Introducing Ruckus Mobile Media: What Happens When the Big Fish Come to Town?

This week we are introducing Ruckus Mobile Media, one of our first Moms With Apps “Family-Friendly Companies”. The post is written by Lorraine Akemann, Editor at Moms With Apps and independent iPhone/iPad app developer. Lorraine has a dedicated interest in fostering family-friendly content for mobile devices like the iPhone and iPad. With two children of her own, she wants to ensure that choices are not only educational, but also interactive and useful tools for discovering more (not less) of what life has to offer.

Last week I had the pleasure to talk to Rick Richter, CEO of Ruckus Mobile Media, who is releasing a line of children’s book apps to the iPhone, iPad, and other mobile platforms. Rick’s knowledge of the children’s book industry is substantial given his former role as President and Publisher of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. His new company, Ruckus Mobile Media, is releasing a series of classic titles as interactive apps on the iTunes App Store. Make no doubt about it, Rick’s presence in the app market will make waves in children’s digital publishing, and this conversation helped me understand a little more about what he’s up to, and why it matters for my family.

Let’s look at one of his first apps, John Henry, for example.  The morning before our conversation, I took out the iPad and launched “John Henry” for my 5 and 7 year old daughters. The three of us listened to Denzel Washington tell the fascinating account of American Railroad history through the eyes of John Henry.

Hearing Denzel’s voice, listening to the music of BB King, reading the captions, and seeing illustrations of the majestic United States all added up to an engaging storytelling experience for the whole family. The story touched on history, community, diversity, and the ever-intriguing topic of man vs. machine. Quality production? Yes. Interesting subject matter? Yes. Interactive options (play story, read story, record story)? Yes. Celebrity magic? Yes.

While Rick and I talked about the positive aspects of the apps, we also brainstormed on ways to make them even better, and it was encouraging to hear that he is open to candid feedback. For example, adding reading comprehension questions to the story would extend and exercise the important concepts. So WHY did John Henry want to beat the Steam Drill? WHY did so many people come to root for John Henry during the competition? WHY did John Henry sing while he worked? We agreed that discussion topics could strengthen the parent/child connection and help the app facilitate teachable moments.

As Ruckus brings more titles to life on mobile devices, it’s up to you to think about the best ways to instill a love for stories within your own family. As my 5 year old continues to talk about John Henry, it’s up to me, ultimately, to harness that interest and take her down to the local library for more books on the topic. If book apps can work together with parents to enliven a family dinner conversation, or blaze a trail to the local library, well, then we’re on to something.

Stay tuned regarding the Big Fish conversation, because I also hear things are heating up over at Barnes & Noble. Details forthcoming.