Enriching Australia and New Zealand's public libraries with Wonderbook, Launchpad, and Playaway

Playaway Products, the innovator of the North American pre-loaded library market, and MDM Entertainment, the single source solution for collections and content, today announced a new partnership to bring world-class digital content into New Zealand and Australia’s public libraries. The direct connection between Playaway Products and MDM Entertainment’s mission allows libraries to bridge the digital divide and make technology accessible to everyone.

Playaway Products is home to the award-winning Wonderbook read along, featuring a diverse collection of expertly curated titles, including 400+ award winners, sing-alongs, Spanish language, youth large print, comics and graphic novels, and more. With almost 1,000+ titles and new releases every month, Wonderbook creates confident book lovers at libraries.  

The demand for read-along books continues to grow globally as libraries recognize their value in supporting children's literacy development. On Wonderbook’s all-in-one super-format, kids press play for Read-Along Mode with their favorite books and can switch to Sing-Along Mode or Learning Mode, found exclusively on Wonderbook, for a multisensory experience for readers of all levels. Launchpad, a pre-loaded tablet, is curated with collections of learning apps, videos, comics, and more grouped by age and ready to play right off the shelf. The portable Playaway audiobook device features over 30,000+ titles for children, young adults, and adults. All Playaway Products never require wi-fi or downloads and are the easiest way for libraries to circulate media.

“As the market leader in edutainment, we are committed to high-quality content with products built for circulation,” said Gene LaMarca, President & CEO of Playaway Products. “Libraries make tough decisions with limited budgets. We meet the needs of an ever-evolving landscape with multi-format literacy, educational, and entertainment benefits to patrons."

The partnership marks an expansion of Playaway Products to new audiences around the world. Beginning in April 2024, MDM Entertainment will offer Wonderbook, Launchpad tablets, and Playaway audiobooks for sale to public libraries in tiered phases. For more information, visit playaway.com or mdm-entertainment.netlify.app to learn more and shop.

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SOLON, OHIO [May 1, 2024] —Playaway Products, the innovator of the pre-loaded library market, is thrilled to announce the release of a new line of Young Adult titles on the acclaimed Wonderbook read-along. This latest addition to the award-winning collection is designed to captivate and engage young readers, making reading an immersive and interactive experience.

Playaway Products is home to the award-winning Wonderbook read along, featuring a diverse collection of expertly curated titles, including 400+ award winners, sing-alongs, Spanish language, youth large print, comics and graphic novels, and more. With almost 1,000+ titles and new releases every month, Wonderbook creates confident book lovers

Wonderbook read-alongs have revolutionized the way children and teens engage with literature by combining printed books with a built-in audiobook player. This unique format allows readers to follow along with the text as they listen to the narration, enhancing comprehension and bringing stories to life in a whole new way. The new line features a variety of genres and themes, from fantasy and adventure to contemporary fiction and mystery, ensuring that there is something for every young reader.

"We are incredibly excited to expand our Wonderbook collection with this new line of Young Adult titles," said Cassy Baskin, Content Acquisitions Strategist at Playaway Products. "This launch is in direct response to the overwhelming demand from our customers who are seeking high-quality, engaging reading materials for teens. Introducing age-appropriate literature to young adults can cultivate lifelong reading and ensure that readers continue to seek out books into adulthood.”

The new Young Adult titles on Wonderbook are now available for purchase through Playaway Products' website. Every Wonderbook comes equipped with the proprietary educator-vetted Learning Mode, offering enhanced comprehension and dialogue. Initial titles at launch include Spanish, large-print, award-winners and more. For more information, please visit shop.playaway.com.

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SOLON, OHIO [June 24, 2024] — Playaway Products, the innovator behind the award-winning Wonderbook, proudly announces the launch of WhaZoodle, an all-audio kids' speaker designed to transform children's learning and entertainment experiences. WhaZoodle offers a unique adventure without the need for WiFi, downloads, or extra pieces. WhaZoodle is a secure device that does not collect data, ensuring kids' privacy in libraries and classrooms.

WhaZoodle is a friendly guide for kids aged 3–12 to explore a world of podcasts, music, short stories, and more from award-winning content from top educational partners such as Highlights, Rebel Girls, and more. Designed to nurture intellectual growth and foster a lifelong love of learning, WhaZoodle combines engaging content with a kid-friendly interface that encourages autonomy and confidence.

With 100+ content bundles across 10+ themes, WhaZoodle invites kids to engage in an exciting world of expertly curated content designed to nurture young minds and fuel imagination. With three distinct modes to guide their day, WhaZoodle fosters literacy, language development, and social-emotional learning with:

1. Recess Mode: Active fun with an array of games and activities. From interactive challenges to imaginative play, Recess Mode helps kids burn off energy with healthy play.

2. Explore Mode: Ignite wonder and discovery with a captivating collection of podcasts, music, games, and short stories designed to stimulate intellectual growth and creativity.

3. Relax Mode: Help kids increase focus, improve emotional regulation, and ease anxiety with tranquil sounds of nature, calming soundscapes, guided meditations, and more.

"Our goal with WhaZoodle is to revolutionize libraries and classrooms by providing a portable, durable, and educational audio device that inspires children's imaginations and love for learning," said Gene LaMarca, CEO of Playaway Products. "WhaZoodle not only delivers high-quality content but also supports cognitive and emotional development through its innovative modes.” For more information and to order, visit shop.playaway.com.

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SOLON, OHIO [July 1, 2024] — Playaway Products, the innovator of the North American pre-loaded library market, celebrated a milestone today by reaching 1,000+ titles in its award-winning Wonderbook read-along catalog. Playaway Products is home to the award-winning Wonderbook read-along, featuring a diverse collection of expertly curated titles, including 420+ award winners and starred reviews, sing-alongs, Spanish language, youth large print, comics and graphic novels, and more. With 1,000+ titles and new releases every month, Wonderbook creates confident book lovers in libraries and classrooms.

The demand for read-along books continues to grow globally as libraries and educators recognize their value in supporting children’s literacy development. Wonderbook is an all-in-one super format combining print and audio for a fully immersive experience. Featuring the proprietary educator-vetted Learning Mode, Wonderbook is known for its unique blend of print and audio storytelling and has become a cornerstone in classrooms and libraries nationwide.

Since its launch, Wonderbook has garnered awards and recognition for its innovative approach to reading. By combining the visual experience of a physical book with professionally narrated audio, Wonderbook helps bridge the gap between different learning styles, making reading more inclusive and enjoyable for all ages. Wonderbook enhances comprehension and recall of books while building confidence and enthusiasm around reading. Additionally, the device charges in one hour and, once charged, delivers up to 10 hours of play, which allows for roughly 50 listens.

"This milestone represents our unwavering commitment to bridging the digital divide and making world-class content accessible to all,” says Gene LaMarca, President & CEO. “Our wide range of titles ensures that every reader in a classroom or library can find something that resonates with them. We believe that access to a variety of voices and stories is essential in fostering a love of reading and promoting lifelong learning. By reaching 1,000 titles including award-winners, Spanish, and more, we’re supporting our local schools and libraries in their mission to inspire and educate through the power of read-alongs."

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Playaway Products, the market leader of read-along books for libraries and classrooms, today announces the launch of its new line of phonics and decodables on Wonderbook. This innovative collection supports early literacy development and helps young learners build a strong foundation in reading. In partnership with Decodables by Jump! and Supersonic Phonics by Bearport Publishing, the collection features fiction and non-fiction stories for grades PreK-5.

In response to the increasing demand for phonics and decodables read-along books in classrooms and libraries, Playaway Products introduces the following benefits for a seamless experience:

1. Exclusive Phonics Mode: Each Wonderbook features an educator-vetted Phonics Mode, leveraging the science of reading to build skills gradually. Starting with simple CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, this mode nurtures reading confidence step by step.

2. Leveled Catalog: Twelve levels provide a consistent and structured approach to help guide and strengthen reading instruction that align with Lexile, guided reading levels, and other systems.

3. ‍Aligned with Educational Standards: Crafted to meet today's educational standards, these new books align with Heggerty, Orton-Gillingham, and Wilson Fundations methods and are an invaluable resource for educators.

"Our dedication to listening to our customers and our commitment to educational success drive us to create top-of-the-line products that strengthen early literacy,” says Stephanie Trivison, Senior Product Manager. “These new books provide essential and straightforward tools for educators and librarians, ensuring young learners have the best possible start in their reading journey.”

Playaway Products is home to the award-winning Wonderbook read along, featuring a diverse collection of expertly curated titles, including 400+ award winners, sing-alongs, Spanish language, youth large print, comics and graphic novels, and more. With over 1,100 titles and new releases every month, Wonderbook creates confident book lovers around the world.

Phonics & Decodables by Playaway Products are now available for pre-sale through the Playaway Products website. For more information, please visit shop.playaway.com

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SOLON, OHIO [November 1, 2024] — Playaway Products, the innovator of the North American pre-loaded library market, celebrated another milestone in 2024 with the addition of adult titles to its award-winning Wonderbook read-along collection. Wonderbook Adult is a hardcover book with a ready-to-play audiobook inside, providing exceptional value to library patrons. With flexible options to read, listen, or both, adults can enjoy world-class content whenever and however they choose with no Wi-Fi or downloads required.

This new collection transforms reading for adult patrons, whether they are bookworms or developing readers in need of multi-modal literacy tools. With titles like "The Firm," "Little Fires Everywhere," and "The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store," Wonderbook Adult delivers age-appropriate content in a versatile all-in-one format. With Wonderbook Adult, Playaway Products further strengthens its mission to make great stories accessible to everyone.

Wonderbook Adult’s exclusive Book Mode is special bonus content designed to give patrons an unmatched literacy experience. This mode elevates the reading experience by providing an interactive, discussion-friendly feature within each title. Tailored for book clubs or individual enrichment, this mode includes guided prompts, thematic questions, and insights that encourage deeper engagement with the story. With Book Club Mode, Wonderbook doesn’t just offer a read-along option—it provides an enriched, community-oriented reading experience that brings stories to life in a new, shared way for adult readers.

"With a mix of large and traditional print, audio, and the bonus content in Book Club Mode, Wonderbook Adult is a uniquely valuable format, merging entertainment with proven literacy benefits," said Steph Trivison, Senior Product Manager. “It’s an exciting step forward in making Wonderbook not only a children's reading tool, but a true catalyst for adult literacy, entertainment, and connection."