Imagine a box containing eight pieces of chalk, each one itching to tell a story. Don Freeman did just that more than 35 years ago in a darling book in which each colorful stick brings a scene to life. Unavailable in print, The Chalk Box Story (Auryn, $3.99; PreS-2) lives on in digital format.

In this engaging and interactive edition, children can control each piece of chalk as it contributes color to the wordless story. Hotspots suggest which color to select and outlines appear on objects as the pastels get to work their magic on the sky, an island, a boy, a turtle, a stick, a ship, a flag, and a message of “Help Me.” Before or after a turtle arrives at the island, takes the little boy off to sea on its back, and returns, users can add a variety of animated creatures and objects to the picture while the sounds of waves are heard in the background.

Children can reuse the various chalks by tapping on them, and there’s even an eraser. The illustrations match Freeman’s original work; some would argue that the interactivity enhances his story. The narration can be switched on or off; when it’s on, words are highlighted as they are read. The story is brief, but children are sure to request multiple readings and opportunities to color the illustrations and add animation.–Debbie Whitbeck, Technology West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

Freeman’s Come Again, Pelican (Auryn, $3.99; Lite Version, Free; PreS-Gr 2), first published in 1961, tells of a seaside adventure shared by a pelican and a young boy on his annual family vacation. Early in the day, Ty goes fishing in view of the familiar pelican, who teaches him a few fishing techniques; the fun ends when the bird flies off and one of the boy’s red wading boots is washed away by the receding tide. Using his newly learned fishing skills, Ty snags the second boot before it goes out to sea.

At the end of the day, the child reunites with his winged friend, who presents the boy with his lost boot. In turn, Ty gives the pelican the first fish he’s caught. That evening, when relating his day’s adventures, Ty compares the motions of the tide to the comings and goings of the pelican.

Readers can record their own narration, and alter the text to allow for personalized storytelling. Navigation is simple; an icon of a camper brings readers to the main menu, and a red boot, to an index of pages. Font size is a bit on the small size for viewing and tapping. Spoken words appear when the illustrations, which are bathed in sunset colors, are touched. There’s no animation. This app is a welcome update to Don Freeman’s story, though with fewer pages. In a school setting, share Come Again, Pelican to explore themes of friendship or family traditions, as an example of a story written with a reflective ending, or pair it with informational texts about pelicans or coastal ecosystems.–Karen Jeremiah, Librarian, Mary Scroggs Elementary, Chapel Hill–Carrboro City Schools, NC

Adapting any children’s classic to a new format is tricky. Purists will scream it’s not the original; others will be delighted to discover a new way to enjoy an old favorite, or, when it’s been out-of-print for a while, appreciate the opportunity to have access to the story once again. The good news is, we aren’t being asked to choose between formats.

Dorothy Kunhardt’s Pat the Bunny (Random House Digital) and Crockett Johnson’s Harold and the Purple Crayon (Trilogy Studios) are examples digital stories that can stand side-by-side with their print counterparts. Pat the Bunny offers a non-linear version of the tale, with delightful, age-appropriate interactivity built in. No scratchy Daddy’s face to feel here, but children can use their fingers to move a sled, pop bubbles, or paint.

For generations, children have wanted to borrow Harold’s crayon and reproduce his meandering lines on the page; in the app they are actually encouraged to do it. And when this boy sets sail on the ocean, children watch as waves rock his boat and seagulls fly overhead.

Like these digital versions, the Margaret Wise Brown’s Goodnight Moon can be appreciated as an app. Is it the same as the print? No. Will preschoolers be able to enjoy both? Most likely.

On Goodnight Moon’s (Loud Crow Interactive; PreS-K; $4.99 iOS, $2.99 Android) opening screen, a copy of the book appears against pastel bed covers, a plush stuffed rabbit, and some not-too-subtle advertising for add-on purchases (Goodnight Moon ABC and Goodnight Moon 123). A tap to the jacket and the book opens as the background becomes a deep-blue sky filled with twinkling stars. A double-page spread of the story covers only half the screen, so images and text are somewhat reduced in size.

The digital version retains the rich palette of Clement Hurd’s original illustrations, and there are loads of enchanting animations, sound effects, and interactive elements: flickering flames in the bedroom fireplace, a cow that jumps over the moon, a giggling rabbit, stars that dissolve on touch, and the opportunity to inscribe the book with child’s name and/or photo. But there are also features and games that may not be intuitive, or of interest to kids: a mouse hunt, a sticker collection (more for purchase), and a spy glass that enlarges only a small portion of an image or text while obscuring the rest of it.

The narration is evenly paced and soothing, and a gentle piano tune plays throughout (the volume is adjustable). To advance the text, a long swipe is best; a short one may trigger more interactivity, which can frustrate children.

Parents are likely to be turned off by the add-ons (though the pitch can be locked down), but kids who love this story will enjoy seeing it on the screen with animation. While the interactivity will engage them, the extras are just that.—Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal

The next app is classic Don Freeman.

In Don Freeman’s 1973 picture book, Flash the Dash (Children’s Press), readers meet a lazy dachshund and his partner, Sashay. At first, it’s Sashay who does odd jobs about town to keep them in treats and liverwurst, but eventually she convinces her reluctant mate to do his share. Flash finds a job as a telegram delivery dog, “gets his wiggle on,” and enjoys his work (and smart-looking cap). Due to his speed, he earns his nickname.

However, as the seasons change and spring arrives, the dachshund begins to ignore his duties and is soon found napping in fields and under trees. During one sleepy detour, a telegram floats away. A woman discovers it, notes it is addressed to Flash, and reads it to him. When Flash learns Sashay has had puppies, he gets “the message.”

In the app version (Auryn, Inc. $3.99; PreS–Gr 2) children can read the story or listen to the mellow narration. “Auto Play” allows for a hands-off experience as the text is read karaoke-style (each word is highlighted in red as it’s spoken), with automatic page turns. Children can also choose to customize the narration by recording their own version of the story. Items on the page such as tree and sidewalk are named when tapped in all operating modes.

Freeman’s original gold-toned illustrations are bright, clear, and appealing. This out-of-print picture book will be enjoyed by a new generation in digital. A free, “lite” version is available to sample.—Morgan Doane, Kent District Library, East Grand Rapids, MI