ANNE FRANK APP SHORTLISTED

The Shortlist for the 2013 FutureBook Innovation Awards are out and one of the most celebrated books of all time The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, is short-listed in the Best Reference Digital Book category. I’m delighted for two reasons: Anne Frank is an inspiration for empowerment and leadership amongst young people as a global symbol for ending oppression and discrimination through collaboration. As I said to our team at the conclusion of the project, we should be honoured that Viking, Penguin and the Anne Frank Foundation entrusted us with such an important task. Second, to achieve this recognition and to be in the company of the best in our industry is an outstanding achievement for everyone involved. These Awards celebrate the best in digital books at a time when the market dynamics of how we engage in storytelling have been irrevocably shaken up by technology. Our app is a perfect example of how book apps are extending storytelling into creative places that are opening up exciting new opportunities for authors. I’m immensely proud of our team and all of the curators and researchers who helped make this a reality. A very special thanks to my colleague Kirk Bowe, for inspiring and producing such a fine piece of work.