By Gail Suberbielle

Metamorphabet®

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One of our favorite ways to help little ones learn their alphabet is to present alphabet letters in bright and colorful characters (envision an antler-wearing “A,” for example). Metamorphabet helps your child transform letters into words – click the letter “B” and watch it grow a “beard,” or “C” becomes a “cone.” Metamorphabet’s creator, Patrick Smith, calls the app an “interactive alphabet book.” And while it’s aimed at children, adults will love the beautiful graphics, ease of use, and how much their kiddos will be engaged. Cost: $3.99. 

Piko®

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Piko is billed as an “international community of parents who trust their preschoolers with the safest selection of shows in the world.” A movie subscription service, Piko contains hundreds of hours of commercial-free, hand-picked shows, and is certified by the kidSAFE Seal Program.  A small sampling of available shows includes Richard Scarry’s Busy World, Sabrina, Franny’s Feet, Strawberry Shortcake and Doodlebops. The Parent Zone lets grownups readily customize available shows depending on who’s watching. Cost: Free to download and try, with monthly and yearly subscriptions also available.