The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore shares more with the film UP then just it’s creative team. Yes, a fella formerly with the much-respected animation giant PIXAR is responsible for this stunning new iPad app, but also the tale is a love song. Where UP was a love song to a dearly departed spouse, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is a love song to literature; to it’s power to inspire and comfort. And that’s exactly what this glorious, interactive iPad eBook does. And does by making use of every single piece of technology an iPad possesses: photography, music, education, multi-touch, reading, sound effects, painting.
It dazzles in the obvious ways, but what sold me was the scene where Morris Lessmore approaches the grand piano towards the end of the story. As he does, you see his reflection above the keys, in the black of the instrument. It’s just a moment, but it speaks volumes about the level of craftmanship and detail that went into this app. I had tears in my eyes throughout The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.
The app also has an equally brilliant companion short film. And in a world where Angry Birds and Cute the Rope pigs become fully integrated into society, my guess is that this isn’t the last we’ll see or hear of Mr. Morris Lessmore or of his Fantastic Flying Books. At least I hope not.
All in all, this is a superb way to part with 8 of your dollars ($5 for the iPad app, $3 for the high-def short film). Seriously, that’s less than the cost of a single child’s matinee movie ticket. I spent my own money on The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore app and HD movie. I don’t do this often, but I’d do it all over again for this kind of beautiful technology.
Download The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore iPad app now.
