Unlocking the hidden secrets of letters and words just became easier, thanks to this well-designed collection of finger-powered word puzzles.

Content includes 300 words, each with an associated picture. Any word, letter or picture can be heard with a simple touch. In the easy level, words are spelled one letter at a time. Levels 2 and 3 automatically create multi-word crosswords in different combinations. Because wrong answers just fall back into a place, children are able to freely experiment with the letter/sound concepts. For each completed puzzle, each word is sounded out phonetically, and children can celebrate by decorating the screen.

Additional content includes a movable alphabet that allows open-ended exploration of the letters.

Options include the ability to toggle between upper/lower case, change the alphabet between ABC and phonetic layout and the ability to turn on/off the letter Q. We're not sure what's so "Montessori" about this app, however, it is an extremely powerful early reading experience.

Note that this app is called "Montessori Words & Phonics" in Google Play.