- The unique, first-of-its-kind book transforms a traditional children’s story into a shared, interactive experience, using 5G connectivity to put the parent directly into the book.
- It comes as new O2 research reveals 80% of UK parents cherish reading bedtime stories, rating them the most meaningful moment of connection with their child(ren), with more than half (55%) saying it’s the thing they miss most when separated.
- Actor, Catherine Tyldesley, has put the book to the test after experiencing the challenges of missing bedtime first-hand as she adapts to a busy filming schedule with her return to Coronation Street.
O2 has created a unique 5G-powered children’s book to help parents maintain the treasured ritual of reading a bedtime story, even if they’re away from home.
It comes as new research from O2 reveals 80% of UK parents cherish the bedtime story as their most meaningful moment of connection with their child. In fact, over half (55%) say it’s the thing they miss most when separated, with two thirds (66%) feeling an emotional void when missing out.
From the research, it’s clear the demands of modern life are putting this special time at risk, with almost half (45%) of parents surveyed citing work commitments and household responsibilities as the main reasons it’s difficult to maintain the bedtime ritual.
The ‘Connected Bedtime Story’ is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that blends traditional storytelling with cutting-edge 5G technology, creating a first-of-its-kind interactive experience that allows parents and children to share a special moment of connection when apart.
The story was created exclusively for O2’s book, “Look Up Little Bear: I’m Here Too”, authored by parenting book author and a psychotherapy counsellor Tanith Carey, and with original illustrations by Laura Page. The book follows Little Bear and Big Bear, capturing the special bond between parent and child, with stars and the moon serving as symbols of love and connection.
When opened, the child will see the heartwarming illustrations on the printed pages, and their parent’s face live within the book via a hidden paper-like screen integrated seamlessly into the story. This is enabled by a two-way camera incorporated into the pages that lets the parent and child to see and hear each other, allowing them to read and react together as if they were side by side.
As the story unfolds, animations bring the tale to life in an immersive and interactive way. This unique storybook is made possible by the reliable, low-latency connection provided by O2’s 5G network, which ensures the experience is seamless and in real-time.
Actor, Catherine Tyldesley, was invited to put the book to the test, experiencing first-hand how the 5G-powered book helps parents and children stay close when separated by work or distance.
Since returning to filming for Coronation Street last month, Catherine’s demanding schedule has meant she’s having to juggle family life with work commitments, often missing bedtime with her children.
Commenting on the initiative, after being the first to test it out, Catherine said “As a mum who often travels for work, it can be heartbreaking to miss bedtime reading with my children. With my work schedule ramping up again, it’s impossible for me to make it home for every bedtime. Whilst nothing can replicate the beauty of being snuggled up in bed reading with your little one, seeing technology used in this way to make that special moment of connection still possible is just amazing.
“The book is beautiful and to see the look on Iris’ face when I popped up in the story was a very special moment. She loved being able to see me and read through the story together even though we were apart. It was amazing to still be able to share that moment before she went to sleep.”
Commenting on the importance of reading to children more generally, parenting author and counsellor Tanith Carey, who wrote the book, said: “The bedtime story is a sacred ritual for so many families. It’s more than the story. This undivided attention every evening is a powerful way to help your child feel safe, special, and connected to you. This book uses technology in a magical way to strengthen that bond, so that distance doesn’t break the connection.”
Dr Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2, said: “We know that connectivity has the power to bring people together and the Connected Bedtime Story is a clear demonstration of that purpose in action. As a working parent that is often on the move, I know just how much joy this new book could bring. By harnessing O2’s award-winning 5G network, we’re helping parents and children enjoy bedtime reading together, no matter where they are.”
The ‘Connected Bedtime Story’, “Look Up Little Bear: I’m Here Too”, is the latest campaign from O2 that brings to life how its network connects customers to the moments that matter.
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