You're a good interactive app, 'Charlie Brown'

One of the first signs that the holidays are approaching is that first broadcast of the classic animated special A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Now, the story of Snoopy and company is turning interactive.

Developers at Loud Crow Interactive have created the Apple iOS app A Charlie Brown Christmas, a fresh and charming way to revisit Charlie Brown's search for the true meaning of Christmas.

The app, available for $6.99 on the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, features an interactive storybook narrated by Peter Robbins, the original voice of Charlie Brown. Also, all the music, sound effects and voices from the 1965 show return.

Users turn pages by swiping with their fingers, and can hit a replay button to hear a specific excerpt again or tap on specific words.

Every scene is fully interactive. For example, users can tap each character on the opening page to watch them skate on an icy pond, or tap falling snow to watch snowflakes appear. Users can tilt, tap or drag objects as well as characters.

One of the highlights features the scene in which the Peanuts crew get ready to rehearse the Christmas play. A small keyboard pops up, representing Schroeder's piano. After playing along to the right notes, the signature Peanuts song Linus and Lucy kicks off as the gang dances along.

A bookmark at the top of the screen lets users hop between pages. Once the story is complete, users can then participate in the Lights and Display Contest by decorating their own trees. New ornaments can be unlocked by completing certain interactive tasks.

The app is a bit pricey at $6.99, especially since users will likely only come back to it during the holiday season. However, fans of the animated special seeking a nostalgic trip back will find A Charlie Brown Christmas a fun family app.