In North America, the book industry is in jeopardy. With screens dominating our lives, interest in books is rapidly waning. Multiple studies confirm this increasing lack of enthusiasm for reading, particularly among children. Roughly a quarter of American adults haven't read a book in the past year, while the number of 9 to 13-year-olds reading for fun has reached its lowest point since the mid-1980s. Furthermore, while 91% of mothers were read bedtime stories as children, only 64% now read to their own children. This decline not only threatens the book industry but also poses a significant risk to children's literacy.

Faced with these pressing challenges, Penguin Random House had to react swiftly to survive. The objective was clear: to combat the decline in reading interest and its impact on literacy by embracing today's digital culture instead of resisting it.

Living Stories is a free mobile application that uses voice recognition technology to synchronize smart home devices with the act of reading aloud. As users read from a selection of physical books, the smart home devices react to predetermined words, triggering sounds and lights that correspond to the story's events. This innovative approach enhances the reading experience, making it more immersive and enjoyable for caregivers and children alike.

Since its launch, Living Stories has received praise from caregivers and educators for its ability to captivate children's attention and enhance their reading experience.

Early signs indicate increased engagement with books and improved literacy skills among participating children. Additionally, Living Stories has piqued the interest of media outlets covering both the publishing and technology sectors. Even competitors have shown interest in utilizing this technology to transform their own books into immersive experiences. Its success not only instills hope in the book industry's future but also upholds the tradition of bedtime stories in an era dominated by screens.

Penguin Random House is committed to further developing Living Stories, expanding its book selection, and making it a universal technology to keep fostering a love for books among children.