I downloaded the iPad app It’s a Small World for my 8 month old son….and maybe a little bit for myself. Should you buy it too? Read on to find out.

The first thing you will notice about this app is how drop dead gorgeous the art style is. There is no mistaking the beautiful Mary Blair stylings. It is very colorful and definitely attracts my son’s attention. Of course, the iPad in general attracts his attention, even when it is off.

The app follows the Sherman brothers’ song with each scene containing a verse. These are each read by a child when you enter the scene and can be read again if you click on it. It would have been nice if it let you select the words individually instead of repeating the whole saying, but that is a small gripe. The scene slowly progresses to the right but you can speed that up or slow it down by swiping. After each scene it transitions to the next with people floating away in a hot air balloon.

The scenes are full of interactivity. You can touch on pretty much everything and some sort of animation will occur. There is a mother duck with her ducklings in one scene; and if you drag her around the water her ducklings will follow. Another scene shows a dark cave with creppy eyes peering out. When you tap on it the darkness goes away to reveal several happy looking animals. But my favorite would have to be the seagull who says “Mine” when tapped, a nod to Finding Nemo.

Much like the ride, the app is a trip around the world visiting vastly different and interesting locales. The variety is pretty refreshing. No two scenes seem alike.

The scenes end in classic Small World style. Children from around the world sit in a tree and when tapped say hello in their native language.

But wait, there’s more! The verses have all been spoken so far and you can’t have It’s a Small World without the song. Wrapping the app up is a sing-a-long version of the song showing kids looking up at fireworks you activate by tapping.

At the current price of $3.99 this app is worth it. If you love the ride, you will love the app and your little one will be entertained …. for the few minutes before they find the home button.