09 Dec 2014
Geographic distance no longer means having to compromise sacred bedtime rituals with your children. Launched recently, Residence Inn by Marriott announced a partnership with Story Bug by Cricket Media, a collaborative reading app for iPhones and iPads that allows kids and their parents, grandparents and other loved ones to read stories together even if they aren’t physically in the same location. With the help of video chat, an interactive reader and Cricket Media’s collection of digital books, sharing a bedtime story while traveling has been made easier.
“We understand how difficult it is for parents who have to travel for work to maintain the daily routines for their children, especially in the evening before bedtime,” said Diane Mayer, vice president and global brand manager, Residence Inn. “As a part of our ongoing commitment to celebrating families, the Story Bug app helps our guests use technology in a fun and meaningful way to stay connected with their kids.”
All app users will have access to two co-branded, travel-themed books titled “I Left My Sock in San Francisco,” and “We’re on our Way.” As part of the experience, parents and their little ones will be able to see and hear each other while viewing the same digital book, plus share controls for turning pages and interacting with content. A digital hand shows where the child is pointing to on the page, so grown-ups can challenge their young readers to point to items or sound out words.
“In addition to being a fun way for families to connect, Story Bug is a great educational tool,” explained Katya Andresen, CEO at Cricket Media. “Families can choose from a vast library of digital books for children aged 0-6 that engages young readers through early development concepts and topics, such as counting, rhyming, colors, animals and more.”
Story Bug offers families access to award-winning Cricket Media content, like complete issues of Babybug Magazine and dozens of e-books for children ages 0-6. Residence Inn guests will be able to receive a free one-month subscription to the app through March 20, 2015, but there are additional ways to receive the 30 day trial outside the hotel stay. Those interested may also visit www.RuleStorytime.com to receive the 1 month free trial coupon code.
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Photo credit : coolmomtech.com