Child's Play partners with ITV to bring Signed Stories app to iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad

Here at ReadItDaddy we've covered several storytelling apps but we're always on the lookout for projects that do things a little differently.

ITV have developed a brilliant new app, Signed Stories which sees the company partner with Child's Play, an independent publisher specialising in whole child development, focused play, life skills and values.

Signed Stories uses UK and US sign language (complimented by narration, music and subtitles), making it ideal for deaf children and children with special educational needs, including autism, Asperger's, dyslexia and Down's Syndrome.


Child's Play's excellent version of "Three Billy Goats Gruff" is included with the app to get you started, and further books from the Child's Play range can be bought through the in-app store.

ITV's chief executive Adam Crozier said "ITV is proud to be creating something which every child can use - an English language app which is totally accessible. Too often deaf children and those with special needs get left behind,"

"Anytime, anyplace viewing is becoming the norm and we believe all children should be able to enjoy the mobile digital world. We're a global brand. The American version is a response to requests from the deaf community in the USA for access to children's books in its own sign language."

Child's Play CEO Neil Burden also added "In 2008, we embraced wholeheartedly the opportunity to work with the Signed Stories website, and we're delighted and honoured to be chosen by ITV as their launch partner for this exciting new venture,"

"These apps continue and further our attempts to make our publishing as accessible and inclusive as possible. They stand out from the myriad of book-based apps currently published for children in that they have manifestly useful and engaging content, outstanding production values and, perhaps most of all, genuine purpose."