Hallmark Adds 'Goodnight Moon' and 'Curious You on Your Way' to Recordable Storybook Collection

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Feb. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The popular Hallmark Recordable Storybook collection is expanding into licensed properties adding the classic titles "Goodnight Moon" and "Curious You on Your Way." Readers now will be able to add their own voices to these two beloved children's books which join other recent literary classic releases including "Guess How Much I Love You," "Counting Kisses" and "On the Night You Were Born."

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110203/CG41503)

Hallmark Recordable Storybooks feature voice-capture technology, recording the reader's voice directly into the book. When a page is turned, the Recordable Storybook automatically plays the text on that page in the reader's voice, allowing people to "read" to a child or other loved one, even when they physically cannot be present.

"It's a privilege for Hallmark to be the first company to license 'Goodnight Moon' as a recordable storybook and we feel it speaks directly to the power of these books to help create meaningful connections," said Jonathan Bowyer, product manager for Hallmark. "Since the 1940s, millions of young readers have experienced the magic of story time through 'Goodnight Moon' and Curious George books and now these readers — many of whom are parents or grandparents themselves — can read the classics to their little ones, even if distance causes them to be apart."

Using artwork and moments from the original Curious George books, "Curious You on Your Way" encourages kids as they embark on life's adventures. "Goodnight Moon," a classic bedtime story, features the story of a young bunny who wishes everything in the room goodnight.

"From generation to generation, books like 'Goodnight Moon' have provided an opportunity for adults and children to bond," said Bowyer. "However, for some parents and grandparents — whether they're serving in the military overseas, away on business, or living miles away — being home for story time isn't always possible. Now, with Hallmark Recordable Storybooks, children and loved ones can share story time anytime and anywhere."

Hallmark Recordable Storybooks debuted in late 2009 with "The Night Before Christmas" and it sold out within weeks. Based on customer enthusiasm and demand, Hallmark has published 16 more titles.

"The past year, Hallmark has been overwhelmed by the stories we've received from customers — from a dad in Afghanistan reading 'The Night Before Christmas' to his daughter in the United States to a birth mom sending 'All the Ways I Love You' to her son and his adoptive family," said Bowyer. "Times are changing, but the need to make meaningful connections remains the same. With the addition of new Recordable Storybook titles, we're trying to give customers more tools to do just that."

For more information about Hallmark's Recordable Storybooks and other titles in the collection, visit http://www.hallmark.com/recordablestorybooks.

About Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Hallmark makes the world a more caring place by helping people express what's in their hearts and spend time together — a privilege few other companies in the world enjoy. Hallmark greeting cards and other products are found in more than 40,000 retail outlets in the U.S., including the network of flagship Hallmark Gold Crown® stores. The brand also reaches people online at Hallmark.com and on television through Hallmark Hall of Fame original movies and cable's top-rated Hallmark Channel. Worldwide, Hallmark offers products in more than 30 languages available in 100 countries. This privately held company is based in Kansas City, Mo., and is led by the third generation of the founding Hall family. Visit http://corporate.hallmark.com for more details.

SOURCE Hallmark Cards, Inc.