First of Its Kind Book Debuts at OC Children's Book Festival

While many at the OC Children's Book Festival were lining up to see Kobe Bryant, a less publicized event that could have profound implications in the publishing world was taking place. Award-winning author, Deen Ferrell, and Disney animator, Thomas Leavitt, were previewing the first-ever book designed entirely in Virtual Reality.

"It was wild," Thomas exclaimed, explaining the process of creating the world of the book. "I was standing in the middle of the room with my VR glasses on, actually painting in 3D space!"

The story, selected by "Smories" in the UK to be read by a young UK student on video and distributed to hundreds of schools and libraries via the internet, follows the sibling rivalry between two brothers, arguing over whether a monster lives under the stairs. "When Thomas approached me about designing the whole book in virtual reality," Ferrell comments, "I jumped at the opportunity to work with such a talented artist and designer. As the world of the book developed, we began to feel that there was opportunity here beyond just a unique look to the graphics of the book. We began to explore how we could actually transport the reader into this rich VR world."

The book comes with a link, via QR code or website page, to the expansive VR world. Readers are invited to walk into 5 different pages and hunt around for clues, designated by a fluttering dragonfly. As they find the clues--letters that spell out the monster's name--they are able to unlock a secret page, not found in the book, and actually explore the monster's lair. "We released only a limited number of preview books for this event," Ferrell adds, "while looking to complete negotiations with a more substantial publisher." For information, contact Deen or Thomas at [email protected].