Children of the 21st century

If you need help figuring out how to work an electronic device, chances are you can just ask your toddler.

A fascinating article reports that "about 40 percent of 2- to 4-year-olds (and 10 percent of kids younger than that) have used a smartphone, tablet or video iPod, according to a new study by the nonprofit group Common Sense Media. Roughly 1 in 5 parents surveyed said they give their children these devices to keep them occupied while running errands."

It goes on to talk about to parents who do it:

"Denise Thevenot acknowledges that some people would look askance at the idea of giving a child a $600 device to play with -- she had the same concerns initially. Then she discovered the sheer potential.

" 'The iPad is movies, books and games all wrapped in one nice package,' says Thevenot, who works in the New Orleans tourism industry. The iPad, she says, keeps her 3-year-old son Frankie busy for hours. And, when needed, taking it away 'is the greatest punishment. ... He loves it that much.' "

How about adding "Kundersanterbleebin" to the list of apps for kids? The "read to me" feature is perfect for kids who don't read yet.

To read the full article, click here.

To download "Kundersanterbleebin" from the AppStore, click here.

Tradition!

Christmas is made up of traditions. Some of our favorites are, in no particular order:

1. Picking out a Christmas tree. Walking through the aisles as the local tree lot out in the cold was so exciting. We'd pull out different trees, and Mom or Dad would veto it for one reason or another (price or a hole in one side or too tall for our house). When we picked the winner, it was exciting to get it back to the house and upright in the living room so we could decorate it. Which takes us to No. 2...

2. Decorating the tree. Every year, the kids would get a Christmas ornament. The year was written on each one. As we'd pull them out of the bubble wrap and faded newspaper, we'd separate them out into individual piles. We could put them on as soon as the ropes of lights were up and working on the branches. And that process was an ordeal as seen in many a holiday movie: Lots of ... well...we'll call it "frustration."

3. Leaving treats out for Santa. We had a special plate for Santa's cookes. We'd usually leave a few carrots out for his reindeer, too. They were working hard on Christmas Eve!

Traditions are passed down, but sometimes they morph as the years go by. For example, real trees have changed into an artificial one that is stored in a box in the basement. I'm allergic to pine. And while I have started the tradition of adding a new ornament every year for our kids, they haven't been around long enough to fill up the whole tree.

But that's the beauty of traditions. They have to start somewhere. And this year, "Kundersanterbleebin" offers a fantastic new tradition. If you ask author Bret Hickenlooper, he'll tell you that his children have found "Santa's magical sign" on Christmas morning for years. And now you can start a tradition in your family with this Christmas book.

It's on sale for $1.99 from Monday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 31. Click HERE to buy!

And don't forget to visit us on Facebook, our web site or follow us on Twitter for a chance to win a limited-edition print from the book.

Copper Pi!!!

The new Copper Pi blog begins!  Here we will discuss upcoming projects and current products with users, professionals, the curious and YOU!

First off, we have the upcoming release of Kundersanterbleebin.  In conjunction with this release there are a number of exciting things happening at Copper Pi.

“Kundersanterbleebin” is a new story app for the iPad; the book is set for release in the AppStore on Friday, Oct. 21, 2011. 

This original story, written by Bret Hickenlooper and beautifully illustrated by local artist Kory Fluckiger, asks children if they are a believer or a nonbeliever: or in “Elfanese”, a "doobinbleeb" or a "bleebernob." The story reveals Santa’s magical sign, making “Kundersanterbleebin” a charming tradition for families this Christmas season. 

Children can “turn” the pages, plus switch narration and music on and off.  And expect more surprises coming from Copper Pi!

 Along with the release of Kundersanterbleebin we are holding a drawing for one of 25 limited edition prints of one of the pages from the book.  Each print will be signed and numbered, as well as sporting a sooty-thumbed Santa signature!




















To enter the contest, follow us on Twitter, register to receive an email on launch day by emailing us at contest@copperpi.com, or share your favorite part about Christmas on our Facebook wall. Or, increase your chances by doing all three!

The great thing about this book is that it is easy to gift to loved ones.  Just go to the app on iTunes and drop down the menu beside the price.  Select "Gift This App" and choose to either send the gift in an email, or print it yourself for a greeting card or stalking-stuffer.

Follow us on this blog, Facebook, and Twitter to keep tabs on what is coming from Copper Pi!