Common Sense Media Review
By Mieke VanderBorght
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Minimally interactive ebook; movie intensity, wonder endure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
The Good Dinosaur: Storybook Deluxe
What's It About?
In THE GOOD DINOSAUR: STORYBOOK DELUXE, a cowgirl-accented narrator reads the story of Arlo the dinosaur who, after losing his father and getting separated from his family, learns to be brave and face his fears. Each page in the story has text, high-quality graphics, and music and sound effects. Kids swipe through and tap the screen to set some minimal bits of animation in motion. There are eight games sprinkled throughout, including building a shelter for Arlo, helping Arlo avoid pterodactyls on the attack, or bopping gophers on the head as they pop out of holes. Choose to read the whole story, go to specific pages, or just play the games.
Is It Any Good?
Magnificent graphics and an emotional soundtrack are the shining features in this otherwise simple digital storybook with minimally interactive features. There's lots of wonderful eye candy, from realistic rainfall to wondrous fireflies. The dramatic music, roaring dinosaurs, and growling critters add intensity. Each page also has a touch of interactive content; though some are more exciting than others, these features are mostly underwhelming. The eight games are likely to appeal to kids and are well integrated but are also very simplistic and don't add much to the story. Many of the heart-racing battles are not quite as scary here because they've been turned into games, which puts kids in charge. One exception is the moment where Arlo's father is swept away in a flood, which is still incredibly terrifying. For kids who saw the movie, it's a nice way to continue the cinematic magic, and for kids who want to see the movie, it can be a way to ease them in to the many intense and potentially scary moments.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Arlo learns on his adventure. How and why does he come to find his courage and face his fears?
Take a trip with your imagination. What would the world be like if the dinosaurs hadn't gone extinct?
If your kids are scared by any of the intense moments, be there to talk to them about their fears.
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire
- Subjects : Language & Reading : reading
- Skills : Emotional Development : developing resilience , moving beyond obstacles , persevering
- Pricing structure : Paid
- Release date : November 19, 2015
- Genre : Entertainment
- Topics : Animals ( Dinosaurs ) , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Publisher : Disney
- Version : 1.1
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 6.0 or later; Android 2.3.3 and up
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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