LOS ANGELES, Dec. 13, 2011 — /PRNewswire/ — Blockbuster author Dean Koontz has selected award-winning app publisher Auryn, Inc., to bring his children’s books alive on mobile platforms for millions of his fans around the world.
I, Trixie Who Is Dog, a children’s book by bestselling author Dean Koontz, wonderfully illustrated by Janet Cleland, is being released today as an iPad app. With its trademark leading animation and revolutionary digital storytelling style, Auryn has taken the uplifting and inspiration story of Trixie and created an innovative app that Koontz fans – both children and adults of all ages – will truly enjoy. The app is available first for the iPad starting today at the iTunes at http://bit.ly/vWnpd3. Koontz will be donating his proceeds from the app to Canine Companions, a charity he has long supported.
“Partnering with one of the most popular authors on the planet to bring his treasured children’s books to digital readers for generations to come is an honor for us,” said Umesh Shukla, Founder and CCO of Auryn. “We’re introducing Dean Koontz fans and readers to a new and innovative way to experience his books – through our groundbreaking storybook apps that educate and entertain both children and families.”
In I, Trixie Who Is Dog app, Auryn and Koontz give readers a fun, lighthearted glimpse into the imagination of Trixie, the beloved golden retriever whose quirky narration and irrepressible spirit has delighted readers both young and old.
“I couldn’t be more delighted with Auryn’s adaptations. They’re clever, charming, full of wonder, and totally in synch with the spirit of Trixie!” said New York Times’ best selling author Dean Koontz.
Auryn Inc. is a premiere digital publisher focused on creating award-winning interactive children’s stories for mobile devices. The company collaborates with well-known authors, illustrators and publishers to turn their stories into educational, engaging and entertaining experiences. In addition to Koontz, Auryn has worked with authors and illustrators such as Rosemary Wells and Lizbeth Zwerger and has received multiple awards and accolades for their leading apps.
About Auryn, Inc.
Uniting leading technologists, noted storytellers and exceptional animation production, Auryn produces digital storybooks and other creative apps. Auryn’s patented technology enables the company to produce motion media in any known style including those never before seen in animation such as oil paint, pastel and watercolor. For more on Auryn, visit www.auryn.com and follow on Facebook and Twitter at: www.facebook.com/appsbyauryn and www.twitter.com/AurynApps.
About Dean Koontz
Dean Koontz is a prolific New York Times bestselling author whom the London Times has called “a master, a literary juggler.” His books have been translated into 36 languages and have sold more than 450,000,000 copies. He also served as the “editor” of books by his golden retriever, Trixie–Life Is Good, Christmas Is Good, and Bliss to You–and writes children’s books about her. Dean lives with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever Anna, and the enduring spirit of Trixie in southern California. For more on Dean visit http://www.deankoontz.com, http://www.deankoontz.com/trixie, and follow him on Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/deankoontzofficial.
About Janet Cleland
Janet Cleland has created acclaimed illustrations for a wide range of clients, including Parents Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Hallmark Cards, AT&T, Purina, Conoco, and J.P. Morgan. She lives in California.
Media Contact:Crystal Patriarche, SparksPR Agencycrystal@BookSparksPR.com480-650-1688
SOURCE Auryn, Inc.
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I, Trixie iPad app
December 14, 2011
Yesterday Dean’s first iPad app was released based on the book I, Trixie Who is Dog. Considering the only iPad I have access is at work I’ve not yet had the chance to actually play with the app yet.
Now through the end of the year the app is only $0.99 though the iTunes store so you may want to pick it up sooner rather than later.
In the mean time, here are the official press release and iTunes descriptions for the app.
Press Release:
Dean Koontz and Auryn Bring Beloved Trixie Books to Life for a Charitable Cause
Koontz’s popular children’s book “I, Trixie Who Is Dog”, about his beloved dog Trixie, is being brought to digital life by award-winning app publisher Auryn, Inc.
By Auryn, Inc.Published: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011 – 5:09 am
The iTunes store description:
I, Trixie, who is dog is a part of the Auracle line from Auryn Inc. and is based on Dean Koontz’ book by the same name.
Not everyone can be a dog. Some must be people. Some must be cats, or birds, or even skunks, although it’s hard to explain why anyone would want to be a skunk. But Trixie is happy, because she does get to be a dog – the best thing there is to be. The food, the belly rubs… if only she could drive, her life would be perfect!
Bestselling author Dean Koontz gives readers a fun, lighthearted glimpse into the imagination of Trixie, his beloved golden retriever, whose quirky narration and irrepressible spirit will delight readers young and old.
Key features include
★Personalisation of picture, voice and text:
★Children can double up as illustrators of this book app by coloring Trixie herself, the background layouts, and other elements in every page using bright vibrant colours.
★Kids can become their own narrator or listen to their parents narrate the book.
★Interactivity allows kids to personalize the sentence, create new action words and sharpen their vocabulary skills
Features on each page
★Image and word association vocabulary builder – when an image is touched the associated word is spoken and the written word displayed.
★Karaoke effect – when a word is spoken during narration then the word is highlighted.
★Touch a word to hear it being spoken.
Three ways to read the book.
★”Read to me” – Listen to the narrated story while the text is displayed Karaoke style. After the narration finishes on a page the child can interact with objects till they are ready to move to the next page.
★”Read myself” – There is no narration but the child can touch a word to hear it being spoken aloud.
★”Auto Play” – same as “Read to Me” except the page advances automatically once the narration is finished. Useful for those long car rides when you want the child to have a complete book experience.
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