HICKORY DICKORY DOCK

More of a collection of small diversions featuring a goofy purple mouse than any kind of cohesive story, this hyperactive take on the nursery rhyme isn't without charm.

The app takes a literal approach, taking place entirely within a clock that has been outfitted with all kinds of peculiar gadgets and games. By tapping one of the clock numbers, from one to 12, and then tapping "Go!" readers can make animated dust bunnies, earbuds that expel bubbles or a slot machine that produces cupcakes appear. A short burst of music gussies up the original rhyme. "The clock struck eight / He filled his plate!" or "The clock struck nine / The bells all chimed." The activities themselves are short, one-dimensional and far less imaginative than what any kid would find in stand-alone games like "Angry Birds," but the computer animation is nicely detailed, the music is catchy and the pudgy mouse itself is funny when dancing or chomping down on giant pieces of watermelon. Not all the mini-games, unfortunately, are great, and the app itself is confusing to navigate at first, even with blinking directions.

It's mediocre in parts, chuckle-worthy in other sections and ultimately skippable. One must remember it's based on the flimsiest of five-line nursery rhymes; it's remarkable how much work went into trying to flesh out the idea.