My iPhone and iPad have a few games to keep my little kids entertained, but as it turns out, they’re often more enthralled with the educational apps I’ve got loaded up. And really, what better way to help reinforce their learning with cool games that just so happen to be teaching them too?

Here, 8 apps for toddlers and preschoolers that we really love.

Toddlers and preschoolers alike will love My Very First App (above) which brings Eric Carle’s amazing artwork to life in a series of matching and memory games at various levels ($1.99 at iTunes).

Bob Books preschool app

The well-loved Bob Books will get your kiddos on the road to reading, with a variety of phonics and reading pages that are engaging and increasingly challenging. ($1.99 at iTunes)

I Write Words educational kids' writing app

Whether they are just learning their letters or need more handwriting practice, I Write Words will get your kids tracing letters and spelling words in a fun and engaging app. ($2.99 at iTunes; try out the lite version for free)

Peekaboo Barn preschool app

Peekaboo Barn is perfect for your younger kiddos, teaching them animal names and sounds in both English and Spanish. ($1.99 at iTunes, $2.99 in the Android Market)

Word Wagon kids' spelling app

Teach your kids phonics and spelling with Word Wagon, which features more than 100 words, accompanied by adorable graphics. Different levels will appeal to different aged learners and keep the app fresh for a while. ($1.99 at iTunes)

Seuss Books apps

Bring your kiddos’ favorite Dr. Seuss books with you wherever you go with the Seuss Books apps. From The Cat in the Hat to the Lorax, they are so well done, we think old TG would have approved big time. ($3.99 at iTunes)

Peekaboo kids app | Cool Mom Tech

My 2 and 4 year-old kids are obsessed with Peekaboo and the seven adorable aliens that are hidden in a bunch of different scenes. It’s like Where’s Waldo for the 21st century. ($1.99 at iTunes)

Spot the Dot kids' app

Learning colors was never so fun as with Ruckus Media’s seek and find app, Spot the Dot. It teaches hand-eye coordination too. ($3.99 at iTunes–NB revised price)

You can find more cool apps for kids in our archives. Feel free to add yours in the comments.

Other back to school tech picks:
Smart gadgets for parents
Educational apps for kids