Will the activities actually teach anything, or are they just busy work?

Legitimate learning objectives aligned with early childhood education standards (numbers, letters, shapes, critical thinking, social-emotional learning). I'll not just throwing in puzzles. We will design activities that parents and teachers will recognize as having educational value, which means your book can command higher prices ($12.99-$16.99 vs the standard $9.99 for picture books without educational content).

Do you publish my book for me?

No, but I can support the process. I will provide print-ready files formatted correctly for KDP and IngramSpark and will guide you through basic setup (cover dimensions, bleed settings, ISBN if needed). But do not offer a publishing services. You'll be the one uploading and managing your book on platforms like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark

What's "cream vs white paper" and why does everyone ask about it?

It's one of the most searched questions in self-publishing (33,100 searches/month). Cream paper is slightly off-white and easier on eyes for text-heavy books. White paper makes colors more vibrant and is better for children's picture books with colorful illustrations. I will guide you to the right choice for your book during setup support.

Do you help with ISBN numbers?

I will explain your options (free Amazon ISBN vs purchasing your own from Bowker) and help you understand the trade-offs. But I won't purchase ISBNs for you or handle the registration process. That's on you (it's straightforward, just time-consuming).

Can you format my manuscript for publication?

Yes, book layout is included in all packages. I design each spread with your text integrated into the illustrations, so you receive print-ready files ready to upload directly to KDP or IngramSpark. No separate formatter needed. What I don't offer is manuscript editing services (grammar, story structure, pacing). Your manuscript should be professionally edited before we start illustration. Once the text is finalized, we handle the visual design and layout as part of creating your book.

How is your app conversion different from Book Creator or other DIY tools?

Book Creator and similar tools create digital flipbooks - basically PDFs with page turns. We will build together an interactive app where characters move, children tap to trigger animations, mini-games reinforce story lessons, and professional narration guides young readers. It's the difference between reading a digital book and playing with an interactive game/story.

Why does app conversion cost so much ($9K-$15K)?

Custom development, cross-platform deployment, testing, and app store optimization require 250-500 hours of professional development work. Our pricing is actually 40-70% LESS than agencies ($15K-$50K). You're paying for proven technology (Brand New World platform, 1M+ downloads) and immediate availability (no 6-month agency waiting lists).

Can I see examples of your apps?

Absolutely. I've built educational apps for publishers, therapists, and foundations. See my Educational Apps Projects Page for live examples, and browse my Story Apps showcase to see what's possible when you convert a children's book into an interactive experience. We'll discuss how these techniques can work for your specific book during your free app consultation.

Do I own the app code?

You own the compiled app and can publish it under your developer account. The source code (project files) remains proprietary, but you have unlimited rights to publish and monetize your app. Future updates are handled by me at reasonable rates. If you want to own the source code outright for independent development, we can discuss that as a separate purchase.

How do app sales compare to book sales?

Children's educational apps typically sell for $2.99-$4.99. The real advantage isn't the price, it's the economics. You invest in development once, then sell unlimited copies with zero production costs. Books earn $4-$8 per sale but have printing expenses and inventory management. Apps have a higher upfront cost but can generate passive income for years once you break even. It depends on your budget and long-term goals.

Why are your prices lower than industry standard ($2,500-$12,000)?

Two reasons. First, every book I illustrate funds therapeutic app development (this isn't just a business, it's a mission). Second, I can only take 2-3 book projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and having time to develop apps for autism. Right now I have capacity. Once my schedule fills (typically 1 app + 2-3 books per month), prices will increase to match demand and ensure I never compromise on quality. Industry standards for children's book illustration are documented in resources like the Graphic Artists Guild Handbook.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, for packages $2,700+. Standard terms: 50% deposit to start, 25% at midpoint review, 25% upon final delivery. For app conversion ($9K-$15K), we can discuss extended payment schedules.

What if I'm not happy with the work?

We design your book collaboratively. You approve each character before we proceed. You review spreads as we complete them (1-2 at a time). Once approved, that element is final and stays consistent throughout. You get 2-3 revision rounds per element during development (if the element is not previously approved). If you're unsatisfied with work in progress, I will refund your deposit minus completed work. This has never happened. if you approved your sample spread, you already like the style. The rest is details we'll work through together.

Can I hire you for JUST cover artwork?

No, I don't offer cover-only services. The reason is simple book covers need to match interior illustration style, and I can't guarantee quality if someone else illustrated the interior. My packages are designed to deliver cohesive, professional books from start to finish.

How long until I receive my illustrations / Deliverables?

This is a collaborative process, you'll see your book come to life spread by spread, with opportunities to review and approve at each stage. Final delivery timelines (assuming no delays in feedback): Tier 1 (Illustrations Only): 4-6 weeks Tier 2 (Illustrations + Educational): 6-8 weeks Tier 3 (App Conversion): 10-14 weeks You'll receive regular updates and progress previews throughout. The timeline depends on timely feedback, if you respond quickly to review requests, we stay on schedule. If life gets busy and approvals take longer, the timeline extends accordingly.

What do you need from me to get started?

Required: Finalized, edited manuscript (ready for publication, only minor changes to the text should be made after the illustration begins) Target page count for your book (24, 32, 40 pages, etc.) Target age range (3-5, 6-8, etc.) Specific character descriptions (if any) Optional (if available): Reference images for inspiration (not to copy, but to help me understand the mood/setting you envision) Color palette preferences (warm/cool tones, specific colors that matter to your story)

Can I make changes to my manuscript after illustration begins?

Minor typo, gramatical fixes? Yes, no problem. Content changes, added text, or revised scenes? Not if they will require re-illustrating spreads, which will delay the timeline and incur additional charges ($150-$300 per re-illustrated spread). This is why we require a finalized manuscript upfront. If you're still revising your story, hire an editor before hiring an illustrator.

Can I upgrade my package later?

Yes! You can upgrade from Tier 1 to Tier 2, or from Tier 2 to Tier 3 at any point during the project, no extra cost beyond the tier price difference. Just let me know and we'll add the additional features to your project.

How often will we communicate during the project?

You'll receive updates as we complete spreads (typically 1-2 at a time for review and approval). For Educational Package, you'll also review activity concepts before illustration begins. Communication happens primarily via email with 24-48 hour response time. This works best for international time zones since you can review and respond on your schedule. For complex feedback or quick clarifications, we can use chat apps (WhatsApp, Messenger) or schedule video calls.

What if you get sick or have an emergency during my project?

Honest answer: I'm a solo operation, not an agency with backup illustrators. If something happens, I'll notify you immediately and provide a revised timeline. In 8 years, I've never had to pause a project for more than a week. If a serious situation arises, you'll receive a full refund for incomplete work.

How long do you keep my project files after completion?

I maintain your files for 12 months after final delivery at no charge. Need revisions or additional prints? Just email me. After 12 months, files are archived (retrieval fee: $50). I recommend downloading and backing up all files immediately upon delivery.

Can I keep my project confidential until launch?

Absolutely. While I typically add completed work to my portfolio, I'm happy to keep your project off my site if you have confidentiality needs or specific launch strategies. Just let me know. Work-in-progress is always kept private.

Story and Educational App:
Bring Your Book to Life on Every Screen

Q: How do I make money from an app?

There are several revenue models: Paid download: One-time purchase price ($2.99-$9.99 typical for quality children's apps) Freemium: Free download with in-app purchases for additional content Subscription: Monthly or annual subscription for ongoing content updates Institutional licensing: Special pricing for schools, libraries, and therapy clinics Sponsorship: Partner with educational brands or organizations. During our consultation, we'll discuss which model best fits your content and goals.

Q: What about apps for children with autism or special needs?

This is a specialty of mine. I create therapeutic educational apps following evidence-based approaches for children with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences. These apps require careful design consideration around sensory processing, attention, communication, and social-emotional learning. The investment is typically at the higher end of the range due to the specialized design requirements, but these apps serve a critical need where families and institutions actively seek quality solutions.

Transform your children’s book into an interactive app, create original story experiences, or develop therapeutic story and educational app for autism and special learning needs. Multi-platform development for every device (iOS, Android, Computer even the web).

Let's have a conversation about how to turn your book into an educational app

Schedule Free Consultation

Why Story And Educational Apps Matter

Your book deserves to reach kids wherever they are. Today’s children grow up with screens in their hands, and parents actively seek quality educational content that entertains while teaching.

An interactive story app transforms a one-time read into an ongoing experience. Kids return to it again and again, exploring interactive elements, playing educational mini-games, and listening to professional narration. For authors and publishers, apps create new revenue streams beyond book sales. For educators and therapists, custom apps become powerful tools that engage children in ways traditional materials cannot.

According to Common Sense Media, children ages 2-8 spend an average of 2.5 hours daily with screen media. The question isn’t whether kids will use apps, but whether they’ll use quality educational content or mindless entertainment.

What Story And Educational Apps Include

Book-to-App Conversion

Take your published children’s book and transform it into an interactive mobile experience:

Story Pages: Your illustrated pages come alive with touch interactions, sound effects, and subtle animations. Kids tap elements on the page to hear sounds, trigger movements, or discover hidden details.
Professional Narration: Every page can include voice-over narration with word highlighting, supporting early readers and pre-readers alike.
Educational Mini-Games: Integrate learning activities related to your story. Matching games, puzzles, counting activities, letter recognition, and more can reinforce the story’s themes while teaching core skills.
Multi-Platform Delivery: Apps work on iOS (iPhone/iPad), Android (phones/tablets), and can be deployed as web apps accessible from any browser.

Original Story App Development

Don’t have a book yet? I can create a complete interactive story app from scratch:

Concept to Launch: Story development, character design, illustration, animation, mini-game design, programming, and app store submission.
Branching Narratives: Create stories where kids make choices that affect outcomes, encouraging re-reading and exploration.
Series Potential: Design the first app in a series with recurring characters and expandable content.

Educational Apps with Learning Focus

Move beyond pure entertainment into purposeful educational apps:

Learning Games: Math, literacy, science, social-emotional learning, problem-solving, memory, and logic games wrapped in engaging themes.
Progress Tracking: Parents and educators can see what skills children are practicing and how they’re progressing.
Adaptive Difficulty: Games adjust to each child’s skill level, keeping them challenged without frustration.

Autism-Friendly Therapeutic Apps

I specialize in creating educational apps designed for children with autism and special learning needs. These apps apply proven therapeutic approaches in an engaging digital format:

Sensory-Friendly Design: Carefully controlled visual and audio stimulation, avoiding sensory overload while maintaining engagement.
Clear Structure and Predictability: Consistent navigation, visual schedules, and clear expectations help children feel safe and confident.
Social Skills and Communication: Apps can teach turn-taking, emotion recognition, requesting, and other essential skills through interactive scenarios.
Work in Progress – Matheno Efkola: I’m currently developing a therapeutic educational app for a speech therapist, featuring four interactive mini-games designed specifically for therapy clinic use. This app focuses on language development and communication skills for children with special learning needs.

This work represents my mission:
professional illustration and app services fund the development of autism-friendly therapeutic resources. Learn more about The Mission.

Recent App Projects

Planet and Dinos KidLab
Educational App
(Eugenides Foundation)

Available on:
Planets and Dinos KidLab
Download on App Store
Download on Google Play

A New World - Interactive Story Concept

A proof-of-concept interactive storybook app created for a publisher, demonstrating how traditional children’s books can transform into engaging digital experiences with narration, interactions, and integrated learning activities.

This project demonstrates the full potential of book-to-app conversion: complete story with narration, interactive elements on every page, and multiple educational mini-games that reinforce learning concepts from the story.

Interactive Storybook app

Educational children's book illustration featuring chicken characters with activity pages and learning content

Professional Narration & Read-along

Puzzle Game

Musical instruments activity

Memory matching game

Bubble-catching game

Word building game

Drawing / Coloring Activity

How Story And Educational App Development Works

Step 1. Discovery Consultation (Week 1)

We discuss your vision, target audience, educational goals, and technical requirements. If you’re converting a book, I review your manuscript and illustrations. If creating original content, we develop the concept together.

Step 2. Scope and Proposal (Week 1-2)

I provide a detailed scope document outlining features, screens, interactions, mini-games, narration requirements, and timeline. You receive a fixed-price proposal based on project complexity.

Step 3. Design and Asset Creation (Weeks 3-8)

Character design, scene illustration, UI design, and asset preparation. You approve designs before development begins.

Step 4. Development and Programming (Weeks 9-16)

I build the app with all interactive elements, mini-games, animations, sound effects, and narration integration. You receive regular progress updates and beta builds for testing.

Step 5. Testing and Refinement (Weeks 17-18)

Comprehensive testing across devices, fixing bugs, optimizing performance, and polishing all interactions.

Step 6. App Store Submission (Week 19-20)

Preparation of app store listings, screenshots, descriptions, and submission to Apple App Store and Google Play Store. I handle the technical submission process.

Step 7. Launch Support (Week 21+)

Post-launch monitoring, addressing any reported issues, and support for your marketing efforts.

Investment For Story And Educational Apps

App development is a significant investment that creates lasting value. Unlike a book that’s produced once, an app becomes an ongoing digital asset that can generate revenue for years.

Starting Investment: $9,000+
The exact investment depends on several factors:

Scope Factors:

Number of story pages or screens
Complexity of interactions and animations
Number and complexity of mini-games
Original illustration vs. using existing book art
Professional narration recording (voice actors, studio time) vs. AI Generated Voices
Custom sound effects and music
Target platforms (iOS only, Android only, or both plus web)
Back-end requirements (progress tracking, user accounts, content updates)

Timeline: Most app projects require 4-6 months from concept to app store launch, depending on complexity.

Long-Term Value: An app is not a one-time expense. It becomes a revenue-generating asset through:

Direct app sales (one-time purchase or subscription)
In-app purchases (additional content, premium features)
Educational institution licensing
Therapeutic clinic licensing
Brand extension opportunities

Why This Investment Makes Sense:
Authors and publishers invest $9,000+ in app development because it:

Reaches the 73% of parents who regularly download educational apps for their children
Creates recurring revenue beyond one-time book sales
Extends brand presence into digital spaces where kids spend increasing time
Provides powerful marketing tools (free lite versions drive book sales)
Opens doors to educational and therapeutic markets willing to pay premium prices for quality content

One successful app can generate more revenue than years of book sales, while simultaneously building your author brand in the digital space.

John Kouraklis

Lecturer

The designs are very good. Thanks! The rearrangement of the information is very convenient and I especially love the idea of how to add a new university

Aike Müller

Hardware & Software Developer

I have worked with Aris on multiple projects since 2013 where he designed iOS user interfaces for our company. His creativity and diligence is remarkable and he still manages to surprise me in terms of turn-around time.

Ready To Discuss Your App Project?

App development isn’t something to rush into. The investment is significant, and the technical details can feel overwhelming. That’s why I offer a free consultation to discuss your specific needs, answer questions, and help you determine if app development makes strategic sense for your content.

During Your Free Consultation:

We review your book or story concept
Discuss your target audience and educational goals
Explore technical possibilities and limitations
Review realistic timelines and investment ranges
Determine if app development aligns with your broader goals

No sales pitch. No pressure. Just a strategic conversation about whether this makes sense for you.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Common Questions About Story And Educational Apps

How long does app development take?

Most app projects require 4-6 months from concept to app store launch. A simple book-to-app conversion with minimal interactions might take 3-4 months. A complex original app with multiple mini-games and advanced features can take 6-9 months. During our consultation, I’ll provide a realistic timeline based on your specific project scope.

Do I need to have a published book first?

No. I can develop original story apps from scratch, including concept development, story writing, character design, illustration, and programming. However, if you already have a published book with finished illustrations, that significantly reduces development time and cost since the visual assets already exist.

What platforms will my app work on?

I can deploy apps to iOS (iPhone and iPad), Android (phones and tablets), and web browsers. Most clients want their app available on both iOS and Android to reach the widest audience. Web deployment is excellent for preview versions or institutional licensing (schools and libraries accessing via browser rather than app store downloads).

Will my app work on tablets and phones?

Yes. Apps are designed with responsive layouts that adapt to different screen sizes. The experience is optimized for tablets (where most children’s app usage occurs), but works beautifully on phones as well.

Can you add professional narration to my story?

Yes. Professional narration significantly enhances the experience, especially for pre-readers and early readers. I can coordinate with voice actors, or you can record narration yourself if you prefer. Narration can include word highlighting (words light up as they’re spoken) to support reading development.

What if I want to update the app later with new content?

Apps can be designed with expandable architecture. After launch, additional story chapters, new mini-games, seasonal content, or expanded features can be added through app updates. This creates opportunities for continued engagement and additional revenue through in-app purchases.

How do I make money from an app?

There are several revenue models:

Paid download: One-time purchase price ($2.99-$9.99 typical for quality children’s apps)
Freemium: Free download with in-app purchases for additional content
Subscription: Monthly or annual subscription for ongoing content updates
Institutional licensing: Special pricing for schools, libraries, and therapy clinics
Sponsorship: Partner with educational brands or organizations

What about apps for children with autism or special needs?

This is a very important for me as I am a parent of an autistic boy. I create therapeutic educational apps following evidence-based approaches for children with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences. These apps require careful design consideration around sensory processing, attention, communication, and social-emotional learning. The investment is typically at the higher end of the range due to the specialized design requirements, but these apps serve a critical need where families and institutions actively seek quality solutions.

Have more questions? Check out our complete FAQ page or contact me directly.

Experience You Can Trust

27 years of experience creating educational content for children

58+ Published Children’s Books across multiple age ranges and educational topics

25+ Educational Apps including autism-friendly therapeutic apps and curriculum-aligned learning tools

Industry Recognition from Disney (Creativity Award 2002) and Microsoft (AppCampus funding 2014)

Autism-Friendly Specialization for books addressing special needs themes or activities designed with neurodivergent learners in mind

Story and Educational App: Bring Your Book to Life on Every Screen