A thieving villain, a stolen lamp, faraway worlds, and intrigue on the high seas—what more could adventure seekers desire? Here's a tale that offers readers and listeners all of that—and introduces them to characters from classic literature.  Children will enter an enchanting world filled with danger and mystery on opening Jose Miguel Vilar-Bou and Matias Alinovi's The Voyages of Aladdin and Sinbad (BelMontis, iOS, $3.99; Android, $2.99; Gr 3-6), a nonlinear storybook app by the creators of Rom and the Whale of Dreams. In this story, an evil Wizard-King has stolen and hidden Aladdin’s magic lamp containing the genie. The young Prince of Persia and Sinbad set sail in search of the lamp, traveling to magical lands including the Water Island, the Kingdom of Dreams, and the White Dome. In a soothing voice, a female narrator tells the story as words are highlighted on the page. The app is available in three languages; if English was selected on the title page, the Spanish or Chinese translation can be chosen to appear on the bottom of the screen. Navigation is intuitive. A tap to the lower right corner of the screen turns the page; a tap on the map icon allows viewers to see where Aladdin’s ship has journeyed. Users may jump to the locations noted on the map to explore and move around within the story. Exotic string music and sound effects---waves crash, thunder booms, and seagulls squawk---add atmosphere. The descriptive language, rich vocabulary, and compelling dialogue will appeal to readers. Those who wish to read independently and/or without sound effects may switch off the narration and the music. Alejandra Zuniga Cardenas’s intricate pencil, ink, and collage illustrations in earth tones capture the excitement of the story. During the voyage, Aladdin and Sinbad must defend themselves against terrifying serpents, giant birds, and sea creatures. Tapping the screen allows viewers to animate the scenes by moving objects and triggering weather. At various points, readers are asked to make decisions about where the characters should go and what they should do. Should they travel to Upside-Down Kingdom or drift away in the current? In the end, they must decide how to punish the Wizard-King. The action-packed story line, original music, beautiful illustrations, and interactive format that allows readers to choose plot directions, make this a stellar choice sure to captivate middle grade readers.–Cathy Potter, Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, ME  

Screen from The Voyages of Aladdin and Sinbad (BelMontis) illus. by Alejandra Zuniga Cardenas