Enterprising Author Develops Interactive Walk-In Story Books

Making print more interactive will be a key topic discussed at Graph Expo 14, a major conference for printing businesses that will be held from Sept. 28-Oct. 1 in Chicago. Here’s a creative example of a new educational product in which large-format printed graphics are designed for use in conjunction with iPad apps.  

Enterprising children’s book author/illustrator Roxie Munro recently launched K.I.W.I. (Kids Interactive Walk-In) Storybooks. These illustrated, 5-foot tall panoramic backdrops serve as interactive learning tools for students in grades pre-K through 5.  KIWi  Rainforest

The themed backdrops are paired with a free iPad app by OCG Studios. When kids place markers on the backdrops, they can scan the marker with an iPad to initiate dozens of activities.  They can search for objects, play education games, learn fun facts about a subject, or record or edit their own movies.

To help teachers integrate the activities into the curriculum, author and playwright Douglas Love created a new Reader’s Theatre genre that complements each theme and implements the four C’s of 21st century education: critical thinking skills, communication, collaboration, and creativity.

kiwi-kids-maze

K.I.W.I. Storybook backdrops have been developed in 11 themes: Rainforest and Desert, Farm and Maze, Fire Station and Risky Residence, Submersible, Dinosaurs, TV Studio, Castle, Old West, and Space Station. Each backdrop can be used for education, to perform a play, or in combination with the iPad apps. 

KiwiTrailer from K.I.W.i STORYBOOKS on Vimeo.

The 5 ft. x 7 ft. backdrops are printed on both sides of three panels (two 21-inch side panels and a 42-inch center panel) on a tear-resistant, flexible PVC-free material. Additional panels can be inserted to create 5 x 14 ft. backdrops. The panels can be rolled up and stored in the three-piece telescoping tube included in the package. VELCRO-brand fasteners are included for easy assembly.

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K.I.W.i. Storybooks