Wince - Don't Feed The WorryBug - Review

 This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad

• $2.99
• Category: Books
• Released: Dec 06, 2012
• Version: 1
• Size: 173 MB
• Language: English
• Seller: iMagine machine LLC
• ©iMagine Machine™ and Monsters in My Head llc

Rated 4+

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE THIS APP NOW PLEASE DO SO VIA THIS LINK - iTunes

“The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it.”

James Bryce

James Bryce’s quote is so true!  It is my hope that every child that listens to the e-book, “Wince the Worry Bug,” understands that everyone has worries but they are controllable if they talk to their adults and peers about them.

Our main character, Wince, is a worry-wart. When we first meet Wince he is playing in the park and worrying begins to take over. Wince worries about everything; his homework, chores, cookies and laundry. As Wince’s worries grow he meets an insect known as the “Worry Bug.” Each time Wince stresses over a new worry, the “Worry Bug” increases in size. Eventually Wince realizes that he needs to educate himself about his worries by doing some research and talking to others. This helps his worries disappear and then Wince is able to complete his tasks. The persistent “Worry Bug” tries to re-enter Wince’s thoughts but by now he understand what he needs to do to keep it away.

The narration of the story is well done. It is clearly articulated and paced quickly enough to keep the young readers attention. Each illustration is colourful and cartoon like which helps the reader remember the story is part of our imagination. Hidden in the twenty pages are interactive elements that allow the reader to participate in the story. These elements enhance the story instead of overtake. The reader is able to easily find them as blue flashing arrows point out the majority of them. My favourite one was the “Worry Recorder.” The reader is able to record their own worries and they are placed on individual pieces of paper that the “Worry Bug” quickly gobbles up.

Something that I would like iMagine Machine LLC to consider adding in the future is when the story is read to the listener it would be nice to have the text be scanned and highlighted. That will help reinforce some of the building blocks of early literacy.

What a great tool for educators and parents to use with children with special needs. It could be used to introduce the concept of worrying and as a springboard into more in depth conversations about how to handle the emotion of worrying. The illustrations are spectacular, the storyline is engaging and the narration does an excellent job of drawing in the children.  I can’t imagine why children with special needs would not enjoy the story along with learning language and early literacy skills too.    

More information about the app Wince the Worry Bug  created by iMagine Machine LLC can be accessed by clicking on the links.
·        iTunes
·        YouTube
·        Website