PRH-backed StorySign app launches on Apple iOS

StorySign, a free mobile app that translates children’s books into sign language, has launched on Apple iOS.

The app is run by technology firm Huawei in partnership with Penguin Random House imprints Puffin and Ladybird. It will also feature three new books in American Sign Language, the world’s most popular version and used by deaf people in the US and  Candada alongside territories in Africa, Asia and Central America.

StorySign, already available on Android, uses Star, a signing avatar developed by Aardman animators, which translates a range of books in real-time.

Francesca Dow, m.d. of PRH Children’s said: “We at Puffin and Ladybird are delighted to be working with StorySign, using their innovative technology to bring some of our best-loved picture books to life for deaf children and their families. We believe all children should be able to enjoy stories and we are incredibly proud of this ongoing partnership, making our books available in local sign languages in countries around the world.”

Recent additions to the app include Max the Brave by Ed Vere (Puffin), Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Monster by Rhiannon Fielding and Chris Chatterton (Ladybird), There’s a Dragon in Your Book by Tom Fletcher and Greg Abbott (Puffin) and All About Spot by Eric Hill (Puffin).

Walter Ji, President of Huawei’s Western Europe Consumer Business Group, added: “At Huawei, we want to use our technology to make the world a better place – no matter where you live or what smartphone you use. 34% of the people who have downloaded the free StorySign app have become daily2 active users, which reinforces our commitment to helping more deaf children learn to read and makes us proud to continue developing and expanding StorySign.”