Is this just the TV show episodes on a phone?

No. While it uses the same characters and songs, these are interactive storybooks specifically designed for reading and tapping, not passive watching.

Does it work without Wi-Fi?

Yes, once the stories are downloaded, you can use the app offline, making it a lifesaver for flights or long car rides.

Are there 'hidden' in-app purchases?

No. PBS Kids is very consistent about keeping their apps free or one-time-purchase with no sneaky 'buy more coins' mechanics.

Will this help with potty training?

It's one of the best tools out there. The 'Stop & Go Potty' story is a classic for a reason—it normalizes the process and gives kids a song to manage the transition.

Daniel Tiger's Storybooks – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Daniel Tiger's Storybooks

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

app2017

88%

WISE Score

4.2

App Store

The rare toddler app that actually helps you handle a tantrum later that afternoon.

Daniel Tiger's Storybooks

app

Everyone, 2017

88%

WISE Score

4.2

App Store

The rare toddler app that actually helps you handle a tantrum later that afternoon.

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Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

If you're going to hand a tablet to a three-year-old, this is exactly what you should give them. It’s essentially a digital version of the high-quality picture books you already have on the shelf, but with the added benefit of Daniel’s catchy (and genuinely helpful) strategy songs.

It’s not 'fun' in the way a flashy game is fun—it’s meaningful. It respects the child’s intelligence and the parent’s need for tools that work in the real world. In a sea of loud, ad-filled toddler junk, this is a quiet, intentional island.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 2-to-4 crowd. Once they hit kindergarten, the pacing will feel like it's moving through molasses and they'll likely move on.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It is the gold standard for social-emotional content. It models kindness, patience, and emotional regulation without being saccharine or annoying.

Imaginative

While interactive, it’s a guided narrative experience rather than an open-ended creative tool. It encourages role-play in real life, but the app itself is structured.

Safe

PBS Kids apps are notoriously clean. No ads, no hidden data tracking, and no social features. It’s a closed loop for a toddler.

Enriching

Directly translates screen time into real-world skills like potty training and sharing. The 'Talking Points' feature helps parents bridge the gap.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Slow-paced design that doesn't overstimulate or turn your kid into a dopamine-seeking zombie.
Built-in conversation starters on every page to help you actually talk to your kid while they use it.
Practical life skills like potty training and trying new foods are handled with the classic Fred Rogers gentleness.
Bilingual support makes it a great tool for Spanish-speaking or bilingual households.

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What to Watch For

It’s a library of five specific stories, so a kid who burns through content quickly might get bored after a week.
The 'Parent' section requires a simple math-lock, which most 4-year-olds can bypass if they've seen you do it once.

Conversation Starters

"Daniel felt really frustrated there. What does your face look like when you're frustrated?"
"Which song should we sing next time we have to go to the potty?"
"If you were Daniel's neighbor, what kind of craft would you want to make with him?"
"Why do you think it was hard for Daniel to share his toy at first?"

Deep Dive

The Fred Rogers Legacy in a Screen

Most toddler apps are built by developers who understand engagement loops better than they understand child development. Daniel Tiger's Storybooks is the inverse. It’s built on the foundation of the Fred Rogers Center, which means every interaction is weighed for its impact on a child's social-emotional growth.

What makes this app stand out is the intentional friction. It doesn't allow for mindless swiping. The stories pause, they ask questions, and they encourage the child to look at the adult sitting next to them. This isn't a 'set it and forget it' digital babysitter; it's designed for co-viewing, which research consistently shows is how kids actually learn from media.

Not Just for the Kids

The 'For Parents' integration is the secret sauce here. It provides the lyrics to the strategy songs so you can pull them out of your back pocket during a grocery store meltdown. When Daniel sings about taking a deep breath, it gives you a common language to use with your child that doesn't involve yelling.

If you're looking for an app that will keep a kid occupied for two hours of silence, this isn't it—and that’s a feature, not a bug. It’s a 15-minute experience that leaves the kid better equipped to handle being a human being.

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