The Kenneth Grahame novel follows the countryside adventures of much-loved characters Toad, Ratty, Badger and Mole.
It centers around the animals' adventures on The River, thought to have been inspired by the Thames, near to which Grahame lived.
But while the new release sticks closely to the original for its words and pictures, a simple touch of the screen brings the story to life.
The famous scene of Toad tearing through leafy roads in his motorcar is now fully animated, with the reader able to steer the vehicle as it speeds along. Dancing butterflies and partying weasels feature in other scenes that can be controlled by the player.
Developed by creative team Bibliodome, from Chagford, in Devon, the app aims to match the book in all its splendor.
Novelist Sam North, who adapted the tale for the app, told how he made sure the story remained the most important thing — not flashy graphics. He explained: “Everyone knows what a great, well-loved tale it is and we insisted that the story must remain at the heart of the project.
And artist Steve Dooley, who created the illustrations, said he was inspired by Grahame's words to the original illustrator: "I love these little people, so please be kind to them."
And as for me, your humble blogger, anything that promotes this timeless treasure is splendid! Grahame did the world a favor by conjuring up these simple but so complex characters that have so much to say in a delightful manner.
It centers around the animals' adventures on The River, thought to have been inspired by the Thames, near to which Grahame lived.But while the new release sticks closely to the original for its words and pictures, a simple touch of the screen brings the story to life.
The famous scene of Toad tearing through leafy roads in his motorcar is now fully animated, with the reader able to steer the vehicle as it speeds along. Dancing butterflies and partying weasels feature in other scenes that can be controlled by the player. Developed by creative team Bibliodome, from Chagford, in Devon, the app aims to match the book in all its splendor.
Novelist Sam North, who adapted the tale for the app, told how he made sure the story remained the most important thing — not flashy graphics. He explained: “Everyone knows what a great, well-loved tale it is and we insisted that the story must remain at the heart of the project.
And artist Steve Dooley, who created the illustrations, said he was inspired by Grahame's words to the original illustrator: "I love these little people, so please be kind to them."
And as for me, your humble blogger, anything that promotes this timeless treasure is splendid! Grahame did the world a favor by conjuring up these simple but so complex characters that have so much to say in a delightful manner.
Oh how I love this book! Sometimes this technology I complain about daily is a really good thing huh?
ReplyDeleteI agree, Sharon. I've loved this book for years! It's so special and is loved by all!
ReplyDeleteLooks like fun, Nancy. Now we can go "messing around in ..." books.
ReplyDeleteHow true, Barbara. Terrific for a new generation of kids, many of whom would never have heard of the lovable characters!
DeleteHi Nancy. Steve Dooley here. Thank you for your mention of our new iPad edition of The Wind in the Willows and thank you for your kind words. If you have any questions about the app or how we produced it, please ask. It would be a pleasure to discuss the book with someone who appreciates it's qualities so much.
ReplyDeleteKind regards
Steve
Hi, Steve,
DeleteThanks for your kind reply to my post. I loved the idea of the juxtaposition of state of the art technology showcasing such a classic book! All the best with it and others to follow. I'd be delighted to do a follow-up post on how this was done, etc. and what is to come in your company.
Nancy. We set out to produce just that. An old well loved book, perhaps Kenneth Grahams own prototype, read, loved and well thumbed by his family. It was then stored away and forgotten. Then, it was then found covered with dust in an attic. We have presented it on a metal and glass space age piece of technology from a different age. What a contrast! We deliberately and carefully did not swamp the beautifully written text with special effects. The magic, we hope for the reader, is that the story still works.
ReplyDeleteMyself, the author Sam North and the software programmer, Bobby Gilbert have just completed a few talks on 'the making of the app' at literary festivals in the UK. We will be repeating the illustrated talk at the famous Bath Literary festival in March.I am not sure we will make the USA but who knows, people are downloading the app around the world.
Would be happy to answer any questions from yourself or your fellow bloggers.
We are debating what to tackle next...
Steve, thanks for writing back with your terrific explanation! Actually, I'd love to do an interview with you for this blog as to how this was done and if there are any other plans in the works. If you're interested, I can be reached at:
Deletenancystewartbooks@yahoo.com
Thanks!
Nancy, an interview would be fun.
ReplyDeleteWe have recently started a Facebook page for thewindinthewllowsapp where Toad of Toad Hall is adding comments in person. It is surprising what happens when a writer, a hundred years ago, creates a character with depth, charisma and great humour!
It may also be interesting for you to talk to Sam North, a person in love with writing and story telling. He lectures at Exeter University. His latest book is on writing stories. Sam and I are of to Oxford this Saturday to give our illustrated talk to the Kenneth Graham Society. I will let you know how it goes.
Yes, I would love to do one and apologize for the tardiness of my replies to you. Only excuse is the business of the beginning of the academic/publishing season. Will get questions to you ASAP! Thanks so much.
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