If you're like most parents, your iPad or smartphone is often handed to your kids to keep them entertained. My toddler loves looking at photos on my iPod - and he figured out the zooming feature on his own!

There are a lot of apps out there for kids, but the best ones incorporate educational components. So how do you choose the best apps? Just like you would be critical in choosing a good book for your child, try out the apps and ask some questions. Does the interactivity add or distract from the content? Are the controls easy to use? Can you record your own voice?

One great resource is this Apps for Kids weekly podcast from BoingBoing.net; a father and daughter team evaluate apps every week. The School Library Journal also just published their list of top 10 apps for 2012; here is the list of top apps from Parents' Choice. Here's a Pinterest board from a children's librarian that includes her top apps.

Do you have a favorite app for your kids? Please share it in a comment!

Remember Reading Rainbow? This fun public TV show starring LeVar Burton encouraged reading by focusing on a theme from a book, explored through segments and stories; it also included book recommendations. You can view all the episodes on YouTube.  The show is now making a come-back as a for-pay app for the iPad; an Android version is coming soon! Look for it in your app stores and check out this recent interview with LeVar Burton.