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Cali Reader: A Revolutionary Step in Screen-Free Reading for Kids

Cali, a children’s brand founded by Carinne Meyrignac, has recently unveiled the Cali Reader, a pioneering product that reimagines the experience of reading for young children. The launch of the reader marks a significant departure from traditional audiobooks as it offers a completely screen-free approach aimed at nurturing early literacy skills. The reader aligns with Cali's mission to make learning enjoyable and engaging for kids through innovative and interactive experiences.

Collaboration with Experts

To ensure the effectiveness of the Cali Reader, Cali partnered with the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop. This collaboration was further bolstered by the support of the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. By working with these respected organizations, Cali has embedded research-driven practices into the development of the reader, making it a well-rounded tool for education and growth.

How the Cali Reader Works

The Cali Reader transforms physical storybooks into interactive read-along experiences. Children can snap a compatible 32-page storybook into the device, which allows them to hear the story being narrated as they follow along with beautifully illustrated pages. To enhance their engagement, each book comes with three educator-designed games and word-recognition activities. Furthermore, a unique feature allows family members to record their voices for up to 60 seconds on every page, thereby personalizing the child’s reading experience.

With intuitive controls and impressive battery life of over 10 hours, the Cali Reader makes it easy for children to enjoy stories at home or on the go. Carinne Meyrignac emphasizes, “As a parent, I never wanted technology to replace books. I wanted to find a way for technology to make kids more excited to pick one up.” This approach ensures that while technology plays a role in reading, it remains rooted in the pleasurable activity of holding a real book.

Positive Impact on Literacy Development

Initial research is showing promising results regarding the Cali Reader's effectiveness in fostering a love of reading among young users. A randomized controlled pilot study involving 85 first-grade students revealed that those who utilized the Cali Reader exhibited substantial improvements across various literacy metrics. These include reading enjoyment, phonics skills, fluency, and vocabulary acquisition. Specifically, users of the reader were able to read an average of 93 words correctly, compared to 78 words among students in a control group.

Moreover, the study indicated that frequent use of the Cali Reader correlated with enhanced vocabulary, better listening comprehension, and improved reading accuracy. This reinforces Cali’s commitment to creating a product that not only encourages reading but makes it an enjoyable activity that children can explore independently.

Availability and Launch Offer

Currently, the Cali Reader is available for pre-order through calisbooks.com and Amazon, with shipments scheduled to start in mid-October. To celebrate its launch, Cali is offering an exclusive package on calisbooks.com, which includes the Cali Reader along with three story options for just $99—a significant discount from the original price of $154. Options include classics like The Three Little Pigs, The Little Mermaid, and Jack and the Beanstalk, in addition to two other stories of the customer’s choice.

This limited-time offer presents a fantastic opportunity for parents looking to enhance their children's reading experiences while enjoying significant savings.

About Cali

Cali is dedicated to creating innovative products that redefine how children engage with storytelling, learning, and music. By blending technological insights with traditional reading methods, Cali promotes independent learning and a lifelong love for reading. The brand’s portfolio also includes Cali sound books, which were well-received, prior to the introduction of the Cali Reader.

For further details and to stay updated, visit calisbooks.com or connect with them on social media at @calisbooks.

In a world increasingly filled with screens, the Cali Reader exemplifies a return to the roots of storytelling, fostering a culture of reading that children can treasure for years to come.