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.
