Kalley’s Machine Plus Cats is an interactive storybook app that brings a heartwarming story to life. It is based on a true tale of childhood optimism, focusing on a 4-year-old girl named Kalley. Kalley has a unique idea: she draws a cool machine to save her dad from his daily commute. Her plan is clever and fun, filled with a confusing collection of hammers, gears, fire, and smoke.

As Kalley explains her drawing to her dad, the machine comes alive. He is puzzled by its many parts, but Kalley’s excitement makes the story engaging. It is only when she reveals the machine’s purpose that her master plan becomes clear.

This app has received high praise. USA Today gave it 4 out of 4 stars, highlighting its elegant interactions. Common Sense Media rated it 5 out of 5 stars, noting how contagious Kalley’s excitement is. Other reviews also admire the quality and creativity of the app, making it one of the best book apps for kids in 2014, according to various awards.

Kalley’s Machine Plus Cats offers satisfying interactions for kids. The app features touchable controls that let children play with the machine. They can turn cranks and sliders, push levers and switches, and engage with an array of other controls. Kids can smash and inflate, shrink and burn, and mold shapes, making it a deeply interactive experience.

In addition to the machine's fun aspects, the app includes playful cats. While the cats are not central to the story, they are there to tease and puzzle. Kids will enjoy interacting with them in different ways, adding another layer of fun.

Reading the story is made easy with two helpful features. The Read-to-Me feature allows Kalley and her dad to narrate, highlighting the words as they go. The Touch-to-Read feature lets children tap on words to hear them spoken. These options are perfect for young readers learning to read.

As children explore this interactive story, there are learning opportunities tucked in the fun. They can discover concepts like subtractive color mixing and the basics of pressure and temperature. Discussions about gear ratios and air pressure can also fit naturally into their playtime. Kids might even learn about burning concepts related to cooking.

Safety is a priority in Kalley’s Machine Plus Cats. The app is designed to be safe for kids, featuring a no ads policy and no in-app purchases. There are also parental gates to ensure that parents can feel at ease while their children explore.

Kalley’s Machine Plus Cats is not only entertaining but also educational. It has been recognized as a TechWithKids Best Pick and is a 2014 Cybils Award Winner. Its engaging design and innovative interactivity have earned it spots on USA Today’s Top Kids Apps list and made it one of the Kirkus Best Book Apps.

As children dive into this story, they will find fun in creativity, interaction, and a world that has plenty to offer. Kalley’s imaginative adventure invites kids to be part of the story while learning valuable lessons along the way.