A new range of augmented reality storybooks is inviting children to step into the story and decide how it ends. The Peasoup AR Smart Books, written by Søren Jønsson, combine hardback adventure fiction with a free companion app, and are aimed at readers aged 9 and up.
Rather than simply reading about a hero’s journey, children become the hero themselves. Their choices at key points in the story decide which chapter comes next, and ultimately how the adventure concludes.
How it works
To start an adventure, readers download the free app and open chapter one of their book. As they read, they follow instructions on the page to jump between chapters. Some chapters include an illustration that needs to be scanned with a smartphone or tablet camera. Holding the camera on the illustration until a short timer animation finishes reveals a task or choice, and the app then directs the reader to the next chapter.
Because each book has multiple paths and several possible endings, children can enjoy a different adventure each time they pick up the same title.
Four books in the range
There are currently four titles available:
- The Gloom Dragon – arm yourself with the magical sword Rilgist and a shield to challenge the Gloom Dragon threatening the village of Tilfeldia.
- The Wonder Sword – a celebrated swordsman and the sword Rilgist team up again for a new quest to find a legendary miracle sword.
- Outtatown – take on the role of a Trickster and use cunning and dexterity to work out what’s gone wrong in Outtatown.
- Deadbeard’s Curse – sail the seas around the Galloping Islands in search of treasure and a shot at becoming the greatest pirate ever.
The range is set to grow further, with Sir Ian Livingstone’s Fighting Fantasy series joining the collection. The first title, Freeway Fighter, is due for release in 2027, with more to follow.
The Peasoup AR Smart Books collection is suitable for children aged 9 and over and is available now from Zatu.com.
