Skybrary

Skybrary

app

4+, 2012, Education, Books

WISE
90%

WISE Score

4.6

App Store

LeVar Burton’s digital library trades endless scroll algorithms for 1,000 narrated picture books and low-key video field trips.

Where to Find

App Store
App Store
Google Play
Google Play
Screenwise Verdict

Skybrary is essentially a digitized home for the spirit of Reading Rainbow. Stewarded by the nonprofit Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the app pairs a curated library of over 1,000 picture books with gentle, educational video field trips hosted in the real world.

What sets it apart from typical kids' apps is its complete lack of hyper-stimulating gamification. There are no flashing streak counters, coin rewards, or endless-scroll feeds. For kids building their reading confidence, the read-to-me features develop the language comprehension side of literacy without turning screen time into a chaotic battle.

Age Fit

Best for kids ages 3 to 9 (Pre-K through 4th grade) who are building early reading confidence, enjoying read-alouds, or looking for quiet travel media.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
94

Completely ad-free, calm tone, and curated around healthy early-childhood themes with zero snark or hyper-stimulation.

Imaginative
82

Piques curiosity across fiction and non-fiction topics through digital picture books and mini video field trips.

Safe
95

COPPA-compliant with no third-party ads, social feeds, or open chat. Mild complaints center on subscription management on iOS, not safety.

Enriching
91

Excellent for developing language comprehension, vocabulary, and background knowledge using narration tools and hand-picked titles.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Literacy-backed catalog: Powered by Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), every book is hand-selected by educators rather than scraped by an automated publisher pipeline.
  • Read-to-me support: Kids can follow highlighted text alongside professional voice narration, building vocabulary and comprehension while decoding catches up.
  • Offline field trips: Includes over 150 short, non-chaotic video tours that explore real-world locations, animals, and professions.
  • Ad-free environment: Zero pop-up ads, third-party banners, or algorithmic rabbit holes pushing hyper-edited slop content.
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What to Watch For

  • Subscription wall: The app offers roughly 100 free titles, but accessing the full library requires a recurring paid plan.
  • Occasional app bugs: Some users report occasional app freezes or slow offline book downloads on older devices.

Conversation Starters

  • "Which video field trip surprised you the most, and where should we 'visit' next?"
  • "Did you prefer listening to the narrator read the story or trying to read the words yourself?"
  • "Which character in that book would you want to hang out with for a day?"

Deep Dive

Reading Rainbow's Digital Legacy

If you grew up watching LeVar Burton explore public libraries and factory tours on PBS, Skybrary's DNA will feel immediately familiar. Originally launched as Reading Rainbow's official app and now managed by Reading Is Fundamental, the platform stays focused on fostering curiosity through authentic books and calm exploration.

How It Fits Literacy Science

Literacy rests on two essential pillars: word decoding and language comprehension. Many educational apps focus heavily on isolated phonics drills while ignoring comprehension. Skybrary supports the language comprehension side of Scarborough's Reading Rope by exposing kids to complex vocabulary, varied narrative structures, and background knowledge. The optional text-highlighting narration lets early readers and dyslexic kids access stories above their current decoding level, keeping their interest high while mechanical reading skills catch up.

A Calm Alternative to Video Feeds

The short video field trips serve as a clean alternative to hyper-edited YouTube content. Instead of loud influencers and rapid cuts, the clips highlight real-world subjects—from how airports operate to how honey is harvested—with a quiet, curious tone. Combined with easy offline downloads for plane trips and car rides, Skybrary is an exceptional tool for intentional quiet time.

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