Posts Tagged ‘family entertainment’

Inspiring Children Through Technology at the Darien Library

Posted by ruckusholly on February 10th, 2012

Here at Ruckus Media, storytelling is our priority.  Our mission is to create experiences through mobile devices that entertain toddlers to teens from their fingers to their minds. We are always looking for partners who feel the same way.  Libraries fall into that category, and we are constantly inspired by the strides being made by their efforts in the digital space.  This past October, we joined forces with School Library Journal for a Twitter Party about this very subject.  You can check out the party’s wrap-up.

The Darien Library is one such partner who feels the same way about digital storytelling as we do.  I have read about the tech initiatives that they have created to inspire digital children but wanted to experience them firsthand, so yesterday I headed over to meet with some of the folk behind the scenes to hear more.

The staff agrees that interactive storybooks and apps should not replace traditional books but that both can co-exist and support one another.  Their efforts to teach and inspire children about literacy via digital story-telling are truly inspiring and I want to share some of their educational methods here:

Darien LibraryFirst, I was introduced to an interactive e-book area.  Right in the middle of the children’s section, there’s an iPad mounted on a wall. It’s pre-loaded with an “App of the Day” for young children to experience. Children were gathered around the iPad, exploring its every touch and feel, and watching words and images slide across the screen.  It’s a great way to introduce children to the world of iPads and digital storytelling.

Then I was introduced to their Early Literacy iPad Kits.  Their six available kits to check out include an iPad 2 in a tote bag, pre-loaded with librarian-selected apps and eBooks designed to stimulate early literacy skills. The kits also include informationdarien library for grown-ups on using technology with young children, research on appropriate amounts of screentime, evaluating apps for children, and a list of the librarian-selected apps.

The kits may be borrowed for one week by parents of children ages 2 to 5.  I think these are brilliant and fantastic opportunities for parents and children to explore new technologies and digital storytelling.

They also have a Microsoft surface table, a table top, pre-loaded iPad with specialized apps like Chess.

The library really focuses on children as readers and creators and they offer classes to teach them more about the digital space (the levels go from Little Clicklets, Techplorers and i-Kids).  They realize that there is a current generation of digital kids and they are making every effort to provide the tools they need to be successful.

Lastly, they have just launched an initiative called “Appy Hour” which will give adults a chance to find out how to stay on top of the best apps.  Parents will be able to find out how to find the best apps for kids, for example.

What are your libraries doing to advance children’s technical skills and introduce the world of e-book and apps?  We’d love to hear in the comments below.

Our Newest Partnership Promotes Science, Kids and the Universal Love of Dinosaurs!

Posted by ruckusholly on February 9th, 2012

Dino Dan

Do you have dinosaur-loving kids?  Then you’re certainly familiar with Dino Dan, a Canadian/American television series for children seen in 100 countries around the world.  The award-winning series was created by Sinking Ship Entertainment and follows the adventures of a paleontologist-in-training and his friends, who uncover clues about the past and secrets of dinosaurs.

After announcing our recent partnerships with Cyberchase, which combines digital media with math, SeaWorld, which delves into the wonders of the sea, The Wiggles, which teaches kids valuable skills through music and fun and Crayola, which offers kids creative tools to learn, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with Dino Dan.  The brand teaches kids how to use scientific methods to explore and identify everyday problems.  As you can, we’re onto something here!

We have been granted worldwide English language rights to develop interactive DINO DAN e-books, enhanced e-books, interactive storybooks and story-based applications.   The new Ruckus digital storybooks, designed for children ages 4-8, will expand kids’ knowledge of dinosaurs and develop their scientific thinking and problem-solving skills as they build their literacy skills.  The first three storybooks will be available for mobile devices in April 2012.

To find out more about our upcoming DINO DAN apps, please check out the press release and sign up for our newsletter to stay on top of all our latest news!

 

App Production 101: Words from Our Story Editor

Posted by ruckusholly on February 6th, 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.  We heard direct from Patrick Dorey, our Art Director, about the creative process last week, as well as from Lynn Smith, our Director of Business Development, about how great ideas come to fruition.  Today we’re learning about the editorial process with words from Susan Hood, our Story Editor.  We sat down with Susan to find out more about the editorial process.  Here is what she had to say:

Susan Hood

As the story editor and curriculum advisor, I work very closely with our chief content director, producers, curriculum consultants and art department. So a variety of talents go into the editorial soup! Here’s the Ruckus recipe for cooking up a great digital storybook:

Gather the best ingredients

1. When we decide to do a new digital storybook, we meet with the creators—authors, illustrators and/or licensees (such as Hasbro, SeaWorld or Cyberchase). We learn all about their characters, brands and curriculum goals. We discuss art assets, voiceover talent, music, activities and video clips.

2. We hire appropriate authors and consultants to write original stories or adaptations. As with any story, we may have several drafts until we get a final, polished manuscript.

3. When the story is complete, we work with our curriculum consultants and designers to develop age-appropriate games and activities that go with each story.

4. Meanwhile, any original art is created. We review sketches, revisions and final art and ensure the art works with the text.

Combine and stir

5. The producers create basic storyboards combining text with art assets, video clips and ideas for activities and games.

6. Using the storyboards as a rough guide and working hand in hand with our producers, the art department designs final screens and activities.

7. Meanwhile, voiceovers are recorded and added.

Check the temperature

8. At various steps along the way, everything is reviewed by the creators, our publishing partners and our curriculum consultants and any necessary revisions are made.

9. We consult with our tech team at various stages to iron out any potential programming issues.

Add the special sauce

10. Sound effects, animations and music are added.

Simmer…

11. Rough builds are made and reviewed and refined by our editorial, production and art departments.

And serve!

12. Final builds are submitted to Apple and then released in the iTunes store.

Serves thousands!

 

Susan Hood was mostly recently the Children’s Content Director of Nick Jr. Magazine, published by Nickelodeon, and has been an editor at Scholastic and Sesame Workshop. She is also a children’s book author, whose first picture books will be published this fall.


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.

Inspiring Kids and Families to Connect with Animals and the Natural World

Posted by ruckusholly on January 17th, 2012

It’s another exciting day here at Ruckus Media.  We told you that we had a lot in store for 2012 and today we want to tell you about our partnership with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.  Together, we are launching a multi-year licensing deal to create digital storybooks that will inspire kids and families to connect with animals and the natural world. The stories will be based on SeaWorld’s animals, attractions and education and conservation efforts.

With this partnership, we’re growing our list of brands and favorite characters — adding to Hasbro and Crayola — but branching into a subject that kids and families love — science, nature, the environment.

We are also continuing to expand our emphasis on Social Good, following up our campaign with St. Jude Children’s Hospital.  Reflecting SeaWorld’s commitment to conservation, a portion of all the proceeds from the digital interactive books will be donated to the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. The Fund is a non-profit charitable foundation that supports wildlife research, habitat protection, animal rescue and conservation education around the world.

The first three books in the SeaWorld series will launch this spring, including three interactive storybooks for kids ages 3 to 8 thatSeaWorld appeal to emerging, beginning and independent readers. The interactive storybooks will connect kids with SeaWorld’s killer whales, penguins and sharks and will be available at the App store for Apple mobile devices. New children’s storybook apps will be released throughout the year.

For more information about our partnership with SeaWorld, read the press release that went out earlier.

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!