Irvine-based author Melissa Northway's new storybook app "Penelope the Purple Pirate" is perfect for the digital family and any child with a keen sense of adventure.
The interactive platform, which is available on the iPhone, the iPod Touch and the iPad, was developed by Irvine-based Polka Dots Publishing and PicPocket Books, and illustrated by Paul Johnson. The story follows Penelope, a young girl with a very active imagination. Case in point: With some creative thinking and a little bit of magic, Penelope's bedroom transforms into a ship, and the unstoppable character is whisked off on an action-packed journey filled with friendship, bravery – and even some buried treasure – on the high seas.
Readers will fall in love with the kindhearted Penelope, a bit of a tomboy who was inspired by Northway's own rambunctious daughter Kate – even down to her red hair.
"I think having children helps one to have a childlike view of the world," said Northway. "Everything to them is fresh and new. It is really a gift that she (Kate) has put me back in touch with the kid inside. ... She has a real zest for fun and adventure, and I modeled Penelope after her – in how she looks and personality."
Best for children ages 4 to 8, the storybook app helps young ones develop early language skills through a feature that highlights each word as it is narrated, and the platform connects spoken phrases and sounds – such as the cry of seagulls – with the text on the pages.
The platform also provides informative facts about the creatures that appear in Penelope's story, as well as games and discussion questions – some of which focus on disabilities and treating others with respect. In fact, Penelope's friends are each unique; Daphne the Dolphin has an eye patch, and Oliver the Octopus has a hook on one of his tentacles.
"This is not something you see very often in children's books," said Northway, "but (it) can be touched on as a life lesson if a parent or educator chooses to discuss it."
Overall, Northway said she hopes children who read about Penelope are "captured" by her "spirit and zest." Plus, her creativity might just inspire your kids to think up a journey of their own.
And this isn't all you'll see of Northway – or Penelope. Northway and Johnson are working on a new story called "The Mystery of the Barking Spider" as well as "Penelope the Purple Pardner," among other efforts – and they're even working on turning the "The Purple Pirate" into a book. (Which I'm beyond relieved to hear. My heart belongs to books, above all else.)
For more information on the app or Northway, visit melissanorthway.com.
Kristen Schott is OC Family's children's book editor. Be sure to check out "Storytime," my video book reviews, for more fun facts about stories you and your kiddies must read.
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