NZ startup launches Twisted Tales app for storytime
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1st December 2017
A New Zealand-made interactive reading app that allows children (and children at heart) to take control of classic kids’
stories launches on the App Store and Google Play today.
Believed to be the first of its kind in the world, Twisted Tales by startup Sonnar Interactive allows readers to make
choices for the characters in classic fairy tales.
It launches with its own spin on two tales: Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel.
With more than 10 possible endings, multiple voice actors, stunning artwork, sound effects and music; the app has proven
to be a hit among children during testing phase.
“I’ve been blown away by the feedback from children and their parents,” says Sonnar Interactive founder Jarek Beksa, who
was nominated Young New Zealand Innovator of 2017 at the Innovation Awards.
“Children love the app because it brings to life their favourite characters and puts them in charge of choosing the
storyline. They’re totally engrossed in the story thanks to the illustrations and soundwork.
“Their parents love the app because it’s making reading cool for kids again. The app educates and entertains their
children all at the same time for hours of fun learning.”
Dr Jannie van Hees from the New Zealand Council for Educational Research says Twisted Tales is an “admirable concept.”
She says the app teaches children reading, writing, and listening skills as well as risk management and decision-making.
Beksa is a PhD candidate at AUT and serial app developing entrepreneur: he has already earned recognition after making
smartphone and tablet games for blind people.
“We want to give people a new auditory experience. Instead of listening to a narrative unfold, each Twisted Tale is
layered with rich soundscapes to launch the reader’s imagination in an alternate world.
“These experiences will evolve through the user’s personal choices, making them part of these classic stories in a way
they have never been able to before.”
If a reader makes the wrong decision, their character can meet an unfortunate fate, but if they make it home safely,
they can unlock secret characters and relive the whole story through the eyes of the big bad wolf or the evil witch.
“Our mission is to bring back good old choose-your-own-adventure books. We believe Twisted Tales can make children - and
their parents - develop an even bigger love for story time,” Beksa says.
Beauty and Beast, Alice in Wonderland, and the Jungle Book are due to be released in 2018.
ENDS
More information can be found at http://sonnar.nz/twisted-tales/.