By Linzy Novotny
Technology is all around us and as each year ends and a new one begins, great advancements are made. This also means that each year, families are welcoming their children into this technologically savvy world. The days of simply playing with rattles is being replaced with children that are learning to use technology earlier in life. Toddlers are so well versed in iPhone and iPad use that it’s hard to imagine a time when this technology didn’t exist.
To utilize the growing use of technology by toddlers and children, Kibooco, a children’s book company, has started a campaign on Indiegogo to fund their interactive online platform that allows children to publish their own books.
“We can’t stop the advancement of technology, but what we can do is use it to create the type of meaningful experiences we want to give our kids,” Molly Schneeberg, Kibooco’s CEO and founder, said on Indiegogo. “We want to use technology to enhance the potential of our children to help [them] develop a new generation of innovators and creators [and] not just consumers.”
The online platform that Kibooco is in the process of creating allows children to choose from several templates and themes. The children are able to write, illustrate and customize stories, according to Indiegogo.
“Using simple functionality we have specifically designed for young children, they will be able to harness their creativity and imagination while taking pride in their own creations,” according to the project’s Indiegogo page. “Kids can publish and share their creations on screen, or better yet, order it as a real hard copy book to share with family and friends and read again and again.”
Children get to choose their character, named Pico Picolero, according to Indiegogo. Pico can be one of six characters ranging from a princess, puppy or penguin to a pirate, puppy or what looks like a puffy bear. Pico goes on an adventure and the vehicle Pico rides in is chosen on well. There are many more aspects of the story that is customizable, making for a unique, one-of-a-kind creation. Customizable alphabet book templates are also in the works.
For pledging $2, contributors will receive a how to draw e-book. When pledging $50, contributors receive a personalized Kibooco soft cover book and with $125 contributors receive a personalized Kibooco hard and soft cover book. For pledging $1,000, contributors will be able to work with Kibooco to develop a “create a book” template. All contributors will become members of the Kibooco Founders Club, which provides them with exclusive presales, behind the scenes news, first access to new templates, and design input to name a few perks, according to Indiegogo.
To help with the launch of Kibooco this fall, the company is asking for $50,000. As of Sept. 16, contributors have pledged $15,304. Because this is a flexible funding campaign, Kibooco will receive all of the funds that have been contributed when the campaign ends on Sept. 27. To contribute, visit the Kibooco Indiegogo page.
