# Ollie's Handwriting & Phonics for iPad — user reviews > 18 indexed App Store user reviews of Ollie's Handwriting & Phonics for iPad by Blue Mango LLC, rated 3.50/5 from 4 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ollies-handwriting-and-phonics-for-ipad/id647784046/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ollies-handwriting-and-phonics-for-ipad/id647784046.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 1 · 4★ 2 · 3★ 0 · 2★ 0 · 1★ 1 ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Tries to Upgrade Itself *2014-11-07* Every time the app opens, it gives the pop up "Can't make payment". I'm glad I have in app purchases turned off. ### 2/5 — I want my money back please... *2017-05-08* I tested it for a bit, and decided to spend the $3 for the rest of the alphabet. I was also excited about the sight words. Surprise, there were only ten of them. Meh. Also, the trace function did not work on all of the letters. ### 2/5 — Disappointed *2013-10-13, version 1.0* I was disappointed that the children could form each letter incorrectly and still be clapped for it. Other handwriting apps will only allow correct formation, which is much better in my opinion. Other than this the app is good, although it would benefit from allowing users to choose from a range of letter formations due to the differences through regions. ### 2/5 — iPad issues *2013-09-02* Something is wrong with the orientation. It goes back and forth in a really odd way. Too annoying to use for a kid. ### 3/5 — Slow *2017-02-23* If you have a patient learner this will do well. My boy goes 90 mph all the time and won't wait for Ollie to show him how to do the letters first. I was really hoping that he would like it. As a lefty he is going to need more handwriting practice than others. ### 3/5 — Could be great but ... *2015-09-04, version 1.1* I was impressed when I first tried it. Word sound and letter name and beautiful handwriting demo. Tried to write the letter d , but it did not let me draw full letter . When this bug is fixed , then I could use app ### 3/5 — Not 100% Accurate with the way they are taught *2015-05-03* The capital Y isn't correctly shown. Many of the lowercase letters have "trace over" the lines instead of pick up the "pencil". Which perhaps that is taught somewhere but not where I live. And lastly I'd love to add my son's name to the My words section however you cannot make a capital letter to start those words. My son is enjoying making letters. I hope these things can be fixed. :) ### 3/5 — Good but has a bug *2014-02-04* The app is great except that it won't go past the letter M on the tracing portion. If they fix this bug, this app would be top notch. ### 3/5 — Good app but needs to fix *2014-01-27* Thought the app was great until I got to the sight words. The orientation kept switching back and forth between seeing the word and writing it. That was frustrating for me as a parent, can't think how it would be for my kids. The other issue I had about sight words was that there was no where to practice writing the word together. You can just write each word as individual letters. Really Wanted to like it. If those issues ever change I would download it again. ### 3/5 — Good app *2014-01-02* This is a good app, but I do not like that there is a delay when the children are writing as to when the chalk starts. It is not smooth. I do like that you can add your own words. Also, it is great because there are several games for the kids to play to work on spelling & recognizing these sight words or your own spelling words. ## Most praised reviews (8 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Love it! *2016-10-04* My students love this app! AND it has helped them on their handwriting skills and phonics sounds. I love that they can use it independently and are showing progress in their skills! A must for parents and teachers of elementary and preschool kiddos! ### 5/5 — Great app *2015-05-11* My twin granddaughters (3 1/2) really enjoy this app. They love the owl and cheer sounds. They are learning to write letters in a very fun way. I taught kindergarten and give this app high marks for both content and creativity! ### 5/5 — Intro to letter formation *2014-08-26* This ap is perfect for introducing your child to letters, sounds, and letter formation. My daughter is 3.5 and loves it! In regards to the review about a bug that won't let you get past letter m--it's not a bug, buying the full version gives you access to all the letters and sight words. Totally worth $2.99 to me! ### 5/5 — Kindergarten Teacher *2013-09-16* As a kindergarten teacher I am always on the hunt for great new app. I love that this app says the name of the letter and the sound as Ollie shows you how to write the letter. I also appreciate that the app doesn't allow students to form a letter incorrectly. Thank you! I will be recommending this app to coworkers and families. ### 5/5 — Phonics *2013-08-31* This is a great app for all parents and teachers! Your kids can interactively learn letters and words! ### 5/5 — Love it! *2013-08-23* This is a fun app for any child learning how to print. What makes it extra special is the artwork and sounds. I upgraded and its worth it! ### 5/5 — My kid loves it! *2013-08-20* Great app. Worth the upgrade! ### 4/5 — E is for elephant *2013-10-26* I really like this app. It's great for letter formation and beginning sounds. The one problem is your choice of egg for the short e sound. It's confusing for young ears learning to distinguish short a and short e. Elephant would be a better choice. --- *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 2026-06-06.*