The idea of apps that encourage children to get out looking at the real world definitely appeals. Here’s the latest example: Eye Paint Alphabet.

It’s the work of children’s apps developer Curious Hat, and aims to get kids painting letters of the alphabet by pointing their iPhone or iPad’s camera at the world around them.

“EyePaint offers the opportunity to create amazing images taking pictures using the camera to complete the drawings,” explains its App Store listing. “Tapping on any area in the drawing will reveal the live camera image. The Camera Shutter button then appears enabling users to capture their chosen pattern.”

The fab Toca Tailor used a similar idea to get kids collecting patterns to decorate virtual clothes, although Eye Paint Alphabet is no copycat. In fact, it follows previous apps from Curious Hat using similar features: Eye Paint Animals, Eye Paint Monsters and Eye Paint MyDiary.

Eye Paint Alphabet costs 69p on the App Store, and runs on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.