Is this better than the physical Bob Books?

It’s different. The physical books are great for tactile handling and 'owning' a library, but the app provides immediate audio feedback. If a kid is stuck on a sound, the app can say it for them, which prevents the frustration that often leads to closing a book.

Does this app require a subscription?

Generally, no. The Bob Books apps are typically one-time purchases, which is a relief compared to the 'monthly fee' model of apps like ABCmouse or Reading Eggs.

What happens if the app freezes?

This is a known issue on some devices. Usually, a hard close (swiping the app away) and a restart fixes it. It’s a minor annoyance, but worth it for the ad-free experience.

Can my 10-year-old use this if they are behind in reading?

They can, but they might find the 'Reading Magic' theme and stick-figure art a bit demeaning. It's better to look for 'High-Interest, Low-Level' (Hi-Lo) resources for older kids so they don't feel like they're being treated like toddlers.

Bob Books Reading Magic #2 – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Bob Books Reading Magic #2

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

app2019

86%

WISE Score

4.6

App Store

The digital equivalent of the classic phonics books: simple, effective, and blissfully boring for the dopamine-saturated kid.

Bob Books Reading Magic #2

app

Everyone, 2019

86%

WISE Score

4.6

App Store

The digital equivalent of the classic phonics books: simple, effective, and blissfully boring for the dopamine-saturated kid.

Jump to

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Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

Bob Books Reading Magic #2 is the digital version of the little square books you probably had as a kid. It doesn't try to be a video game; it tries to be a teacher. In a world of 'educational' apps that are actually just slot machines for kids' attention, this is a breath of fresh, quiet air.

It’s not going to win any awards for cutting-edge animation, and that’s exactly why it works. It forces the brain to do the hard work of phonemic awareness without providing a 'skip' button or a dancing monkey to distract from a difficult word. If your kid is struggling to move from 'recognizing letters' to 'reading words,' this is one of the few apps actually worth the storage space.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 3-6 crowd who are just starting to blend sounds. While the developer says up to 12, it's really a remedial tool for older kids and will likely be rejected by anyone over 8 unless they have significant learning gaps.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It is as clean as it gets. The focus is entirely on literacy with zero commercial distractions, high-energy chaos, or questionable themes. It models patience and incremental learning.

Imaginative

While it uses 'magic' in the title, this is a structured pedagogical tool. It’s about decoding and spelling rather than open-ended creative play or world-building.

Safe

Ad-free, no social features, and no manipulative monetization. The only 'danger' here is a minor technical glitch reported by users where the app might pause or need a restart.

Enriching

Bob Books are the gold standard for phonics-based early reading. This app successfully translates that 'Science of Reading' approach into a digital format that helps kids map sounds to letters.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Phonics-first approach that aligns with the Science of Reading, helping kids actually decode words rather than just guessing from pictures.
Zero-distraction interface keeps the focus on the letters and sounds, which is a godsend for kids with ADHD or those easily overwhelmed by flashy apps.
Confidence builder for struggling readers in 1st or 2nd grade who need to go back to basics without feeling like they are doing 'baby work.'
Tactile feedback where kids drag and drop letters to spell, reinforcing the connection between writing and reading.

⚠

What to Watch For

The graphics are intentionally basic (stick figures and primary colors), which might feel 'old' or 'boring' to a kid used to the high-production value of Toca Boca or PBS Kids.
Users have reported occasional freezing or pause glitches on newer OS versions that might require a quick app restart.
It is a supplemental tool, not a full curriculum; it's great for 15-minute bursts but isn't something a kid will (or should) play for hours.

Conversation Starters

"Which character is your favorite: Mat, Sam, or Dot?"
"Can you find three things in this room that start with the same sound as 'Bob'?"
"Why do you think the app uses stick figures instead of big 3D cartoons?"
"Does dragging the letters on the screen feel easier or harder than writing them with a pencil?"

Deep Dive

The Anti-Dopamine Reading App

Most modern reading apps are terrified that your child will get bored and close the app. To prevent this, they fill the screen with animations, coins, level-ups, and loud noises. The problem? The kid spends 90% of their cognitive energy on the 'game' and 10% on the actual reading. Bob Books Reading Magic #2 flips that ratio.

Based on the classic series by Bobby Lynn Maslen, the app follows the same philosophy that has made the physical books a staple for 40 years: controlled vocabulary. By only using words that kids can actually sound out, it prevents the 'guessing' habit that many other programs inadvertently encourage.

Phonics vs. Sight Words

There is a massive cultural shift happening toward the 'Science of Reading,' which emphasizes phonics over 'balanced literacy.' This app is firmly in the phonics camp. It focuses on CVC (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant) words and simple blending. For a parent, this means you're seeing your kid build a foundation that scales.

"My son enjoys reading by himself using the app compared to the hard copy books," says one parent reviewer, highlighting the app's ability to act as a bridge for kids who find physical books intimidating.

Technical Realities

Since this is a 2019 release that hasn't seen massive overhauls, you might encounter some friction. The interface is a bit clunky compared to 2026 standards, and as noted in search results, the 'pause' functionality can sometimes hang. It’s best used on a tablet where the drag-and-drop mechanics have more room to breathe. If your kid is already a fluent reader, skip this—it will be mind-numbingly simple. But for the pre-reader or the 1st grader who is hitting a wall, it’s a surgical tool for literacy.

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