Green Monsters name from Monsters Inc

Does the name James P. Sullivan and Mike Wazowski ring any bell to you? What about the name "Boo"?

You probably already know what I'm talking about, because the article title reads Monsters, Inc. But, if those names weren't familiar to you, that makes sense because it's been 12 years since the movie was released.

If you need a bit of a reminder, James P. Sullivan also known as Sulley, is the big furry blue monster, whereas Mike is the one-eyed short green monster. Both of them were the scariest team of monsters in Monstropolis. After more than a decade, the team returns in a new movie, Monsters University, set to be released in June 21, 2013. Interestingly, it is actually the prequel to the original Monsters, Inc.

Today, I will share about two Storybook Deluxe apps that tell the stories of both movies. So if you want to, you can get a glimpse of the story in the upcoming Monsters University movie by reading this storybook app.

Monsters, Inc. Storybook Deluxe retells Pixar’s critically-acclaimed tale

Monsters, Inc. Storybook Deluxe

Monsters, Inc. Storybook Deluxe retells the first Monsters, Inc. movie through a set of 35 interactive pages. It is fully narrated, and it even includes short animation clips from the original movie. While the plot is not as extensive, it is quite representative that you wouldn’t miss key turning points in the storyline.

If you haven’t got the chance to introduce your juniors to this 12-year-old story, this app might be a good intro prior to watching the original movie. The app also comes with a mini game where you walk into a simulated scare room while taking care not to bump into any toys and items.

If you haven't watched Monsters, Inc., here’s a short synopsis of the story, taken straight from the app description:

Loveable Sulley and his wisecracking sidekick, Mike Wazowski, are the top scare team at Monsters, Incorporated, the scream-processing factory in Monstropolis. When a little girl named Boo wanders into their world, it’s the monsters who are scared silly! It’s up to Sulley and Mike to keep her out of sight and get her back home.

Monsters University Storybook Deluxe

I find it a bit uncommon for a storybook app to be released prior to the movie, but this might be a good marketing strategy. Fans of the franchise can get the app and enjoy the story earlier. You would still enjoy the movie even when you have read the Storybook Deluxe, because the book doesn’t reveal all that much from the storyline.

Monsters University takes place 10 years prior the days of Monsters, Inc. It tells the story of how our two favorite monsters met in college and how they eventually became best friends. The book shows a different side of Monstropolis, a bright and sunny side of town where many young monsters go to college.

Compared to the Monsters, Inc. Storybook Deluxe, the Monsters University version adds new improvements that make it unique. For example, you can create your own Monsters University ID Badge, complete with a profile photo and accessories (or body parts) to make your photo monster-legit.

Another improvement is the excellent album showing off all the Scare cards that you have collected while reading the story. These cards contain detail stats of various monster characters.

Finally, Monsters University Storybook Deluxe also includes a similar Scare game where you tilt your iPad to navigate through various obstacles. However, it adds five new terrains to play with.