Common Sense Media has a great list of the best apps to encourage young readers.  This is a wonderful way to introduce children to the pleasures of books.  I was especially taken with Icarus Swinebuckle.  Parents can read aloud, with the text highlighted as they go to help children begin to recognize the words.  Then, when they begin to read on their own, they can tap on any word they do not know and hear it said aloud.  And I love the way it is inspired by the classic story from Greek mythology.  

Smartphones and tablets may have transformed the lives of adults, but the impact they will have on learning for children and older kids will be even greater.