Innovation That Matters

Narrate-your-own storybook videos

Publishing & Media

Kids can already publish their own stories in book form thanks to Tikatok, which we covered earlier this year, and soon they’ll be able to record their own voices narrating classic stories, fairy tales, nursery rhymes and lullabies with accompanying video and music. Speakaboos is a site that aims to bring classic children’s stories into the digital world, primarily through storybook videos featuring celebrity narration, illustrations and original music. Stories including Arthur, Snow White and Aesop’s Fables are available for free viewing on the site, accompanied by links to educational activities, games and contests. The stories can also be downloaded for USD 0.99 per title, and are available on iTunes.com and Rhapsody.com as well. Launched in October with more than 30 titles, New York-based Speakaboos just recently added a holiday collection. The company donates at least 15 percent of all revenues to child-focused charities including the National Education Association and The Creative Coalition. There are other sites out there that offer digital storytelling for kids, of course—including Storyline Online, which also features celebrity narrators. What’s especially interesting about Speakaboos, however, is a forthcoming feature that will let parents and kids create their own versions of its video stories. The site’s “Record Your Own” feature will allow kids, parents, grandparents or even teachers to record their own voices reading (or singing) their favorite story, song or nursery rhyme. The result will be a fun, karaoke version kids can share with their friends, for example, or a personalized story a parent or grandparent can use to help tuck their loved ones into bed even when they’re not there. If there’s anything better than a site with high-quality content, it’s a site that lets consumers create and share their own. Now, how about adding a marketplace feature that lets the storytelling whizzes of Generation C(ontent) turn their creations into some well-deserved C(ash)….? That’s a story that will continue to be retold again and again! Spotted by: Roberta Steinberg

Website: www.speakaboos.com

Contact: www.speakaboos.com/contact_us