Posts Tagged ‘Children’s apps’

Calling All Parents, Teachers, Librarians and more: Reading Tips Wanted

Posted by ruckusholly on February 27th, 2012

Teacher and Parent TipsCalling all parents, childcare providers, teachers, reading specialists and literacy professionals including librarians!

We at Ruckus Media Group, creator of award-winning interactive storybooks for children, are looking for reading tips to stimulate children’s love of reading, both inside and outside the classroom. Who better to write those tips than you, the expert? We know that you work with children day in and day out to find that “just-right” way for each child to develop a love of reading, whether they are your own children or your students.

Please email your creative reading tip and photograph to TeacherTips@RuckusMediaGroup.com (if you are a specialist) or ParentTips@RuckusMediaGroup.com (if you are a parent). If your tip is chosen, we’ll credit the submission with your name and image, and post a link directly to your site or school. And, you’ll also be eligible to receive a $10 iTunes gift card to select your choice of stories from our library.

Here are the rules, terms and conditions (make sure you read the fine print before entering):

  • You must be at least 18 years old to enter.
  • Photos (high-resolution jpegs at a maximum size of 100 KB) must accompany all submissions, and should include your name, title, school (if applicable), city and state. If you would like us to link to your blog or website, please send us your URL.
  • Reading tip minimum word count: 25 words.
  • Only authors of tips selected by Ruckus Media Group will receive a $10 iTunes card.
  • All submitted reading tips will be reviewed by an education adviser appointed by Ruckus Media Group.
  • If selected, you must fill out a consent form (to be provided by Ruckus Media Group) certifying that you are the individual in the photos, that you are the individual identified by the submitted name and contact information, that all submitted information is true and accurate and that you own the copyright interest in all submitted materials and have the right to consent to Ruckus Media’s Group’s use of such materials.  You also agree to indemnify RMG against any and all liability to third-parties arising from RMG’s use of your submission as described below.
  • You grant Ruckus Media Group permission to use the submitted: tip, photo, name, school name and location information for any and all promotional purposes related to Ruckus Media Group.
  • Ruckus Media Group reserves the right to end this campaign at any time and to refuse acceptance of further submissions without notice.

 

We can’t wait to work together to continue our mission to create experiences through mobile devices that educate children and stimulate literacy.

Start sending your tips (you can send as many as you like) today and let’s motivate the world to read!

With Cyberchase, Math is Everywhere (And So Are We!)

Posted by ruckusholly on February 2nd, 2012

CyberchaseToday we are thrilled to announce our first partnership with a PBS property, as well as the folks at WNET!  And it’s none other than Cyberchase, a favorite of so many our own children.

You’ve seen us recently buzz about partnerships with Hasbro, Crayola, SeaWorld and most recently, the Wiggles.  And now we’re adding Cyberchase!

Cyberchase is an enthralling series that inspires children to the real practicalities of mathematics.  As education is becoming more and more important in the space of children’s apps, we are honored to be a part of what this dynamic show is bringing to the table.  The Cyberchase apps will fuse math and problem-solving interactive stories with interactive components for parents. They will be the first suite of interactive storybooks from Ruckus that promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning, a critical area of focus in education and the heart of Cyberchase’s mission.

We have been granted worldwide right to develop interactive storybooks based on this Emmy-award winning PBS KIDS Go! math series.  The show airs on more than 300 public television channels nationwide and features a team of curious kids who use math and problem solving to outsmart a villain cyberchasein their adventurous quest to save Cyberspace.  We KNOW that our existing Ruckus fans are going to be excited as we are about our partnership, as well as all the Cyberchase fans out there in the cyber-verse!

The storybook applications, designed to inspire confidence in and enthusiasm for math for children ages 4 through 8 will operate on iPhone, iTouch, iPad and Android-enabled mobile devices and tablets.  Ruckus will release 12 titles each year in two reading and math levels with the first titles scheduled to release worldwide with English language distribution through iTunes at the App store in April 2012, followed by Android releases later in the year.

To read more about our relationship, check out the press release. And let us know how if you or your child is a big fan of Cyberchase, who your favorite characters are, what you like about the show and more in the comment section below.


 

 


 

App Production 101: Words from Our Art Director

Posted by ruckusholly on February 2nd, 2012

In the upcoming weeks, we are going to delve more into the process of App Production, as requested by many of you on Twitter and elsewhere.  First up, we have an explanation of who does what on each project by Pactrick Dorey, our Art Director, based out of our NYC office.  This is a very broad overview and we will try to get more into the specifics in the upcoming weeks.

 

my little pony

Here’s a break down of various peoples jobs that work on each app:

First, dancing pixies sprinkle fair dust on a iPad and speak some secret magic words and with a burst of light, an interactive story book app is born. (Just kidding!)

First,  a producer will work out with the client on the general concept of the app. For instance, if the story is based on an existing TV show episode or an original story, there are particular considerations.

Then a writer will write the original story or adapt it.

Once the story is ironed out, the producer will use it to create a rough storyboard which gets handed off to a few designers.

The designers will piece together story page art using existing images and digitally create some of the graphics from scratch and create animation.

Meanwhile, voice recording will take place and story’s narration begins.

When all the graphics and audio are complete and approved by the client, then everything will go to a team of developers to program the functionality.

At the end, the finished product gets delivered to Apple for their approval.

Once Apple approves it, then they will put the book in the iTunes App Store.

And voila, an app is born!


Message from Lynn Smith, New Business Development: We’re On to Something Here

Posted by ruckusholly on January 31st, 2012

Lynn Smith

This post was written by Lynn Smith, Director of New Business Development here at Ruckus.  You can read about her background here.

We’re on to something here…

Moving from the print publishing world to the digital world is an exciting but daunting change to make, mainly because of the learning curve.  When representing a print publisher, licensors understand what you do & how you do it (and so do you).  A presentation could be as simple as saying the name of the company.  Everyone knows it and wants to partner.  However, coming to Digital, I find myself not only educating people about our company, but explaining the many facets of the digital publishing world.  Therefore, instead of brand owners presenting to me… I am more often presenting to them.  And I have found that the best way to show them what we do, is simply by reading a digital book with them.  Following that, I not only get a coveted “A-ha” moment, I get a “wow, that’s amazing!” moment.

By way of example, at last year’s licensing show, I was late to a meeting (as everyone is at Licensing Show) and had only 20 minutes (in the food court of all places), before I had to run off to my next meeting. I gave a brief overview of our company & then quickly showed our Hasbro Chuck & Friends digital book.  The licensor was floored. I returned from Licensing Show with significant interest, which turned into a more formal sit-down, which turned into an offer, which is now a collaborative, signed, partnership.

I am amazed daily by what my company is creating and ideas that we are generating.  It takes a lot of talented minds, hard work, and passion to build the catalog we have, but I have to give credit where credit is due – because our producers make my job that much easier.  To think that a 20 minute minute food court meeting would turn into a contract sounds crazy, but it’s not that far off when you experience our products.

And I figure… if I’m this fascinated by what we can do, imagine what our 4 year old consumers will do when they see it.

Buy an App, Help Save Lives

Posted by ruckusholly on November 15th, 2011

A few years ago, our CEO, Rick Richter, worked on a book at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers with Marlo Thomas titled Thanks and Giving.  It was a collection of stories, poems, and written music about helping others and appreciating what we have. He never forgot this project, and it gives our current partnership even more meaning.

We are working with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, the hospital that Marlo Thomas’ father founded, this holiday season on the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign, a holiday program that asks shoppers to “Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not,” while shopping this holiday season.

Between now and December 31, we will donate 100% ($1.39) of the net proceeds of our classic Read-Play-and-Record Along Rabbit Ears interactive storybooks to the St. Jude cause. Buying an app will give you, the consumer, a dual purpose. For example, when you pick up a copy of The Velveteen Rabbit told by Meryl Streep, not only will you be providing quality story-telling to your child, but you will also be supporting the lifesaving work of finding cures and saving children with deadly diseases. Plus, for a limited time, all of our Rabbit Ears apps will be priced at $1.99.  Not only are our apps on sale, but you can feel good about making a donation to this important charity, knowing that $1.39 of each download goes to help save a child’s life.

The apps that are on sale include: Pecos Bill told by Robin Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit  and The Night Before Christmas told by Meryl Streep, John Henry told by Denzel Washington, Tom Thumb told by John Cleese, Goldilocks told by Meg Ryan, Johnny Appleseed told by Garrison Keillor, The Steadfast Tin Soldier told by Jeremy Irons and Three Little Bears told by Holly Hunter.  In addition we are releasing two NEW stories during this time period, as well, both launching today: Thumbelina told by Kelly McGillis and Paul Bunyan told by Jonathan Winters.

We are so honored to be amongst a prestigious group of partners teaming up with St. Jude during this fabulous, important campaign (check out the list here), and we hope that you head to  iTunes today to purchase our interactive storybooks.  To learn more about the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign or to make a donation, go to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital web site.

 

CNET Gotham and Cool Mom Tech: A Live Holiday Guide

Posted by ruckusholly on November 14th, 2011

Cool Mom TechLast week we were fortunate to be invited as special guests to a special event in NYC co-hosted by Cool Mom Tech. It was an interactive pop-up called CNET Gotham: A Live Holiday Guide. Held in NYC’s Nolita neighborhood, the five-day pop-up showcased favorite products of the tech media website’s editorial staff. The topic was holiday recommendations for families, with suggestions made by CNET TV Executive Editor Molly Wood and CNET Reviews Editor-in-Chief Lindsey Turrentine, as well as Kristen Chase and Liz Gumbinner of Cool Mom Tech.  You couldn’t ask for a better list of the season’s most trendy and useful gadgets to jump-start any holiday shopping list.

If you’re looking for family-friendly gadgets to get for your loved ones this season, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of the hot tech recommendations made by these extremely smart women.  The complete list will be published today by Cool Mom Tech, so look out for it.

Best camera (recommended by Cool Mom Tech):  Sony Cybershot

Best camera (recommended by CNET): Canon Rebel T3i

www.apple.com/ipad

Source: www.apple.com

Best tablet: iPad 2

Best iPad & iPhone case: CECCEC

Best nook tablet: Kindle Fire

Best streaming media box: Roku

Best wireless router: Belkin

Best laptop: MacBook Air

Best kid’s iPad: Leap Frog

Best kid’s video game for the iPad: Atari Arcade Duo

Best phone: Droid Razor

Disclosure: We were proud contributors to the new gift bags for the CNET Gotham event.

A MY LITTLE PONY Party

Posted by allyson on November 7th, 2011
photo credit: Tonya Sanders

This past weekend, our friend Tonia Sanders from The Chatty Momma hosted a MY LITTLE PONY app party. She invited fellow bloggers, moms and pony fans of all ages. They played Pin the Rainbow on the Pony, Pass the Pony, and like every great party, there was dancing. And cake.  The bloggers included Monica Sakala from WiredMomma.com, Eva Smith from SocaMom.com, Thien-Kim Lam from ImNotTheNanny.com and Kim Baqqui from ConfessionsofaHomeSchoolingMom.com.

Ruckus happily sponsored the party and we’ve loved the positive feedback we’ve received from everyone’s readers, tweeters and supporters. Everyone at the party received a certificate for more Ruckus apps and each child received a Twilight Sparkle pony gift to take home.

Great photos of the event have been posted to Tonia’s flickr stream.

Check out Tonia’s post today!

Check out  her video below:

Tonia from The Chatty Momma

For more information on how you can host your own App party, contact us today!

Ruckus Joins the Android Revolution with Chuck & Friends

Posted by ruckusholly on November 4th, 2011

chuck & friendsWe are delighted to announce the release of  Chuck and Friends: The Long Haul storybook application for download on Android Market.  As you know, this is the first of our story book apps to be available on the android.  If you or your child are fans of the Hasbro Chuck & Friends line and The HUB TV Network show, you can now enjoy the app on Galaxy and Xoom 2.2 and higher tablet devices.

And we have more great news!  Chuck and Friends: The Long Haul is now available for a limited time at a special introductory price for $1.99 through Android Market and on iTunes for Apple’s iPad, iPhone and iTouch as well as a free lite version.

Chuck and Friends: The Long Haul includes more than 70 screens of story, video and activities designed to keep attention of young children as they are taught basic learning skills such as letter recognition, picture/word association, word recognition and basic problem solving.  The app takes young readers on a ride with their favorite CHUCK THE DUMP TRUCK character and the gang as they learn about honesty, friendship and teamwork.

Get your copy now and let us know how you like it in the comment section below.

 

 

 

Join Our Twitter Party to Discuss the App Divide/Screen Time Use By Our Kids on November 17th at 9pm EST

Posted by ruckusholly on November 1st, 2011

App DivideLike many of you, we read the NY Times piece, amongst many others, titled “Screen Time Higher Than Ever for Children Study Finds”, with great interest last week. It talked about the results of a study conducted by Common Sense Media that came up with new findings regarding children and their use of screen time including:

- Children under 8 are spending more time than ever in front of screens

- For the first time, there is an emerging “app gap” in which affluent children are likely to use mobile educational games while those in low-income families are the most likely to have televisions in their bedrooms.

- Almost half the families with incomes above $75,000 had downloaded apps specifically for their young children, compared with one in eight of the families earning less than $30,000. More than a third of those low-income parents said they did not know what an “app” — short for application — was.

- Half of children in the study under 8 had access to a mobile device like a smartphone, a video iPod, or an iPad or other tablet.

- The report found that despite more than a decade of warnings from the American Academy of Pediatrics that screen time offers no benefits for children under 2.

As an app developer and lover of books, Ruckus Media has definite opinions about some of these results and we are sure you do, too, so we thought we’d spend this month’s Twitter Party discussing the results and sharing our thoughts with each other.

Come hang out with us on Thursday, November 17th from 9-10pm EST at hashtag #RuckusAppDivide on Twitter (or on TweetGrid, TweetDeck or TweetChat, whichever platform you prefer.  @momtodanielle, thechattymomma, @davidbfox and @huppiemama will be on board to moderate the discussion, and as usual, we’ll great giveaways including plenty of Ruckus apps.  You must RSVP on Twitvite to be in the running for the prizes.

If you’re not already following us, we’re on Twitter at @RuckusMedia.  RSVP for the Twitter party here and while you are at it, please join us on Facebook  for the latest and greatest on Ruckus. Be sure to check out our videos on You Tube, sign up for our RSS feed and pick up our apps on iTunes.

Words from Our CEO: Transmedia and What it Means

Posted by ruckusholly on September 24th, 2011
Rick Richter Ruckus Media

Source: Digital Book World

The past two weeks have been huge for us.  For one thing, we launched our newest app, My Little Pony: Twilight Sparkle, Teacher for a Day.  For another, we announced our partnership with Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company to produce an innovative children’s trans-media imprint.  There was a lot of media coverage and speculation across the web and social media, so I asked our CEO, Rick Richter, what he could share about the partnership and transmedia.  Here’s what he had to say:

 

Can you please define “transmedia”?

With a transmedia project we “begin with the end in mind”. What this means is that at the very start of each project, we imagine what the interactive story book will look like, what the printed book will look like and any other iteration of the project. The goal is to have the sum of the parts be greater from a storytelling standpoint than each of the individual project. It’s a tall order and a great challenge.  Kids love to enjoy stories in lots of ways, and this is our way of paying respect to this interest and giving parent and kids lots of choices.

 

How did this relationship develop and evolve?  

Our partnership evolved during discussions over the last nine months. It is truly a leap of faith for two terrific companies to come together for kids in this way.

 

Why did you choose Scholastic as your partner?

They speak to 28 million kids every month via book fairs and trade efforts, so this alone makes them a great partner. Additionally, we have a real chemistry with the top folks at Scholastic – they understand what we’ve set out to do at Ruckus.

 

What does a “homerun” look like with this kind of project?

Well, that’s a good question. For us, it would mean a kid could enjoy a book, an interactive storybook with gaming, a stand alone game, web interaction, and perhaps, ultimately, a TV show or feature film. I guess that would be a grand slam!

More importantly, a homerun would be to create a story that leaves a life long impression on a child and entertains them in lots of different ways.

 

If an author or illustrator is interested in working in this imprint, how do they go about submitting an idea?

To submit new original content, just visit our web site at http://www.ruckusmediagroup.com/submissions.