Dublin-based interactive story and activity-book publisher StoryToys has teamed up with The World of Eric Carle to produce the first in a series of 3D pop-up apps based on the beloved children’s author’s work.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Friends – Play & Explore app brings a sprinkling of StoryToys magic (also known as 3D animation and technology) to the work of Carle, author and illustrator of more than 70 children’s books, which have sold more than 125m copies worldwide.
Launching today is no coincidence, as 20 March marks Very Hungry Caterpillar Day, which celebrates the original book’s release, and this year marks its 45th anniversary.
As well as the ravenous caterpillar, characters from Carle’s other titles, such as Mister Seahorse, The Very Quiet Cricket and The Mixed-Up Chameleon also make an appearance in the StoryToys app.
Aimed at pre-schoolers, The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Friends incorporates Carle’s illustrations with eight pop-up games and activities, a specially composed soundtrack and a kid-friendly interface.
The interactive story app comes from a collaboration between StoryToys and The World of Eric Carle, a design-driven licensing and merchandising program based on Carle’s picture books.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to work with such prominent and much-loved children’s classics, and very proud to be a part of the celebration of The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s 45th anniversary,” said Barry O’Neill, CEO of StoryToys.
“StoryToys has a strong heritage of bringing classics into the digital world and we’re excited to offer children totally new ways to interact with their favourite Eric Carle characters,” he added.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Friends – Play & Explore app is available now in a selection of languages at an introductory price of €2.99, exclusively from the App Store for iOS devices.