Persian Cat Press, a publisher of interactive picture book, graphic novel and other iStory apps for iPad, launches an innovative picture book app for children entitled The Gift.

This is the first in a series of high quality interactive iStory apps from the independent, Manchester-based publisher.

Written by Jos Carlyle and illustrated by Dan Mynard, The Gift is a delightful original story combining familiar elements of classic storytelling and animation with cutting-edge technology to create a truly unique reading experience for children aged four and older.

Telling the story of a baby girl, a young boy, and the wise and kindly Oomorels, The Gift weaves a subtly metaphorical tale about all the things we might give our children and the one thing they need most of all. It brings to life a magical world full of words and pictures, music and movement, laughter and love.

Alongside Jos Carlyle’s timeless narrative and Dan Mynard’s beautiful oil-on-canvas artwork, The Gift engages with children in a variety of ways, from its enchanting soundtrack by Mamma Freedom and Stephen Nuttall’s intricate lettering, to Nick Hughes’ elegant narration and the magical animations of Paire Creative – all suffused with a wealth of interactivity which enhances rather than detracts from the story.

Children can tap, tilt and swipe their way through dozens of interactive touch points in The Gift, from berries and flowers to treetops and rainbows, right up to a sky full of magic.

With high production values that will encourage repeated re-reading, there are new interactive touch points to find every time children pick up this lovingly crafted 30-page picture book.

The Gift also has a number of reading and narration options supporting a range of child literacy development levels.

“We’re passionate about stories,” says Jos Carlyle, Persian Cat Press’ Creative Director, and the author of The Gift, “and we write them with interactivity in mind from the beginning.”

“We believe that the possibilities for storytelling on the iPad and other touchscreen devices are virtually endless, and it’s very exciting for us to bring those possibilities to life for you.”

The Gift is available to download from the App Store and iTunes now. You can find it here