Children’s Book Powered by Accent Opaque & AR Technology

Spotlight: International Paper

To those learning how to read, a storybook can be the teacher of important life lessons as well as a gateway to another world. One such book, “Apollo the Spacedog” – an original children’s book created by International Paper in collaboration with illustrator Kyle Beckett – also has an important lesson to teach designers, too. Through the use of augmented reality, International Paper demonstrates that paper and technology are not mutually exclusive, but can actually work together to create a more immersive user experience.

Printed on International Paper’s Accent Opaque Digital paper, this adventure story introduces young readers to Apollo, a shelter dog who longs to find a home, and Andi, a 7-year-old girl who’s into astronomy — two daring characters who team up to outrun a space monster. While Kyle’s digital illustrations are translated into this printed book with true-to-screen reproduction, what makes “Apollo the Spacedog” an even more unique children’s book is its added layer of interactivity and experiential technology. Thanks to the magic of augmented reality experiences – created by Trekk and realized using International Paper’s IP4D augmented reality app – scenes from Andi’s vivid imagination are brought engagingly to life.

It isn’t just the book’s AR capabilities that are cutting edge. It was digitally printed using the Canon ImagePress C10000VP toner press and the Océ ColorStream 6000 Series Color Inkjet press on International Paper’s:

• Accent Opaque Digital 100 lb. Cover Super Smooth

• Accent Opaque Digital 80 lb. Text Super Smooth with ImageLok Technology.

This is why the book’s colors look as sharp as if they had been printed on coated sheets, while boasting the look and feel of premium uncoated paper. (Want to see “Apollo the Spacedog” in person? Request a copy of the book right here.)

‘Apollo’ Places ‘Accent On: Reading’

“Apollo the Spacedog” doesn’t just show off the impact, luscious feel and versatility of Accent Opaque Digital, it also demonstrates International Paper’s own deep commitment to its community, and its encouragement of literacy everywhere.

After all, it is the passionate readers of the world who help the print industry grow and thrive, and International Paper and its Accent Opaque brand are on a mission to support and strengthen the bonds between readers and the books they love. Through its “Accent On: Reading” program, International Paper pioneers public service initiatives designed to foster a lifelong love of reading. Whether expanding access to reading materials or teaching readers to engage with narratives in new ways, “Accent On: Reading” meets readers where they are with relevant resources and engaging stories.

Under the umbrella of “Accent On: Reading,” International Paper has the opportunity to promote literacy initiatives for both children and adults, to partner with other service-oriented organizations, and to produce its own original books and educational materials – including coloring books and bookmarks – which can be used as Accent Opaque application samples to demonstrate innovative print techniques and new storytelling technologies. (Jump to the end of this article for your chance to win an “Apollo the Spacedog” Prize Pack featuring all three of these items!)

Pairing Kids with Shelter Animals to Develop Reading Skills

International Paper’s community engagement efforts focus on critical community needs such as education, which is why Accent Opaque chose to invest resources in developing reading skills for kids in Memphis, where the company is headquartered.

Upon the publication of “Apollo the Spacedog,” International Paper began working with local schools and literacy partners to connect kids with dogs that are up for adoption at the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County. By reading aloud to the dogs at the shelter, the kids are able to practice their reading skills in a fun, low-stakes environment while also helping to socialize the pets and make them more adoptable.

Want to bring the “Accent On: Reading” program to your community? Contact your local International Paper rep or get in touch here.

See Them For Yourself!

Want to see just how nicely print and augmented reality play together when you print your work on International Paper’s Accent Opaque Digital paper? Enter to win one of 25 “Apollo the Spacedog” prize packs – including a copy of the book, a bookmark, and a coloring book – right now! Hurry, this contest ends July 11th. (North American entries only, please.)

This offer has ended but PRO members can get a copy below.

PROS: Get Your Guaranteed Copy!

(Not a member? Why not start your PRO membership today?)