that ran from 1983 to 2006 that encouraged children to read. As an avid reader I loved Reading Rainbow and it was one program that my children were always allowed to watch.

Here’s a little refresher for you:

Reading Rainbow hasn’t been on PBS for quite a few years, but the good news is that the Reading Rainbow is now an iPad App. YAY!!

Now, children ages 3-9 can choose from a library of hundreds of book that are customized to their age and interests. Additionally, the book are combined with video field trips that help children connect the world around them with the stories they are reading.

I love this idea. I think reading is such an important part of childhood. I am still an avid reader as are both my kids. I truly believe the love of reading is instilled at a very young age and this app is a great way to introduce and encourage your children to read.

The App offers so many great features including:

~Hundreds of Books – Find a library of fiction and non-fiction books chosen by LeVar Burton and literacy experts. New releases are introduced frequently, expanding the library.

~Recommendations & Customization – Children select books based on
their interests and age so they find just the right book for them.

~Celebrity Host – Similar to his role in the PBS TV series, LeVar
Burton continues to ask children to “take a look, it’s in a book”

~Islands of Discovery – Travel to any of the themed islands such
as Action Adventures & Magical Tales; My Friends, My Family; Animal
Kingdom; and Genius Academy to select books, videos, and more.

~Video Field Trips – Journey with LeVar Burton to visit
fascinating people and places. Exclusive new videos are introduced frequently.

~Parent Dashboard – Review real-time information regarding what
your child is reading and receive personalized tips and “parent prompts”
to share in the themes and lessons explored in each book.

There are two apps available. One is a free app so you can give it a try without investing any money and then when you decide how much you love it you can upgrade to the subscription service. The subscription is less than $10 a month which if about the cost of one book anymore. You may as well have the subscription and have 100′s of book available to read.

Here’s what is included with each app:

Free App
·         Access to all themed islands
·         Preview entire library. Download and read one free book
·         Watch island introductory videos staring host LeVar Burton

Subscription: $9.99 a month recurring or $49.99 “introductory” one-year
subscription–Introductory price is valid through August 30, 2012

·         Access to all features in free app plus…
·         Unlimited access to the Reading Rainbow library
·         Watch all video field trips featuring LeVar Burton
·         Interact with stories and play book-based activities
·         Collect stickers as part of the reading reward program
·         Review child’s reading progress in the online parent dashboard

I was thrilled to learn that Reading Rainbow is making a come back. If you were a fan of the program than you are sure to love the Reading Rainbow App.

Let me know what you think.

disclaimer: I received a Reading Rainbow backpack, containing a Reading Rainbow DVD and assorted other items in exchange for my honest review. I’m a huge fan of Reading Rainbow and I’m thrilled to be able to share this information with you.

Cheers,