NZ startup launches Twisted Tales app for storytime
NZ startup launches Twisted Tales app for storytime
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1st December 2017
A New Zealand-made interactive reading app that allows children (and children at heart) to take control of classic kids’ stories launches on the App Store and Google Play today.
Believed to be the first of its kind in the
world, Twisted Tales by startup Sonnar Interactive allows
readers to make choices for the characters in classic fairy
tales.
It launches with its own spin on two tales: Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel.
With more than 10 possible
endings, multiple voice actors, stunning artwork, sound
effects and music; the app has proven to be a hit among
children during testing phase.
“I’ve been blown
away by the feedback from children and their parents,”
says Sonnar Interactive founder Jarek Beksa, who was
nominated Young New Zealand Innovator of 2017 at the Innovation Awards.
“Children
love the app because it brings to life their favourite
characters and puts them in charge of choosing the
storyline. They’re totally engrossed in the story thanks
to the illustrations and soundwork.
“Their parents
love the app because it’s making reading cool for kids
again. The app educates and entertains their children all at
the same time for hours of fun learning.”
Dr Jannie
van Hees from the New Zealand Council for Educational
Research says Twisted Tales is an “admirable concept.”
She says the app teaches children reading, writing, and
listening skills as well as risk management and
decision-making.
Beksa is a PhD candidate at AUT and
serial app developing entrepreneur: he has already earned
recognition after making smartphone and tablet
games for blind people.
“We want to give people
a new auditory experience. Instead of listening to a
narrative unfold, each Twisted Tale is layered with rich
soundscapes to launch the reader’s imagination in an
alternate world.
“These experiences will evolve
through the user’s personal choices, making them part of
these classic stories in a way they have never been able to
before.”
If a reader makes the wrong decision, their
character can meet an unfortunate fate, but if they make it
home safely, they can unlock secret characters and relive
the whole story through the eyes of the big bad wolf or the
evil witch.
“Our mission is to bring back good old
choose-your-own-adventure books. We believe Twisted Tales
can make children - and their parents - develop an even
bigger love for story time,” Beksa says.
Beauty and
Beast, Alice in Wonderland, and the Jungle Book are due to
be released in 2018.
ENDS
More information can
be found at http://sonnar.nz/twisted-tales/.