# BoxFort \| Kids Books — Bedtime stories, early reading

> Interactive children's reading library with advanced vocabulary and SEL stories. (iPhone/iPad app by Matthew Ryan.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boxfort-kids-books/id6443570027 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Matthew Ryan](https://appshunter.io/developer/585384402)
- Category: Books, Education
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 80 App Store ratings · 11 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 17.6 · 182 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2022-10-05
- Data updated: 2026-09-05
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boxfort-kids-books/id6443570027/reviews.md

## What is BoxFort | Kids Books?

If your child says reading is boring, they're probably right. Most reading apps are.

BoxFort is made by one person. A dad who got tired of apps built to maximize screen time instead of telling a good story, so he started writing, illustrating, and building his own. More than 90,000 families read here, and our free story "Let's Taco 'Bout It" has held #1 in Apple Books' Kids chart for two years straight.

Featuring Patrick, Arty, Kevin, Dr. Toast.

WHY BOXFORT WORKS:

THEY ACTUALLY WANT TO READ IT
BoxFort stories are genuinely funny — not game-ified phonics, not talking animals saying simple sentences. When kids laugh, they relax. When they relax, they read more. That's the whole strategy.

ADVANCED LANGUAGE, PAINLESSLY
Our stories introduce Tier 2 vocabulary — words like "Transcendental," "Strategically," and "Devastated" — in context so entertaining that kids absorb them without realizing it. Ages 4–9: Read-Aloud for younger listeners, Independent Reading for older.

STORIES THAT MEAN SOMETHING
Every book goes somewhere real. Patrick tackles frustration. The Taconauts discover empathy. Characters who feel things spark conversations that last past bedtime.

KEY FEATURES:

READ TOGETHER MODE
Connect two devices and read in real-time with Grandma, a traveling parent, or a friend across town. You turn the page; it turns on their screen too. No other kids' reading app does this.

PROFESSIONAL READ-ALOUD
Voiceovers that model proper expression and tone — perfect for younger listeners or nights when you need a break.

SAFE & AD-FREE
No ads. No pop-ups. No data tracking. No exceptions.

OFFLINE ACCESS
Download favorites for car trips, camping, or no-wifi moments.

WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING:

"Finally, an app that isn't just a mindless game. My 7-year-old is reading 'big words' without even realizing it." — 5/5 Stars

"My son hates 'learning' apps but begs for BoxFort because it's actually funny." — 5/5 Stars

BoxFort includes a subscription for unlimited access to the full storybook library. Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation. Subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel anytime in your Apple ID account settings.

Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Privacy Policy: https://www.boxfort.co/privacy

## Key features

- Builds Tier 2 vocabulary
- Engages reluctant readers with humor
- Promotes social-emotional learning
- Read-aloud professional voiceovers
- Offline mode for access anywhere
- Real-time "Read Together" mode

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited Access \| Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| Unlimited Access \| Annual | $49.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Access \| Monthly | $6.99 | per month |

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The Expert | $4.99 | one-time |
| Colonel Gooseberry | $4.99 | one-time |
| Bald Spot | $2.99 | one-time |
| Kite | $2.99 | one-time |
| Sweater Weather | $2.99 | one-time |
| Wobbly Table | $2.99 | one-time |
| Stuck Jar | $2.99 | one-time |
| Patrick Found a Something | $4.99 | one-time |
| Ghost Pepper | $0.99 | one-time |
| Measuring Up | $4.99 | one-time |
| Sheep Over | $4.99 | one-time |
| Big Scary Monsters | $4.99 | one-time |
| The Treasure Map | $4.99 | one-time |
| The Unhappy Rain Cloud | $4.99 | one-time |
| BoxFort Forever - All Stories | $399.99 | one-time |
| Taconauts | $4.99 | one-time |
| The Haircut | $4.99 | one-time |
| The Eloquent Penguin | $0.99 | one-time |
| Arty Can't Sleep | $0.99 | one-time |
| The Move | $4.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 11)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boxfort-kids-books/id6443570027/reviews.md

### 5/5 — A must read with your little ones

*2026-08-07*

This book is honestly so funny and clever, and my daughter loved the toenail part.

### 5/5 — Y

*2026-04-20*

I  love this app

### 4/5 — Great short stories

*2025-10-13*

We read loads of these every day at bedtime for my son. He loves them

### 4/5 — I love it

*2025-10-01*

I love it I just think there could be a few more free books 😍😄

### 5/5 — The best books

*2025-09-07*

I love all the books and they’re pretty good books

### 5/5 — Best Books in Town!

*2024-06-26*

My daughter (4) and I have been reading Boxfort books for about a year - we love the light hearted but meaningful stories and fun characters, especially Dr Toast (the best doctor in town!!). She loves the occasional animations, trying to make the same faces as Patrick or hand gestures of the eloquent penguin as we read. We have a lot of little inside jokes stemming from the books as well, you big chunky fish.

I think we have bought half the collection on the books app already… but we signed up for the annual subscription here anyway to get the rest and support the independent author. App itself works great for me, no issues at all and pretty easy to navigate through.

Would love more content, maybe even a bit longer stories… Vicious cycle!! Thanks to Matthew for creating the books and app.

### 3/5 — Amazing app but lots of issues

*2023-10-25*

There are several books that stop before the story’s over.  Also there just aren’t enough new books.  My kids have read every one. 

Otherwise we love this app and the books, hopefully they fix the issues and add more books regularly.

### 4/5 — Great stories and illustrations !

*2023-09-26*

We love these books and it has been our bedtime stories go-to almost every night for the past 2 years. While some words are a little bit complicated, my now 7 years old is able to read most books without help.  I removed one start because as another reviewer mentioned, the app is a little bit glitchy at time. We do find a way around it most of the times though.

### 3/5 — New books

*2023-06-23*

When we signed up it was listed as new books released every month but now there haven’t been any new books in months. What is the point?

### 1/5 — Can’t login.

*2023-03-22*

I’ve already subscribed and I can’t login to your app to access the books. The subscribe page won’t scroll up, so if that’s the location of the existing users login, I wouldn’t know.  Cute stories! Love them, wish we could read them.

**Developer response:** Hi - could you email me at hello@boxfort.co? I'll take care of it. Thanks

## Frequently asked questions about BoxFort | Kids Books

### What age range is BoxFort designed for?

BoxFort is perfect for children aged 4-9. It supports read-aloud for younger children and independent reading for older ones, making it adaptable to different developmental stages.

### How does BoxFort help with vocabulary development?

BoxFort introduces rich, complex words like "Transcendental" and "Strategically" within engaging stories. This contextual learning helps children absorb advanced vocabulary naturally and enjoyably.

### Does BoxFort offer offline access?

Yes, BoxFort includes an offline mode. You can download favorite stories to keep your child entertained and learning during car rides or camping trips without needing an internet connection.

### What is the "Read Together" mode in BoxFort?

The "Read Together" mode allows two devices to connect for a shared reading experience. One person turns the page, and it instantly updates on the other's screen, perfect for connecting with distant family members.

### Does BoxFort have ads?

No, BoxFort is 100% safe and ad-free. Parents can be assured that their children will not encounter any pop-ups, distracting advertisements, or unwanted data tracking.

### What subscription options are available for BoxFort?

BoxFort offers unlimited access to its storybook library through subscription plans. You can choose a monthly subscription for $6.99 or an annual subscription for $49.99, which includes a one-year free trial.

### How does BoxFort support social-emotional learning (SEL)?

BoxFort's stories feature characters who navigate real feelings like frustration and empathy. This provides opportunities for meaningful conversations between parents and children about emotions and social skills.

### How often is BoxFort updated?

BoxFort was last updated on March 28, 2026, indicating regular content additions and improvements. This ensures a fresh and engaging experience for young readers.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.29 — 2026-08-05

Back to school with BoxFort.

Read it in your voice: record yourself reading a story and save it as a video to share. Recordings stay on your device.

A new story every Thursday, starting this week.

A free story that changes each week.

A gentler first run, a clearer first-story reward, and the new Word Jar that fills up as your reader finishes books.

Squishy Towers: the decorate button is reachable again.

Faster launch and page turns.

### 2.28 — 2026-07-25

Fixed the missing 'decorate' button in squishy towers

### 2.27 — 2026-07-14

Fixed an issue with "Read Together" mode on FaceTime.

### 2.26 — 2026-07-09

Smaller file size - all books still available to download and read offline

### 2.25 — 2026-07-09

Patrick's been busy...

Read to me:
Every story can now read itself aloud, highlighting each word as it goes. Lovely for early readers, bedtime, or when little hands are busy.

Word Jam Jar:
As your child reads, the tastiest words from each story drop into their Word Jam Jar. Tap any word to hear it, and watch the jar fill up as you read your way through the whole library.

Give the gift of reading:
You can now gift BoxFort Unlimited to another family. They get a code and a link to unlock 60+ storybooks.

Smaller to install, ready offline:
BoxFort downloads faster now and quietly saves your books for offline reading in the background, so stories are always there, even without wifi.

A cosier look:
I warmed up the home screen and search with a softer, comfier feel.

I also fixed a handful of things: search closes the way it should, and the grown-up gate is snappier.

Say hi at matthew@boxfort.co.

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## More apps by Matthew Ryan

- [Qbies: Pet Battle Squad](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qbies-pet-battle-squad/id6738206052)
- [Cooking with Dr. Toast](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cooking-with-dr-toast/id6759202499)
- [Detective Toast](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/detective-toast/id6761766427)
- [302 Slices of Bread](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/302-slices-of-bread/id6762423376)
- [Screaming Veggies](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screaming-veggies/id6764447798)

All apps by Matthew Ryan: https://appshunter.io/developer/585384402

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-05.*