No child in the world likes to be surrounded by boring text-books and the run-of-the-mill alphabet books.
They like to give wings to their powers of imagination - something that only the world of fairy tales allows them to do.
Apart from gradually building up kids' vocabulary, fairy tales also keep the little ones engaged, and enhance their general curiosity levels.
With the advent of technology, many iPhone app development companies have come up with such storytelling applications.
Here are 12 fairy tales on mobile apps that your child would get hooked to, in next to no time:

1. Beauty and the Beast - Published in the first half of the eighteenth century, the popularity of this fairy tale, penned by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, remains unabated to this day.
   The story of Belle and the Beast, illustrated in lively manner through sophisticated app development graphics, would surely appeal to your li'l darling's senses.
   
2. Hansel and Gretel - Not all of the Brothers Grimm's tales are considered to be really suitable for young minds, but 'Hansel and Gretel' is a glorious exception.
   Any company that claims to have the best iPhone app for kids would surely have this one in the collection.
   Poor yet brave kids, a bad, bad witch and a whole lot of adventure - what's there not to like in this tale?
3. Thumbelina - When a story opens with a cute little girl emerging from a flower, you can pretty much rest assured that small kids would find it interesting.
   Not surprisingly, Thumbelina has been a rage among even kids of the present generation.
   There is a fairy prince in the story too, and he is just as pint-sized as Thumbelina!
4. Goldilocks and The Three Bears - Robert Southey's timeless classic about three bears - of different sizes - assumed the status of a cult classic a long time back.
   Ironically, the story was initially meant to be a scary one - but was later made a much more loveable tale, with the interactions between the bears and Goldilocks (a little, curious girl) being particularly endearing.
   Most smartphone apps with this story packs in games and quizzes with it too.
   
5. Puss in Boots - Your son/daughter loved the film, and (s)he can enjoy the antiques of the adventure-seeking Puss, in any good storytelling iPhone apps for kids.
   'Puss in Boots' initially came out as a part of a collection of eight fairy tales, way back in 1697.
   It has stood the test of time, and continues to delight kids and kids-at-heart alike!
6. Rapunzel - One of the best-known quotes from fairy tales has got to be 'Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair' - and it comes from this enchanting story.
   It would be an absolute delight to watch the rippling golden hair of Rapunzel on the screen of a smartphone or a tablet, and app developers ensure that the entire tale is presented in a lively, interactive manner.
   There is an alternative, tragic ending to the story, but that is, understandably, not shown in mobile apps for kids.
   
7. The Frog Prince - A lot of hard work is required for attaining the ultimate goals of life - that's probably the biggest message this sweet fairy tale delivers to kids.
   The original version - where the princes, repelled by the frog, throws it against a brick wall - has been replaced in later editions and, of course, mobile storytelling applications.
   The princess now plants a loving kiss on her pet frog, and the latter transforms immediately into a handsome prince.
   A story that's worth many a re-read!
8. Cinderella - Also known by the name 'The Little Glass Slipper', this fairy tale is a permanent fixture in any well-known mobile learning app for kids.
   It warms the cockles of the hearts of kids from all over the globe - as they read about the much-neglected and abused Cinderella finding fame and happiness one night, and finally escaping from the clutches of misfortune.
   Cinderella has been adapted for the stage and for quite a few Hollywood productions too.
   
9. Little Red Riding Hood - There is a big, wicked wolf gulping down an old lady (the 'grandma'), and even the protagonist ('Red Riding Hood') in this tale - but everything is narrated in such an endearing manner that it would easily be an ideal read for your child.
   There is a subtle warning for kids to stay away from unknown places as well, in this story.
   
10. The Adventures of Pinocchio - You have probably already told your little one that liars have unnaturally big noses - a popular belief.
    It stems from the central character, Pinocchio, of this fairy tale, which was first published in the 1880s.
    The character of a puppet, who wishes to become a real person but has an unpleasant tendency to fabricate stories, has received the thumbs-up from readers all over.
    
11. Ugly Duckling - Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Ugly Duckling' also features among the most sought-after fairy tales on mobile apps.
    The tale revolves around a small duckling who is constantly knackered by everyone round it - till one day, it decides to fly away with a group of swans.
    The high point of the story arrives when the duckling, long perceived to be 'ugly', discovers how lovely it has actually become.
    
12. Jungle Book - Even adults try catching the re-runs of 'Mowgli' and his buddies' adventures in the forest on television - and it is natural that kids would simply love to read up all the stories about them on interestingly designed iPhone apps.
    This series of stories is also often accompanied by puzzles and games, in mobile applications.
    The imaginative powers of your child will soar high!

Winnie The Pooh, The Three Little Pigs and Tin Soldier are some of the other popular fairy tales that currently feature on many iPhone applications for kids.
The Snow Queen, also by Hans Christian Andersen, has a huge worldwide fan base too.
Encourage your kid to read up all of these captivating fairy tales, take out time to join him/her at times, and let the little one develop his/her imagination, while having loads of reading fun!