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Maxi, the adorable and adventurous dog from the book “The Advntures of Taxi Dog” (and others in the series about his excursions) by Debra Barracca, is now available as an app. And not just any app- one that gives your child an AR plus 3D experience. If you’ve red the series, you know all about Maxi and how much fun he has. If you haven’t- well, there’s no time like the present. There is even an option to have the book read to you on the app itself- page by page, while you are entertained by Mai the whole time.
Maxi The Taxi Dog reads you his story.
If you are not familiar with the story, here is a little bit about it- “My name is Maxi, / I ride in a taxi / Around New York City all day.” This rhythmic beginning sets the tone for the beguiling tale of a former stray dog. Jim, a taxi driver, finds Maxi in a park, takes him home and feeds him and, from then on, takes his new friend with him to work every day. Maxi loves the sights, the sounds and even the occasional emergencies–but most of all he loves Jim, who saved him from the streets. Jim is surprised when he begins receiving big tips, but readers–and this canny canine–know the reason why. ” (Via Publishers Weekly)
Your child can use the app in several ways. 3D animated storytelling and augmented reality create a fun and engaging game that kids will enjoy. You and your little ones can read, listen, or watch the animated 3D story (and swap between them as you’d like). Tap the AR button and play with Maxi in the “real world” as he scampers all about, and responds to your touch. A butterfly will guide you where to tap, and once you do, your child will have Maxi right in your living room (or whatever room he or she is in).
Maxi can drive right into your living room
Also available in the app, your child will join Maxi in helping new friends solve their problems. For example, in Maxi and the Bark in the Dark, Maxi meets Tupa, a night custodian at the Museum, but finds that he’s afraid of the dark. Helping new friends and solving problems is a great way to have fun, learn problem solving skills, and develop social skills like empathy for others.
Your kids will enjoy all the options available in the app. Here are some more play choices they can experience-
• Move between TWO story experiences: Cinematic 3D animation or
Augmented Reality
• Alternate between full narration or read-a-loud modes
• Original music
• In-app purchasing: You can even personalize Maxi or Jim to make them like your very own.
Some important information on downloading the app-
Requires iOS 11.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, iPhone X, 12.9-inch iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular (1st and 2nd generations), 10.5-inch iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular (1st and 2nd generations), 9.7-inch iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular (1st and 2nd generations), iPad (2017, 5th generation).
It is also available on most Andriod phones, as long as they have (or have been updated with) ARCore, which is not automatically on all older models of phones. If not, you can just update it.
Check out the Maxi the Taxi Dog app, and see what your little ones think.
I think my nieces would love this. They love dogs and Maxi is so cute!
My 10 yr old niece would like this. The graphics looks cool on this app.
This sounds like a fun app. My little one loves dogs. I never knew apps could have AR now.
My niece would really love this app. She is just as quirky as this game is.
Wow, this seems amazing. I wish I could get it here in India.
Looks like so much fun in this app. Will already installed in my phone and I hope my nephew will love it.
This sounds like fun! I am sure gamers will love it.
I am amazed at what video games are capable of these days. I’ve never done AR before but it seems so cool!