Kuato Studios worked with researchers from the University of Portland Oregon, as well as teachers and schools in the UK to develop the vocabulary content for the app. They mapped levels to US and UK literary grade standards, so the storylines adapt to users' ages. As kids complete activities, they'll advance to more difficult content.

The app could go over well with young Marvel fans. "My hope is that Marvel Hero Tales will inspire a new generation of Marvel readers and storytellers," said Kuato CEO Mark Horneff. Older fans might be happy to hear that Marvel and Dreamscape Media plan to turn dozens of Marvel comics into audiobooks. Of course, if your young reader isn't a fan of Marvel, there are other digital options -- like the Pokémon manga e-books now available in schools and libraries worldwide.