Our team has developed Peekabook, an educational toy that combines illustration, technology and tactility for fun interactive storytelling and discovery for children aged three and above.

A physical Explorer Ring pairs with an iPad app filled with interactive books designed by children's storytellers and illustrators from all over the world. Like a magical-looking glass, the Explorer Ring activates the artwork and transports the child into a world of wonder, where they can uncover hidden secrets, and learn interesting facts.

Peekabook addresses the issue of passive consumption of digital content in traditional digital learning methods by promoting active engagement, discovery, and play. Being thoughtfully curated and designed, Peekabook presents a more tangible and active form of digital learning than passively consuming content (that may or may not be suitable for the child).

What sets Peekabook apart is its unique blend of technology and tactile elements that turn learning and discovery into an exciting journey for children. Unlike other digital learning tools, Peekabook encourages kids to actively engage with technology, rather than passively consuming content. Moreover, the Explorer Ring does not require battery or charging, and the books can be accessed without internet connection once they have been downloaded, making Peekabook a convenient travel companion for on-the-go learning.

The books are built upon the foundations of lifelong learning — Curiosity and wonder. Interactions were designed to encourage discovery using hidden surprises, lively animations and engaging narration. The aim is to reward and reinforce the child's curiosity. Designed deliberately open-ended, it allows the child to play at their own pace, making it suitable for children at different development stages. The engaging interactions and open-endedness provieds opportunities for better independent play.

Peekabook offers several key benefits for kids. First, its narrated and animated stories bring topics to life, making learning memorable and engaging. Second, Peekabook encourages creativity, discovery, and imagination through its detailed illustrations and mini surprises that children can explore with the Explorer Ring. Third, Peekabook builds creative confidence through open-ended play, allowing kids to determine their own play and learn through trial and error. Finally, Peekabook is designed for travel and learning on the go, making it the perfect companion for kids who are always on the move.

By blending technology, illustration, and tactility, Peekabook transforms learning and discovery into an exciting and interactive experience for kids.

The Peekabook has these 4 key features:

1. Narrated & animated for engaging learning moments Peekabook aims to develop literacy and core concepts in kids by teaching various topics in memorable ways. Watch stories come alive through interactive animations and sounds.

2. Encourages creativity, discovery & imagination Each interactive book is teeming with detailed artwork and mini surprises. With an explorer ring, your child can pan and explore around to activate hidden secrets and fun facts.

3. Builds creative confidence through open-ended play Your child determines their own play with Peekabook and there is no right or wrong way. Open-ended discovery strengthens your child's creative confidence through trial and error.

4. Designed for travel & learning on the go The explorer ring does not require battery or charging, and gameplay does not require internet once downloaded. This makes Peekabook the ideal learning travel companion!

Peekabook was 250% funded on Kickstarter in September 2022 by 300 backers who helped to bring this project to life.

It has been featured on various publishing blogs, magazines and news outlets such as The Straits Times, MONEY FM 89.3 and AXIS Web Magazine.

Within 6 months after the launch on Kickstarter, the app has over 400 active users and these are some reviews that were left by actual users on Instagram:

"Such an immersive and enlivening storytelling experience for a great fairy tale experience."

Shared by @iamkenjiwong

"This boy fell and bruised his elbow and knee. And he relates to the injury shown on the Peekabook app."

Shared by @dorothy1410

"Even the adults find it interesting too! Glad have supported this local Kickstarter project. Can't wait for more new books!"

Shared by @thelittlecurls

In our recent interview with 8 parents of Peekabook users, they expressed that they were "amazed by how it works" and that the "kids and I find it interesting, it is fun to discover the secret little things". An interviewee has even sounded out that "when my kids are playing Peekabook, I don't need to worry, it's very educational", and they would refer the product to their friends as Peekabook "isn't just mind-numbing, and it is an interactive and educational screen time". The interviewees have also reasoned that "kids are on iPads nowadays anyway, so why not introduce them to something more educational? Instead of Youtube.".

We had Caroline Nicole Diamond, who has had 9 years of teaching experience to review Peekabook too. When trying it out for the first time, she praised the app for creating "constructive and meaningful exploration time". Apart from just creative storytelling, it also helps develop a child's research and questioning skills. Above all, "Innovative" is the one word she used to describe Peekabook as "there's been nothing like this in a home or school setting before."

Peekabook is a brand built together by parents, educators, children's book illustrators and authors and children themselves, and we are continuously testing and creating new content for our children.