I’m helping celebrate the 1st birthday of the lovely Erin Davis’ app, The Pete and Sneakers Bath and Bedtime Show. The Pete and Sneakers Bath and Bedtime Show is such an adorable App that you can download from iTunes onto your iPhone, iPad, or iPod (or all three).  I’m always on the hunt for a great App for the kids on my phone, because let’s face it, there are times you have to do whatever it takes to keep your kids occupied.  What’s even better about this App is that both kids can look at it and interact at the same time. Clearly a mother of twins thought of this!

Here’s some background from Erin:

Many an invention, product and scheme have originated out of adversity; the Sippy Cup, for example, born from countless toddler spills, or the Spork—the meshing of two utensils designed for delicacies not sufficient for fork or spoon alone. The Pete and Sneakers Bath and Bedtime Show is my Sippy Cup / Spork. Two toddlers and one book (and one lap) often creates adversity, as well as book tug-of-wars. This was exactly how I felt every time my 18-month old twins nearly succeeded in tearing a board book in half (not an easy fete for little hands). I couldn’t help but think: “I wish someone would invent a book specifically designed for multiple children.”

I began working on a prototype immediately. What I finally ended up with was a book that had interactive components on both pages (not just one), and that was easy for two sets of hands to access. It was also important to me as a writer that I make the characters and storyline both dynamic and entertaining. The result came in the form of Pete and Sneakers, two personality-packed penguins on a bath and bedtime journey. In keeping true to the dynamic duo in my home, I wanted Pete and Sneakers to be their own authentic selves—Pete is contemplative and methodical, whereas his counterpart Sneakers is spontaneous and goofy.

My dream has long been to publish a book in print, and I that’s how I initially envisioned Pete and Sneakers. It wasn’t until a few subsequent rejections from publishers and a brilliant suggestion from my Dad, that Pete and Sneakers evolved into an App. My dad pointed out that since my prototype was already interactive in nature it wouldn’t be that difficult to transition into a digital format. It would also be less time consuming and costly in terms of publishing.

With the help of Xoom Solutions and Enroc, I was able to produce The Pete and Sneakers Bath and Bedtime Show in simply a few months. The submission and acceptance process with Apple took less than two weeks. I figured my girls might be slightly biased in their rave reviews of my work, so prior to its approval, I tested Pete and Sneakers in groups of two at my oldest daughter’s preschool. To my satisfaction (and relief), the kids not only loved the App, but not a single brawl ensued—a good thing too, since it was my iPad they were using. So far, the App has achieved what I hoped it would: to serve as a fun and entertaining story to be enjoyed by multiple sets of hands and to give moms of a reprieve—even if for only five minutes!

App Overview:

Whether siblings or friends, no two children are completely alike—and neither are Pete and Sneakers. These two lively and loveable penguins use their distinct personalities to show readers that similar tasks can be completed different ways. For example, Pete prefers to approach basic bath and bedtime tasks more conservatively, while Sneakers’ routine is free-spirited and often outright zany. Instead of competing, Pete and Sneakers embrace their differences while still having fun together.

The Pete and Sneakers Bath and Bedtime Show features split-screen technology, which makes it perfect for two children to simultaneously enjoy. The story is just as fun and interactive, however, when enjoyed by a single child. Either way, this story is sure to elicit a standing ovation. Thankfully, Pete and Sneakers are always ready for an encore!

Character Sketch:

Meet Pete and Sneakers, two loveable penguins packed with personality. Watch as these penguin pals encourage kids to get ready for their bath and bedtime by celebrating their own unique approaches to these tasks. Pete is methodical; he enjoys a relaxing bath, cuddling with a favorite toy, and reading about sea life. But don’t let his conservative looks fool you–he still likes to have fun. Sneakers, never without his trusty red shoes, relies on imagination and creativity while getting ready for his bath and bedtime.  He can be spotted turning a towel into a turban, a toothbrush into a microphone, and his pajamas into hero, spy, or ghost costumes.

Pete and Sneakers, two lively and loveable penguins use their distinct personalities to show children that similar tasks can be completed different ways. For example, Pete prefers to approach basic bath and bedtime tasks more conservatively, while Sneakers’ routine is free-spirited and often outright zany. Instead of competing, Pete and Sneakers embrace their differences while still having fun together.

The Pete and Sneakers Bath and Bedtime Show features split-screen technology purposely intended to appease the masses…or at least siblings, friends, and classmates; it’s perfect for two children to simultaneously interact with. Some of the interactive features include, turning on a shower, a pseudo-microphone voice recorder, and rotating disco ball.

The “read aloud” feature can be turned off allowing young readers to develop their reading skills. For a one-child household, The Pete and Sneakers Bath and Bedtime Show, is equally entertaining and enjoyable.

You can purchase The Pete and Sneakers Bath and Bedtime Show on iTunes for 99cents. Do you already have Pete and Sneakers? What do you think of it?