Books - Part 5

Stan Lee Narrates Two New Marvel Origin Storybook Apps

Thursday, January 12, 2012 Aljon No comments

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Disney Publishing Worldwide recently announced that two more storybook app titles based on the original Marvel Origins series will join “The Amazing Spider-Man: An Origin Story” app, which launched last month. The new titles, both narrated by comic book legend Stan Lee, include “Avengers Origins: Hulk” and “Avengers Origins: Assemble!” which will be available for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch in February 2012.

The “Avengers Origins: Hulk” action-packed app tells the story of how Dr. Bruce Banner becomes the Hulk and the pursuit of the U.S. armed forces against Banner/Hulk. Through thrilling tap-and-play animation and interactive games, readers are able to experience Banner’s transformation first-hand. The “Avengers Origins: Assemble!” app brings to life the team of Super Heroes we’ve all come to know and love with Iron Man, Ant-Man, Wasp, Thor, and Captain America. In both apps, Lee lends his iconic voice in “Read to Me” mode, which is one of four reading modes that cater to a variety of reading levels. The two new interactive storybook apps narrated by comic book legend Stan Lee join “The Amazing Spider-Man: An Origin Story” app, which was rated one of the “10 Favorite Apps of 2011” by Entertainment Weekly.

“Avengers Origins: Hulk” and “Avengers Origins: Assemble!” will launch in February 2012 in the App Store on the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore.

For more information, visit http://disneybookapps.com and www.facebook.com/DisneyReads, or follow @DisneyReads on Twitter.

Stan Lee Narrates New Spider-Man Storybook App from Disney Publishing’s Marvel Origins Series (chipandco.com)
Disney Announces First Printing of Rick Riordan’s ‘The Serpent’s Shadow’ (chipandco.com)

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Disney Announces First Printing of Rick Riordan’s ‘The Serpent’s Shadow’

Thursday, January 12, 2012 Chip No comments

Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) revealed today the title and cover image for Summer 2012′s biggest book release, The Serpent’s Shadow, the final book in The Kane Chronicles series by best-selling author Rick Riordan. The Serpent’s Shadow releases May 1, 2012, with a 2-million-copy first printing.

“Fans eagerly await learning the fate of Carter and Sadie Kane in this final book,” said Suzanne Murphy, vice president and publisher, Disney Publishing Worldwide. “Rick, the master of mythology, gives fans a nail-biting conclusion with his signature blend of humor and nonstop action.”

An interview with Rick was featured on tonight’s episode of the news program Rock Center with Brian Williams. In the segment, Rick discussed the backstory of his best-selling book series Percy Jackson & the Olympians. An excerpt of the first chapter from The Serpent’s Shadow is now available on TheKaneChronicles.com.

The Serpent’s Shadow simultaneously releases in hardcover and as an eBook from Disney Publishing’s Disney-Hyperion imprint, and as an audio version through Brilliance Audio on May 1, 2012. More than thirty million books are currently in print in the US across Riordan’s three series from Disney-Hyperion: Percy Jackson & the Olympians, The Kane Chronicles, and The Heroes of Olympus. The books have been translated into 37 languages in 36 countries.

Carter and Sadie Kane return for more explosive encounters with Egyptian gods in the final book in the Kane Chronicles trilogy. Nothing less than the mortal world is at stake as the Kane family fulfills its destiny in this thrilling conclusion. Visit TheKaneChronicles.com for more information on The Serpent’s Shadow and the series.

Rick Riordan, Children’s Choice Book Award Author of the Year in 2011, is the author of the award-winning New York Times #1 best-selling Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. The Lightning Thief, the first book in that series, was developed into a feature film. In 2010 he launched two all-new series that both debuted at #1 on multiple best-seller lists: The Kane Chronicles and The Heroes of Olympus. His previous novels for adults include the hugely popular Tres Navarre series, winner of the top three awards in the mystery genre. He lives in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife and two sons. For additional information on Rick visit RickRiordan.com.

Disney Publishing Holds Events for New Rick Riordan Novel, “The Son of Neptune” (chipandco.com)
Disney Publishing Announces New Norse Mythology Series Penned by Rick Riordan (chipandco.com)

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App Review: It’s a Small World

Wednesday, January 4, 2012 Aljon No comments

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The iconic Disney Parks attraction, “It’s a Small World,” is now available on your iPad, iPhone or iPod! A new animated storybook app available now on iTunes takes readers on a musical and interactive adventure. The Disney Publishing Worldwide team filled the app with special touches, including innovative ride-and-explore technology, tap-and-play interactivity, “it’s a small world” sing-along, and a special finale where readers learn to say “Hello!” in sixteen languages.

App Description ”It’s a Small World”
Experience Walt Disney’s “it’s a small world” ride, song and lyrics in an inspiring new way. This animated app takes readers on a world-class adventure packed with whimsical interactivity, beautiful artwork, and unforgettable music.

Featuring the original Sherman Brothers’ song lyrics, this simple, poetic story encourages kids to meet new people, explore new places, and discover that it’s a small world, after all. You’ll span the globe, traveling over snowy Russian hilltops, across sunny African plains, and through deep ocean waters. Rich, surprising interactivity brings each new destination to life. Plus, a special sing-along feature lets kids to join in the musical celebration!

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Highlighted Features
•Innovative ride-and-explore technology
•Engaging, high-quality animation
•Irresistible tap-and-play interactivity
•Special “it’s a small world” sing-along activity
•Plus, learn to say “Hello!” in sixteen languages!

Bottom line
This app is an interactive storybook app where you can go through the verses of the iconic Disney song “It’s a Small World” and trigger different sounds and animations using the touchscreen. Fans of the Disney Park attraction will no doubt enjoy the tribute to the classic art presentation and the memorable soundtrack. The younger set will enjoy activating the sounds of the various animals and children sounding much like their theme park counterparts.

Two cool features to note is the way you can select the various parts of the world using the rotating wheel icon. As a parent it could unlock a world of opportunities to talk about different countries and cultures. Too much education you say? I think not. What a great gateway into the greater world making a great experience for both the child and parent. The final scene of the worldwide trip gives the reader a chance to hear “hello” as said by the featured culture’s language as well as choreograph your own fireworks display.

If you don’t mind hearing the tune over and over in your head, and yes, you will be humming it all day after using this app and enjoy a virtual trip on “The Happiest Cruise That Ever Sailed” than this app is for you. Great training for your kids as you prepare them for your next visit to Epcot’s World Showcase.

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This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad and is $3.99 USD and is rated for 4 years and up.

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later.

“It’s a Small World” App Available Now On iTunes (jedimouseketeer.blogspot.com)
It’s A Small World After All…Now Mobile! (chipandco.com)

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“Star Wars: The Book of Sith – Secrets from the Dark Side” Preview

Monday, January 2, 2012 Aljon No comments

On February 10th you will be able to get your hands on a book that was thought to be lost. The “Star Wars: The Book of Sith – Secrets from the Dark Side” reveals some of the deepest secrets of the dark side of the Force. It comes with everything you see here. (Pasty completion, evil eyes, red Lightsaber and breathing apparatus sold separately).

Pre-order “Star Wars: The Book of Sith – Secrets from the Dark Side” today!

Check out the video preview!