Disclaimer: I was given this app free of charge for the purpose of this review. I received no other compensation from the app provider. The opinions expressed are my own (or that of my kiddo).
Inside Out is a major “emotion picture” from Disney Pixar that will be in theaters on June 19th, but if you’re anything like me and my family, you can hardly wait until then. The good news is that you can get your Inside Out fix now with the one-of-a-kind Inside Out: Storybook Deluxe app.
Bringing fans exciting clips from the movie – the app will feature an interactive retelling of the Inside Out film and activities where children can interact with Riley’s five emotions – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness.
Here are three reasons the Inside Out: Storybook Deluxe app was a hit in our house.
1. Making Memory Spheres is a great opportunity to connect with my child and talk about both memories and feelings.
User can create their own memory spheres with their own pictures, videos, voice, colors, effects, and sounds (each emotion has its own soundtrack). Once created, they can save and share it with their friends and family. My daughter really liked this section. I loved that the emotions would comment on the memory, and that Fear said, “Oh! That looks safe!”
Making memory spheres was her favorite part of the app. It may have been mine, too, because it was a great conversation starter. We talked about why my daughter picked the photo she used for her memory sphere, what is makes something worthy of a memory sphere, and what her thoughts and feelings surrounding it are. She picked mostly happy photos, including a photo of her with her bonus dad with his birthday cake.
Once you pick a photo or video, you can add stickers to it, add music or record your own voice. I love that last feature. We added a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday to the birthday photo.
2. Creating Dream Productions is fun!
Another area of the app is Dream Production, which is almost like a visual Mad Lib. A monster in charge of the dream gives the user a series of items and then you are prompted to pick among them. They all fit into a story a la Mad Libs. The dreams are silly and fun, including one set on Dentist Island.
3. Great reading practice
I loved that kids could read along and that this app offers a chance to build some literacy skills. The narrator read the story to you, or you can record your own voice so your child can hear you read the story to them, or kids can record themselves reading.
There’s a lot to this app. See some additional app features below:
- Kids can read on their own, record their voice, or read along with the narration that accompanies this retelling of Inside Out;
- Interact with fun and creative activities to express emotions, dreams, and imagination;
- Find clips and quotes from the film – we were surprised at how many clips there were in the app; and
- Discover surprising interactions with characters from the film.
Our only caveat would be careful what clips you watch if you don’t want any spoilers.
The app is rated for kids ages four and up, and is recommended for those six to eight years old. My tween thought it was fun and though she’s a bit older than the recommended age, I’m really glad we spent some time playing with this together.
The chance to talk about happy memories together and to hear my daughter’s perspective was wonderful quality time, and I have a feeling we’ll be breaking out the “core memory” with the recorded Happy Birthday song for many birthdays to come.
The Inside Out: Storybook Deluxe app is available for both the iPhone and the iPad and costs $6.99.
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