Alicia Keys & Bento Box Interactive Unlock The Imagination Of Children With Innovative New App "The Journals Of Mama Mae And Leelee"

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Alicia Keys and AK Worldwide have teamed up with Bento Box Interactive, to create a one-of-a-kind immersive storytelling app, entitled The Journals of Mama Mae and LeeLee.  Centered on a touching story, the app encourages exploration through music, journaling, games, rewards and more.  Underscored by Alicia Keys' original music and inspired by Keys' own relationship with her Nana, the app tells the story of a relationship between a young girl (LeeLee) in New York City and her wise and mystical grandmother (Mama Mae). 

The app has been created to redefine the classic storytelling experience for children and parents utilizing interactivity and animation within innovative tactile features to engage them within the story and immerse them into the world beyond the pages of a book.  Combined with stylized art direction and beautiful animation, Mama Mae's magical adventures from her journal provide empowering life lessons to LeeLee and drive the app's unique interplay.  Co-produced by AK Worldwide and Bento Box Interactive, the new app is available for download from the Apple App Store for the iPad, iPhone and iTouch on October 25^th for $3.99; https://itunes.apple.com/app/journals-mama-mae-leelee/id569755982 and shortly after on other devices and platforms.  The characters and stories for the app were created by Alicia Keys, DJ Walton and Jessica Walton with the innovative App technology and platform developed by Bento Box Interactive and animation produced by the Bento Box team.

"I feel it's so important to tell the story of Mama Mae and LeeLee through an app because this has the potential to really bring everybody together in an interesting way," said Keys.  "Mama Mae is a character that is partially born from the spirit of my Nana, who instilled in me all of the values that still guide my path to this day.  As technology continues to advance, I feel it is so important to continue growing and fostering those indelible relationships as children tap into the digital landscape.  The Journals of Mama Mae and LeeLee has the potential to enrich the way children, parents and grandparents participate in each other's lives." 

"This is a very proud moment for all of us at Bento Box Interactive," said Scott Greenberg, CEO Bento Box Interactive. "We are absolutely thrilled to collaborate with such a great storyteller in Alicia Keys and her amazing team.  Alicia keenly understands technology and its great potential for engaging the iPad generation. Together, we've opened the door to a new kind of storytelling experience.  With music, games, journaling, rewards, and so much more all in one app we are charting a course for the next generation of readers.  We are incredibly excited to share The Journals of Mama Mae and LeeLee with the world."

The first story in the app titled "Blue Moon," challenges users with true-to-life obstacles which empower children to face their fears, break free from limitation, and open themselves to unearthing their love for adventure and discovery within.  This first story is highlighted by the song, "Follow the Moon," composed and produced by Keys.

Throughout the app and the series of story-packs, all music is produced and scored by Alicia Keys including the main theme song "Unlock Yourself," which is composed and performed by Keys and serves as a central theme reminding children to be true to themselves and follow their dreams.  Additional story-packs, featuring the magical adventures within Mama Mae's journal, will be released within the app's bookshelf in the future on a regular basis.  Each story-pack will also populate the interactive environment of LeeLee's 3D animated bedroom with additional original content that encourages users to explore and "unlock" all the possibilities. 

The pristine functionality of the app's design allows for seamless transitions between the series of stories and the interactive world of LeeLee's bedroom that enables the reader to immerse within the story's experience.  Through Mama Mae's wisdom and the app's compelling features, children can explore new worlds with the touch of their fingertips. 

To access a trailer of the app, please visit the below link:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/IbNfdFhNZrY

ABOUT BENTO BOX INTERACTIVE
Bento Box Interactive is an entertainment-based technology company recently launched by the Emmy® nominated animation production company, Bento Box Entertainment.  Bento Box Interactive is focused on building a digital platform to distribute literary and entertainment properties to consumers through social and mobile media. Using this strategy, the company develops, publishes, and markets interactive storytelling experiences in various media and formats, ranging from audio-enhanced E-books to applications ("Apps") for mobile, tablet, and other digital content devices. "Sweet Pickles" exemplifies this approach, and the E-book rollout is just the first step in that property's movement into new forms of media. Bento Box Interactive controls rights to the franchise across all formats, and will soon be following the E-book launch with Apps and other digital manifestations of the property.

SOURCE Bento Box Interactive