We recently upgraded our phones from the ancient iPhone 3 to the iPhone 4s. We’re still one phone behind the cutting edge, but we’re ok with that. This latest upgrade was HUGE, though (hello, Siri!). And after a lengthy absence from the latest and greatest apps, I now feel back in the game.

There’s one app, in particular, that was first on my list to download. It’s from Kids Play Books and it is a 3D story app designed for kids ages pre-k to elementary. It’s called Chug the Bug: Chug Makes New Friends. 

Any parent with a smartphone knows that there is no shortage of apps for kids out there. That’s both really fun and also really overwhelming. How do you know which ones are worth the money? I personally tend to rely on recommendations from bloggers I trust. With that said, I am careful with the apps I recommend since I know people are counting on me to tell it like it is.

And to tell it like it is, I’d say that this app is a winner.

The illustrations are lovely, the 3D component is REALLY fun (for kids and adults, alike!). The story is appropriately interactive for younger kids (meaning that there are fun things to tap on, but not a ridiculous amount of things as I have seen on some apps…that draws you away from the story, in my opinion).

In the story, Chug heads off to school to learn a lot of great things, including what kind of bug he is! He befriends lots of other bugs (making this PERFECT for any kid who is into bugs!). They set off on an adventure together and have a few scary (but not too scary) moments along the way. The story demonstrates cooperation and problem solving at a level that will resonate with young kids.

In addition to the app which I reviewed and which retails for $4.99, Chug the Bug is also available as an e-book which can be read on an iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Mac or Kindle Fire and retails for just $2.99.

If you have an early reader in your home who loves new apps, I definitely think you should give this one a try. It’s unique, well-written, beautifully illustrated, and will provide lots of fun!

Win it!: FOUR Stuff Parents Need readers are going to win your choice of the app code or the ebook code for Chug the Bug!
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Thanks to Kids Play Books for sponsoring this post and providing codes for the review and giveaway. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.