Mad Libs
Fun family word game improves on the classic.
Mad Libs
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Mad Libs is an app version of the classic game. It is perfect for family road trips and having interactive family experiences. As with the paper-based Mad Libs, the game encourages the use of silly words that can both encourage language play and easily spiral into potty talk or foul language (the game's request for the word for a "part of the body" is a lightning rod for this kind of thing). The app is free and contains some free content, but more is available via in-app purchases. Read the app's privacy policy to find about the information collected and shared.
Community Reviews
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It's fun, but...
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What’s It About?
Like the paper-based game, MAD LIBS lets players fill in key parts of a story using words of particular parts of speech. Because players choose words before knowing what the story is about, word choices are often ridiculous and hilarious in context. Though kids won't learn much about grammar, the game does require them to plug in certain word types. Limited content comes for free, and more is available through in-app purchases.
Is It Any Good?
This digital version of the classic is brilliantly executed in a clear, intuitive format. Parents and kids have more variety than the traditional Mad Libs, with choices like "silly word" and "animal" along with the usual "plural noun" and "adverb." This paid app also has a "hints" button, which offers up multiple choices for each selection -- great for young kids still grappling with the parts of speech. Do make sure to set expectations about what, if anything, kids can buy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about in-app purchases. Is it okay to buy more content? If so, how much?
Talk about using words in context. Why are words funny sometimes but not always? Are there words that only work in certain situations?
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Pricing structure: Free (The app comes with 21 free stories. Extra 21-story packs are available for $1.99 each.)
- Release date: May 3, 2010
- Category: Entertainment
- Publisher: Penguin Group USA
- Version: 3.4
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 8.0 or later
- Last updated: July 13, 2020
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