If you're looking for a more fun approach to practicing letter writing, try the aptly named ( Macworld rated 4 out of 5 mice ). In the app's letter mode, tapping on any letter in the alphabet brings up a screen featuring a colorful drawing of an animal whose name starts with that letter. From there, you can trace the letter and words or practice freeform writing. Alphabet Fun lets kids pick from a variety of virtual crayons and colored pencils. (The app also features numbers and color modes.)

The apps we've looked at here focus more on learning and practicing letters. But for just enjoying a good alphabet-themed story, you can't go wrong with Macworld rated 4.5 out of 5 mice . It's a great adaptation of the classic children's book, done with the same commitment to quality has demonstrated with its other iOS versions of Dr. Seuss books.

Here's the good news: All of these alphabet apps are very good. If you're looking for apps to keep your kids entertained on their own, ABC Go is the best choice, but it functions a bit more like a game than an educational tool. Alphabet Fun offers an enjoyable way of practicing letters. ABC Expedition, on the other hand, really drills letter sounds while remaining entertaining--though with just 26 animals to page through, it can feel repetitious.

The most educational of the apps included here are Montessorium's offerings. But remember that Alpha Writer in particular really requires that you sit with your kids to help them practice spelling and sounding out words with the app.