Alpo Finds Alma on the iPad

When Finland's book publisher Tammi decided to do a different kind of e-book for children, it was obvious at this point that the way to go was with an app. "We thought it was important to get started with apps - not just e-books - since for now the app format  is actually even more suitable for doing a children's book," says Mari Männistö, business manager at Tammi. "Previous e-book titles for kids have been more like a traditional book that you can just read on screen," she says. But an app allows for features like sound, animation and the possibility for interaction - the kinds of things that are particularly popular with kids.

The book Tammi started with was Alpo löytää Alman (Alpo Finds Alma) the second in a cute picture book series by beloved author-illustrator Jukka Lemmetty and starring the little puppy Alpo. The book was chosen for a number of reasons, including the high-quality text and illustration and the age group. "The key factor in this project has been the international and cross organizational team: a super pro-app minded author and illustrator, a curious editor, internationally experienced animation and production partners and eager project manager," says Männistö. "I found it was very important that the editor, who edited the printed book , the 'p-book,' was involved in turning the p-book into the e-book, because - once again - in the end it's all about the content and how we manage to bring it to life in different formats."

Tammi partnered with animation company Ink & Light and app producer Tapisodes in making the app, which was released in both Finnish and English versions. Tapisodes acts as a technical, marketing and sales partner and there is a shared revenue model between the company and Tammi. "This case has certainly been a great chance to get some experience in developing and releasing apps, to learn the do's and don'ts, starting from contracts and ending to the marketing and sales of an app," she says.

The app itself features animation - both automatic and interaction based where readers touch the screen and find the "hidden" animated functions - and sound. "What's important is that the App is available in Finnish and in English since Finland is such a small language market and the development costs of an app are quite high," says Männistö. "It's a special case in Finland since this is among the very first apps for children to be published here. The animations, funny soundtrack and all in all the interactivity are all special features for now!"

Following the mid-August release, it's too early to tell how successful the app will be, but Männistö has high hopes. "We'd been waiting for the Android version to be released before we start communications and marketing," she says. "Now the press release has been put out and there is interest among media. So far there's only been a positive response."

Check out the app for yourself at the App Store here or at the Android Market here.