Bringing Stories to Life with Popar Toys Augmented Reality Storybooks {Review & Giveaway}

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Around here, we like books.

I typically have a pile checked out from the library waiting for me, while both Big Sister E and Little Sister B have shelves in their rooms (and our living room) piled high with books that get taken down and re-shelved daily. It is far from uncommon for me to go look for either one of them only to discover them sprawled out on their beds, the couch or the floor, engrossed in the stories that they see in the pictures.

From baby board books with only pictures to large, intricate books covered with words, they both love to be a part of the magical world that books can provide on their pages.

So, what could make books better for a 4-year-old and 6-year-old that are already fascinated with them?

When a book, which has always been defined as a two-dimensional object, suddenly becomes a 3D, interactive experience thanks to Popar Toys and their interactive books.

By using Augmented Reality (AR) — a groundbreaking concept that utilizes a mobile/smart device and special patterns to make amazing 3D objects and animations appear in the real world — Popar Toys has created an immersive reading experience unlike what any standard book can provide.

While things like books, cards, puzzles and maps can be educational and fun on their own, Popar Toys' AR technology allows the user to see incredible virtual "real" 3D objects and animations that pop right off of the page. Suddenly a story can go from its usual auditory and visual experience to a fully engaging, adventurous, interactive fun time for all!

With options such as bugs, construction machines, planets, dinosaurs and more, I had no doubt when Popar Toys' Princess and Her Pals 3D Book arrived that it would be a big, big hit.

As I knew it would, Little Sister B's face lit up when she first glimpsed this book. Princesses! Mama! A book about prinnnncesssses!

Even before I could say anything about the special aspects of Princess and Her Pals 3D, my little princess-lover and her sister were already excited to see all of the bright colors and whimsical illustrations that adorned each of the pages.

While Little Sister B and Big Sister E flipped through the pages again and again, I went to my computer and spent a total of maybe two minutes downloading the accompanying Popar Toys app to my phone.

After telling the girls that I had something exciting to show them about their new book, we all gathered around to see what was going to happen.

Suddenly, along with seeing the pages of the book and the words written out, the princesses came to life as we turned the pages and were able to hear the story read aloud.

Talk about turning ordinary into extraordinary! We all watched and listened in amazement as we followed the tale of the princesses, meeting each one and her different color (and finding out what she was going to bring to the Rainbow Ball).

Without fail, the girls were grinning each time we turned the pages and couldn't get over the fact that the princesses had come alive. Even better, the app allows users to zoom and grab on the screen, so we were able to get even closer in on the action.

To make a good thing even better (or, in this case, a great thing even more fantastic), the message of this book is amazing as well. While some children's books have pleasant ideas or characters, the actual plot can be pretty lackluster.

However, with Popar Toys, there was clearly a significant amount of time and attention spent making sure that the words themselves would be just as beautiful and educational as the innovative AR that goes with them. In the end, the Pink Princess finds that making friends isn't difficult and that even though all of these princesses were different, together they make a beautiful rainbow!

Retailing for $19.99 (the app is free and you can also use a PC or Mac with a webcam), Popar Toys has changed the way that children interact and experience stories. I don't know how many other princess books you have in your house that allow girls to explore a castle, play with a princess and look at an illustration from all sides, but this is definitely a first for us!

To take things a step further, we also downloaded the Popar Toys game app and have been having a great time designing and dressing our own princess and then getting to make her wave, dance, jump and more!

For a child that loves books, Popar Toys can strengthen that adoration even further by introducing augmented reality and bringing it to life. On the other hand, if you have a child in your life that has never been a huge fan of books, these amazing products just might change that by engaging them in a way that has never been possible before!

Find out more about the full collection of Popar Toys books (as well as their other innovative products) by visiting PoparToys.com and connecting with them on Facebook and Twitter. Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon be able to have a 3D experience in their home as well, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of Popar Toys' Princess And Her Pals 3D Book, Bugs 3D Book or Construction Machines 3D Book!

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A big thank you to Popar Toys for providing a complimentary book for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.