Author/illustrator Torben Kuhlmann has collaborated with American publisher NorthSouth Books, their Swiss parent company NordSud Verlag, and German publishing company Friedrich Oetinger to create an enhanced e-book edition of Kulmann's 2014 picture book Lindbergh: The Tale of a Flying Mouse (April 2015).


In Kulmann's story (translated from the German by Suzanne Levesque), a mouse realizes that he is the only mouse left in Hamburg; the others have either been killed by the newly invented mousetrap or fled in fear of it. Inspired by his observations of "flying mice" (bats), the solitary mouse designs a flying apparatus in which to escape the city and reunite with his own kind. The intrepid little inventor/aviator painstakingly constructs, tests, and refines several prototypes before developing a machine that will carry him across the Atlantic to New York City. There, his accomplishment is celebrated by mice and humans alike...including a little boy named Charles Lindbergh.

The Fall 2014 Horn Book Guide review stated, "The long story is elevated by extensive, often wordless spreads of atmospheric sepia-hued illustrations that beautifully realize the small aviator's failures and triumphs."



These illustrations — lush, detailed, and lifelike — are complemented in the e-book by smart animation and interaction choices. Many screens pan or zoom from one part of the illustration to another, heightening drama by revealing details. This works especially well as the mouse takes off for his transatlantic flight — narrowly avoiding a looming owl which had previously been out of frame. Subtly animated diagrams and "photographs" also slide to conceal or reveal plot points.



In another particularly effective screen, the mouse flies through several sequential snapshots on his way to New York.



Billowing clouds, pelting rain, and flying dust enhance the atmosphere of both city scenes and skyscapes.

Armin Schwing narrates the adventure with just the amount of drama throughout, adding a bit of trepidation to the mouse's encounters with predators and triumph following his flight. Well-selected sound effects and slightly whimsical introductory music (think Danny Elfman at his most gentle) round out the presentation.

Users can choose to pull up each individual page's text from a tab at the bottom and read along with the highlighted-word narration; however, that temporarily obscures part of the lovely illustrations, so be sure to take time to fully explore each screen after reading. Pulsing hotspots indicate where to tap for interactive moments. The navigation is straightforward, with a thumbnail menu accessible from the bottom of each screen for jumping forward or back. One other caveat: I found it very easy to unintentionally trigger a page turn while trying to start an animation or access a menu option, so be careful where you tap and swipe.

Available for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Macs (requires iBooks) on the iBooks Store and at Tiger Books; $0.99 now through April 12th, 2015. Recommended for primary users and up.