Weta Workshop-illustrated book gets kids onto ipad

Media release

November 18, 2010

Weta Workshop-illustrated book gets kids into reading on the iPad

A children’s picture book illustrated by artists from the Oscar-winning special effects studio Weta Workshop is getting kids into reading on the iPad.

Champ the Chopper, written by author Rebekah Palmer and illustrated by artists from Weta Workshop, is being released on the iPad as a QBook.

Kiwa Media is turning classic children’s books into QBooks – touch-enabled read-along storybooks available on the iPad – as a new way for kids to experience their favourite stories.

New Zealand author Rebekah Palmer says it’s a fantastic way to get kids into reading.

“This application lets kids really interact with the book. They can touch the text to hear the story or can record their own version. They can even colour-in each page with the paintbox – that’s something you’re not allowed to do if you take a traditional book out from the library.”

Digital publishing is changing the way people read, she says. “Children and young people are getting more and more of their entertainment through screens. Transforming traditional books into this medium can only help get kids into reading. A good story is a good story, whether it’s in a book you hold in your hands or on a fun screen you can zoom around on.”

Roger Shakes, Kiwa Media Vice President Business Development, says the QBooks are all about bringing books to life on the iPad. “Kids just love these books. They love the way they can touch and explore the words and pictures in exactly the way they choose. I really think this is the future of book publishing.”

Champ the Chopper is the first in a series of picture books about a little rescue helicopter aimed at 2-7-year-olds. It is illustrated by Daniel Falconer and Chris Guise from the renowned New Zealand special effects studio Weta Workshop.

The Champ the Chopper QBook is narrated by British actor Guy Masterson, the nephew of Sir Richard Burton. It is available for download on the Apple iTunes Store.

ENDS

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