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Publication

Beanie the Bunny

Children are often perceived as inhabiting a realm where the boundaries between fantasy and reality are blurred. However, as they mature, they gradually relinquish their enchanting beliefs, confronted by the harsh realities of life, unable to indulge in the whimsical fantasies they once cherished. This concept holds significant sway in contemporary society. Our generation, nostalgically embracing relics of the past like Y2K, donning attire reminiscent of the 90s, amassing collections of Hello Kitty, and relishing in the rewatching of shows like Power Puff Girls, reflects a yearning to recapture the innocence of childhood, a desire to revert to the carefree days in the wake of a post-pandemic era and within the context of our fast-paced society. By conceptualizing Beanie as a fantastical figure emblematic of early childhood and constructing a world around this character, it serves as a poignant reminder to viewers of their childhood reveries, evoking memories of the whimsical realms they once envisioned. Much akin to the mythical purpose of worry dolls, Beanie's role is envisioned as that of a benevolent visitor to children as they slumber, tasked with alleviating their concerns so they may rest peacefully through the night.

A children's storybook with a size of 24x22 inches crafted with newspaper offers a unique and immersive experience. Its large dimensions serve a dual purpose: not only does it provide ample space for intricate design details to captivate young readers, but it also functions as a play surface for interactive 3D characters. As parents read the story aloud, children can engage with the accompanying playable characters, enhancing their comprehension and enjoyment of the narrative. The tactile nature of the newspaper material adds a sensory dimension to the experience, stimulating children's curiosity and imagination. This innovative approach transforms storytelling into a multi-sensory adventure, fostering creativity and bonding between children and caregivers. The characters are created using Adobe Illustrator, while the background sets are crafted with Blender.

Newspaper Version

Video Version

Wake Up
00:05
Finding Bobo
00:05
Rain
00:05
Play Inside
00:05
Plant
00:05
Birthday
00:05

Each page contains QR codes that guide children to videos presenting a different viewpoint on the story, enriching their understanding. This digital enhancement provides a lifelike dimension and delivers an unparalleled experience, enriching the narrative with dynamic hues and striking visuals. Adobe Premiere Pro was utilized to create this feature.

Beanie the Bunny Rendered Version

Digital Version

©2024 by Haeun Um (Angela).

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