Caribu

Caribu

app

Everyone, 2018, Books & Reference

WISE
78%

WISE Score

4.4

App Store

Video calling app that lets distant family members read books and play games together—basically FaceTime meets library time.

Where to Find

App Store
App Store
Google Play
Google Play
Screenwise Verdict

Caribu is genuinely useful if you're in the specific situation it's designed for: a young child who rarely sees a grandparent, deployed parent, or other beloved adult. The app transforms what would be an awkward "say hi to Grandma" video call into actual quality time with shared activities.

The book library is solid and the concept is sound. But the execution has issues—particularly on Android, where the app is buggy enough to turn a sweet moment into a frustrating tech support session. And you're paying monthly for what is essentially a video call app with a digital library attached.

If your family actually needs this—military deployment, cross-country grandparents, divorced parents in different states—it's worth the subscription and the occasional technical headache. If everyone lives nearby, you're basically paying for screen time when you could just... read together in person.

The WISE score reflects that it does what it promises (connection, literacy, safe environment) but it's a solution to a specific problem, not a must-have app for every family.

Age Fit

Best for ages 3-9, the sweet spot where kids need help with video calls but can still engage with picture books and simple games. Older kids will find it babyish; younger toddlers won't have the attention span for structured activities over video.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88

Video calling app designed specifically for family connection across distances, with emphasis on shared reading and play. Models positive intergenerational relationships (grandparents, parents, distant relatives). Content library focuses on classic children's stories, educational games, and creative activities. The entire premise encourages quality time and emotional bonding rather than passive consumption.

Imaginative
72

Offers creative tools like digital drawing, coloring, and sticker-based storytelling. However, the app is fundamentally a delivery mechanism for existing content (licensed books, pre-made activities) rather than open-ended creation. The sticker packs and blank canvases provide some imaginative play, but most activities are structured and guided. It's more about shared experience than pure creative invention.

Safe
81

Private video calling platform limited to invited contacts only—no stranger danger or open social features. Owned by Mattel with standard privacy policies. Content library is curated children's books and activities with no inappropriate material. Main safety concerns are technical rather than content-based: subscription auto-renewal, and notably buggy Android performance per user reviews. The free-to-paid conversion model is transparent but requires monitoring. No ads in the traditional sense, but does gate most content behind subscription.

Enriching
79

Strong literacy component with thousands of children's books across multiple languages and reading levels. Educational games target memory, word recognition, and problem-solving. The real enrichment comes from the social-emotional benefit of maintaining family connections across distance—genuinely valuable for military families, divorced parents, or far-flung grandparents. However, it's ultimately screen time that replaces in-person interaction rather than truly expanding horizons. The celebrity read-aloud feature is a nice touch but passive entertainment.

Parent Info
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Why It Might Be Great

  • Solves a real problem for long-distance families: gives grandparents and kids actual activities to do together beyond staring at each other on a call
  • Extensive multilingual book library (8 languages) with weekly additions and recognizable characters like Daniel Tiger and Barbie
  • Transforms screen time into relationship time—kids are actively engaging with a loved one, not just consuming content alone
  • No social network features or stranger contact—it's truly a closed family communication tool
  • The mess-free digital coloring and drawing is genuinely appealing for grandparents who want to 'do art' with grandkids without shipping supplies
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What to Watch For

  • The Android version is notably buggy—freezes, blank pages, connection issues that can frustrate young kids and elderly grandparents alike
  • Free version is essentially a trial; you'll need the subscription ($8-10/month range) to actually use it regularly
  • This only works if the other adult is tech-savvy enough to navigate the app—not all grandparents will manage it smoothly
  • It's still screen time, just social screen time—don't let it replace in-person visits when those are possible

Conversation Starters

  • "Which book should we read with Grandma next time? Want to pick one out together?"
  • "What was your favorite thing you made with Papa today on the call?"
  • "Do you think it's easier or harder to play tic-tac-toe when you're on video instead of sitting next to each other?"

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