Lizzy’s World – Augmented Reality Interactive Storybook + NYC Giveaway!

*This post is part of a sponsored campaign for Playing Forward. I received compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own.

We live in a digital age, and there are so many apps out there to choose from. As a parent, the app market can at times be overwhelming. We want the best learning experiences for our children – those that will ignite their imagination, creativity, and confidence.

Playing Forward is a transformational technology studio creating digital experiences designed to spark imagination. What I love, is that each of the Playing Forward apps was specifically designed with a child’s social-emotional development in mind. (Having a strong set of social-emotional skills is critical for success not only in school, but in life!) Using storytelling, high-quality visual effects, lovable characters, and augmented reality, Playing Forward creates digital experiences to inspire children’s imaginations.

Playing Forward has now launched three character-driven apps based on books:

a Penguin Publishing classic Maxi the Taxi Dog
a story from Stan Lee’s Kids Universe series Dex T-Rex
Lizzy’s World featuring the STEAM-powered character from a new independent book series It’s Just So…

Each of the stories can be experienced in two ways: as a ‘bedtime story’ that can be followed along/read along with in 3D, or as a much more active ‘exploration’ in augmented reality, encouraging the reader to move
around and experience the story from multiple perspectives. (As a consumer, I love not only that this allows for more re-playability, but also keeps kids engaged.)

Each of these apps are super-cute, tons of fun, age-appropriate, and packed full of learning opportunities. You and your kids are going to love them!

We had the chance to check out Lizzy’s World.

Lizzy and my little girl were a match right from the start. Lizzy is a spunky and energetic little girl experiencing school (and all that goes along with the school experience) for the very first time. From choosing the perfect outfit for the first day to riding the bus to learning that math is “really quite awesome”, Lizzy works through new school experiences in a delightfully authentic way.

Our first time through, we played Lizzy’s World as a read-aloud story. (Of course, we had to stop and personalize Lizzy’s bedroom first – because according to my 6 year old, everything is better when it’s pink and purple.) 😉

The next time through the app, we utilized some of the incredible exploration features which allow your child to be part of the story. My first grader LOVED this! She thought it was so much fun to have Lizzy “in” our house.

Your child can change the size Lizzy appears. You can make her adorable and tiny….

or you can make Lizzy a life-size friend!

My daughter loved being “dramatical” right alongside her new pal Lizzy.

Lizzy helps a young child explore their own feelings. Kids often don’t know how to put what they’re feeling into words – and sometimes aren’t even sure if/when they can communicate what they’re feeling. Lizzy puts a realistic voice to new experiences. Things are colorific, mathemagical, scary, lonely, and crunch-munch-licious!

She works up courage to meet new friends and faces her fear of math. She explores, creates, and tries new things. She is who we want our kids to be at school.

And kids – kids will love her! My daughter told me she wishes Lizzy were a real-live girl to play with. =)

As a former teacher turned homeschooling parent, I am all about STEAM power! I am always so excited to find things that advocate the joys of STEAM learning (especially for little girls.) Lizzy discovers that she loves science and math, along with reading and art. We took the opportunity this sweet app provides and “invited” Lizzy to do science with us today!

You and your kids are going to LOVE Lizzy’s World (and I have a hunch you’ll like all three of the Playing Forward apps!) I highly encourage you to head to the Playing Forward Website, where you can link to the app store and purchase Lizzy’s World.

To celebrate the launch of these exciting apps, Playing Forward is giving away a Family Fun Weekend in New York City!! The Grand Prize Winner will receive:

A STEAM-powered weekend of play and exploration in Manhattan for a family of four! (Doesn’t that sound FUN?!)

Air Transportation
Two-Night Hotel Stay
Visa Gift Card to Cover Meals
Museum Tickets
Personalized experiences at two of Manhattan’s most unique museums: the Natural History Museum and the Children’s Museum of the Arts!!

The Runner-Up will receive a