Interactive learning company Mindshapes has partnered with numerous children’s publishers, including Simon & Schuster, Oxford University Press and Hachette, to launch the website Magic Town. Magic Town is a virtual world for children with animated, interactive stories based on picture book characters licensed from more than 10 publishers. The site currently has 70 picture book titles, including more than 20 free stories, and plans to add 10 to 15 new titles each month. Well-known series featured on the site include Aliens Love Underpants, Winnie the Witch, Elmer, Little Princess and World of Happy. Parents also have access to printable offline activities related to Magic Town stories and characters.
“We’re excited to work with some of the world’s top publishers and most talented authors and illustrators,” says Christian Dorffer, chief communications officer, Mindshapes. “Magic Town’s ever-growing collection of amazing stories and beautiful artwork gives children a single destination where they can find stories they’ll want to enjoy again and again.” Magic Town was launched Wednesday and will debut on iPad and other mobile devices this summer. While parts of Magic Town can be accessed for free, access to the full site is provided on a subscription basis.
