With the emergence of the internet and the fast-paced dissemination of data, it has become increasingly difficult to engage with children in the offline world. There are some parents who also tend to plonk their children in front of a YouTube video to keep them quiet and entertained, however, that may not be good for their early-age development, according to studies.

However, there is a recent addition to the digital world, called Me Books, in an attempt to rekindle children’s love for reading and storytelling. The app is an interactive storytelling app, available on the App Store and on Google Play Store, and it is recommended for children aged between two and 9, which can hopefully increase the number of young readers, which have declined since the emergence of the Internet.

According to their press release, the CEO and founder of Me Books Asia, Hao Jin, said, “Our mission is grounded in our firm belief that every child deserves equal access to the best educational content, regardless of where they live. There simply should not be such an enormous barrier to entry to reading and learning because English literacy is one of the defining challenges facing Southeast Asia for the current and future generations. Growing up, I was always laughed at by my schoolmates for not being able to speak proper English, hence why I made it a mission of mine to change that for every other kid out there.”

“By enhancing children’s learning experience further, we are certain that the new app will provide users a more holistic learning experience while giving them a tangible tool to interact with, and through a medium the digital natives already know and love. We are excited to bring the magic of storytelling to life on our app that inspire, entertain and enrich families.”

Me Books Asia, the company who launched the app, is also working with renowned publishers from all around the world, including Oxford Reading Tree, Andersen Press, and ELI Publishing, and local publishers like Magicbird Publishing and Oyez. The app also has a built-in and customiseable audio feature, which will allow children to learn through listening. Another key component of the app is the draw-and-record feature, which invites children and adults to engage with the stories and characters, as well as immerse themselves in stories voiced by world-class narrators like Benedict Cumberbatch and Sir David Jason

Other features include:

• Over 400 children’s books from the best publishers around the world.
• Built-in narration with accurate pronunciation and intonation by Benedict Cumberbatch, Sir David Jason, Rik Mayall, Adam Buxton and many other world-class narrators.
• Customisable audio for interactive and collaborative storytelling using the app’s patented draw-and-record feature.
• Offline reading available.
• Supports up to three compatible devices under one user.
• Immersive sound effects to stir the imagination.

The app’s subscription will be RM 16.90 per month, RM 12.90 per month for a 6-month package, and RM 9.90 per month for a 12-month package. The 12-month package comes with complimentary addition of Me Books Theatre, another app developed by the company. New titles and features will be added to the app in future, and parents are encouraged to offer suggestions for ways to enhance it. Parents can voice their ideas about ways Me Books can expand the app via email at [email protected].