While much of the interest at BEA focuses on physical products, we were curious about what new digital companies were being represented on the exhibition floor, specifically within the children’s space. Though there weren’t many digitally-focused new players present, we did want to highlight some that were:
- Molly Moccasins: Available in 146 countries, this ad-free website offers 70 stories and games revolving around the character of Molly and her friends. A printed companion book is currently being sold, which has a code that gives unlimited access to all of the website’s features.
- Story Sticker: Selling QR codes as a sticker that can be attached inside children’s books, Story Sticker offers a corresponding app that allows parents to record themselves reading any book of choice. The app is free, but the stickers can be sold at retailers, and partnerships are in being considered to print QR codes in directly in books.
- FarFaria: A storytelling/gaming world for young children, FarFaria features “islands” that each contain an animated storybook (not unlike Mindshapes‘ Magic Town). Comprised of original and licensed content and adding new stories weekly, this subscription service is currently available in the Apple store.
- iSchool Initiative: Though they weren’t exhibitors, iSchool Initiative, spearheaded by 22 year-old IDPF keynote speaker Travis Allen, is an initiative dedicated to integrating mobile devices into school curriculum. With 11 full-time employees, this fully-funded non-profit encourages mobile techniques that can be used to enhance the educational experience.
