Make Learning Pop with 3D Books from Popar Toys! #TWCMgifts

Even at two and four, my girls have a grasp of technology that boggles my mind sometimes. I really don’t know when Tee learned how to navigate my iPad better than I can! At any rate, I love how technology can be used to enhance (not replace!) traditional learning and play activities, so I was curious to check out Popar Toys, a company that uses Augmented Reality (AR) technology to enrich and supplement their educational books, puzzles, and charts.

We received these two 3D interactive hardcover books from Popar Toys: Bugs 3D and Sea Life 3D.

Bugs 3D features the grasshopper, centipede, butterfly, bee, ant, tarantula, scorpion, dragonfly, firefly, praying mantis, and ladybug. Sea Life 3D explores the great white shark, dolphin, clown fish, pufferfish, stingray, jellyfish, giant octopus, sea turtle, seahorse, and orca. Every page has big, beautiful close up pictures and easily manageable chunks of engaging text.

Each book comes with its own 3D app (available in the App Store and via Google Play) that reads the special AR symbol on each page. Once I’d downloaded the apps onto my iPad, it took a bit of finagling to get the book mode to work smoothly. It turns out I had the camera open on a different app which was interfering with its ability to scan the symbols. I closed down all my apps and it works perfectly now.

The app reads the symbol and superimposes computer-generated moving images and supplementary information over the the real-world view of the book’s pages. Look! The sharks are swimming over the open book and around Tee’s zebra striped socks. It does require some practice to get a feel for the best angle and distance to hold your device from the book.

Tee especially likes aiming my iPad at the tarantula page and making her little sister shriek!

It’s safe to say both girls are fascinated with the augmented reality technology.

Touch the image on the screen to see a close up model that can be freely rotated 360 degrees. All the parts are labeled; just tap to learn more. Each listing also includes a short video clip of the real creature in its environment.

But you don’t have to use the book. There’s also a VR (Virtual Reality) mode that lets you explore the ocean or a field of insects and access the same information.

And of course you don’t have to use the app either. The educational and child-friendly books stand well on their own. As far as the books themselves go, the thick, high quality paper will definitely hold up to lots of use. Given how they’re used though, I do wish the bindings were made so that the pages lie flat when you open them up.

Overall, my kids have had a lot of fun with these books. What a great way to entertain and engage your child’s curiosity!

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Gift It!

Shop Popar Toys’ selection of interactive toys online. Hardcover 3D interactive books retail for $19.99. Popar Toys also carries interactive puzzles and wall charts that use the same augmented reality technology. Until December 31, use code FSHOME or FSGROUND for free shipping on all orders over $50 in the US.

Win a 3D Interactive Book!

Popar Toys is generously giving one lucky This West Coast Mommy reader their own 3D interactive book. Choose from Bugs, Construction Machines, Dinosaurs, Planets, Princess & Her Pals, Safari, and Sea Life. This giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada, 18+. All entries will be verified.

Check out my other open giveaways listed in the right sidebar!

a Rafflecopter giveawayDisclosure: I received sample items for review. All opinions expressed are completely honest and my own, based on my personal experience. Your experience may differ.