Penguin Books’ latest iOS app for children has a firmly educational focus. Ladybird: I’m Ready for Phonics went live yesterday for iPhone and iPad, with a £4.99 price.

The app aims to prepare children for the Phonics Screening Check that has become part of the UK curriculum at the end of Year 1 – five and six year-olds. More a set of entertaining tests than a book, it helps users practise their letter sounds and tricky words on-screen.

Penguin says it worked with phonics and literary expert Kate Ruttle on the app, and tested it in schools.

It’s the company’s latest Ladybird-branded app, following Ladybird Classic Me Books; First Words: Toddler Touch and Say; Happy Babies: Ladybird Baby Touch; and Peekaboo: Ladybird Baby Touch.