Angus the Irritable Bull – A Loving and Fun-filled Story

An interactive experience about friendship! 

Kids love stories, whether they be told or read to them. Sometimes a story book that offers a little more than a story brings more meaning to the experience and makes the experience that much more memorable.

The imaginative and creative minds at Watermark Ltd. have put a loving and fun-filled story about an angry little bull named Angus into an app that allows children and adults alike to become a part of the story and really feel it. Angus the Irritable Bull puts emotions that everyone of any age feels at some time or another, into a story and shows the emotion in a different light, helping all to deal with those moments when we just don’t know what to do.

The main character? Angus. He is a young little bull who, at the start of the story, is a bit grumpy and highly emotional; he’s at the point where any little setback will set him off. He has a bunch of cud-chewing cows to deal with, a farmer who is always on his back, and a temper that is hard to tame. The app presents a familiar and beloved tale of friendship in a more modern way for a newer audience.

Kids who explore the pages of this tale will indulge in the artwork, skillfully designed and created by award-winning artist, Daron Parton. The artwork has been rendered in such a way as to leverage the power of a full retina display, so kids, parents, and grandparents will be mesmerized by the visuals as they read or hear the story, bringing even sharper imagery to the tale.

If users choose to sit back and listen, they will be lulled into the story by the amusing and entertaining narration given by Helena McAlpine, with a little something for everyone of all ages. As you swipe through pages, each screen will have plenty for kids to tap, touch, and ignite, making the story richer and helping them identify with the character and his emotion. There are interactive exercises, music, animation, and sounds that emerge from various touch points, totaling 80 throughout the app.

Angus the Irritable Bull can be enjoyed in many different ways, as well. If you are in the mood to read aloud to the child, you can turn the narration OFF. Not in the mood for the sounds and interactivity, those can be turned off, as well. The book can be used as a nighttime soother by turning off all things that excite a child; and during the day, you can turn it into a time-passing game with every option turned on.

Not much can be said in the way of this app having any downside, except for maybe having to purchase it. It is a great entertainer as is, but could get monotonous and old soon, especially with the ever-changing expectations kids have these days with online anything. I am sure the creators will be looking to updating characters and activities as the app matures, to keep kids coming back for more. Otherwise, I have to say that I took great indulgence in just the illustrations that used colors and placement that seemed to pull me into the story.