VANCOUVER, Dec. 4, 2014 /CNW/ - The holiday season has arrived and Windy and Friends are celebrating the magic of Christmas with a special appisode "Holiday Light" available today on iTunes. 

The beloved characters from the popular children's book series Windy & Friends made the transition to the virtual world this Fall. Holiday Light is the 4th in a series of 10 appisodes.

The appisodes retain the charm, humour and simple beauty of the popular children's series by Judith Steedman and Robin Mitchell-Cranfield. Combining traditional crafting and stop-motion animation with interactive technology, The Windy and Friends app has virtually brought the characters to life.

"As parents as well as designers, we recognize that there is an opportunity to reach the next generation of readers through interactive technology," said Ms. Steedman. "It was important for us to create a platform for Windy and Friends that would inspire and educate children, not simply entertain."

The 10-part series of interactive story apps explore the seasons, celebrate individuality and form friendships. Craft projects complement each app, encouraging children to put down the electronic device and create a real world project.

The app maintains the same artistic attention to detail that made the books popular in art and fashion circles. Windy and Friends is dedicated to celebrating our local arts community through collaborative online activities like The 12 Days of Christmas on Instagram, a digital e-card and off-line holiday crafts projects. Windy and Friends was recently named a finalist for a prestigious iKids Award which recognizes the market's best digital media products and platforms for children. Winners will be announced at the Kidscreen Summit in Miami next February.

"Three cheers for artfully designed, smartly constructed storybook apps for kids that inspire them to play, learn, and simply have fun. Even when the iPad is turned off!" - Coolmomtech

Each appisode of Windy and Friends is brought to life by the award-winning technical expertise of Loud Crow studio, and in production partnership with Leah Mallen of Twofold Films, and Marc Stephenson of Sheep Noir Films. This holiday season, Loud Crow will release a Christmas Stories bundle including Windy and Friends Holiday Lights, Charlie Brown Christmas and Night Before Christmas.

"In this age of digital delivery, the carefully crafted world of Windy and friends offers a unique experience for our audience that combines innovative stop-motion interactivity and wonderful storytelling" said producer Leah Mallen of Twofold Films.

To download the app or for more information and activities including games, crafts and other delights, visit us at: www.windyandfriends.com

SOURCE Windy and Friends