BOOK: The Adventures of Ai | AUTHOR: Craig Bouchard
(Read further down to find out how you can win your own copy of this book)
The Adventures of Ai is a wonderfully adventurous book that takes you on a magical journey. Though the name of the book is drawn from one of the Characters found in the book, there are multiple stories that overlap as you make your way through the book. We are taken from present day Illinois, to 20th Century Japan and then all the way back to Hokkaido, Japan in the year 1514. The book is interesting, captivating, educational and thought-provoking.
Positives:
- I really liked the actual story of Ai. It was captivating and that is where you will really not want to put the book down (expect a late night).
- Reading the book took me back to great classics by authors like Enid Blyton but with a modern and fresh outlook.
- Learning a bit about Japanese culture, the Hara family and the storyteller’s experience was fascinating.
- I thought the way the author approached the actual adventures of Ai from the Father’s perspective was unusual, clever and interesting.
- Many times the book will have you working out mathematical problems as you read which is just great for kids! Learning while being captivated by this magical world!
Negatives:
- The book is apparently aimed at teens and preteens (which we sometimes call tweens). However, there are a few things in the book (particularly in the first few chapters) which I would not feel comfortable with a tween reading. For example, the first chapter is suitable but as the second “storyteller” takes over it has quite an adult tone to it: jokingly, perhaps, referring to jealousy between mother and children; inappropriate slogans and references; wanting to learn inappropriate words, innuendo and just the general storytelling.
- The book doesn’t always flow as easily as I feel it should and jumps around a bit too much considering, once again, the age to which the book is aimed. However, it does not jump around enough in reference to the original story. With that said, everything does make sense in the end.
- There is a saying (which for me is profane and offensive) I feel need not have been included, though generally acceptable in most parts of the US. It is only mentioned once.
While the rest of the book does frame the story of Ai, I would recommend skipping ahead or reading aloud (and skipping inappropriate parts) for your tweens. The Book has excellent messages and can be read and re-read many times and the Adventures of Ai will provoke your children’s imagination.
NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHOR, CRAIG BOUCHARD, DEBUTS NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK, The Adventures of Ai
The Adventures of Ai takes preteens on a fantastic journey through culture and time
Craig Bouchard, international entrepreneur and New York Times Bestselling Author creates a unique transmedia entertainment event with his new children’s fantasy “The Adventures of Ai.” Using nonfiction elements, this novel, set in pre-renaissance Japan, unlocks the potential of a global generation of preteens. The book is distributed globally by Apple, Google, and Samsung as an “app” inside the video game, “Ai’s Adventure,” improving traditional publishing models.
The unique story intertwines independence, strength and the determination required of kids today with unquenchable imagination. Art, history, poetry, music, and mathematics find their way into the dangerous journey of an eleven-year-old-Japanese girl in search of treasure and her father in the year 1514. Released in six languages and distributed through one of the greatest 3D video games of 2014, The Adventures of Ai is a story of empowerment transcending global boundaries.
Proceeds from a global competition of kids playing the video game benefit children’s charities around the world, including Lurie Children’s Hospital, Misericordia Hearts of Mercy, The National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, K is for Kids, The Equestrian Challenge, Ashinaga Uganda Rainbow House, Operation Smile in China, Taipei Orphan Foundation and Maria Social Welfare Foundation in Taiwan, The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Recovery in Japan, Cry and Magic Bus in India, Children’s Leukemia and Cancer Research Foundation, and the Sony Foundation of Australia, and the Child Cancer Foundation of New Zealand.
The “Adventures of Ai” interactive book app and mobile game will be available on iOS7, Android and Kindle devices. Soundtrack and the original songs produced by 15 time Grammy Award winner Humberto Gatica populate the “Adventures of Ai” mobile game will be available on iTunes and other international music sites.
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Win a copy of the Adventures of Ai
Would you like to win a copy of the Adventures of Ai (eBook)? Tell us why you would like to win a copy of “The Adventures of Ai” in the comments below. There will be TWO lucky winners!
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Competition ends on the 25 August. Good Luck!
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