MBO Cinemas and Me Books Asia recently embarked on a superhero-themed storybook project, with the aim of advocating the message that every child has their own strengths and talents, and that a hero resides within them.
The project marks the first instalment of a long-term collaboration between the two brands. It aims to instil important values in children, enhance better family ties, and provide a platform for quality bonding time between parents and children. It also showcases the wonders of storytelling beyond pages with the kid-friendly facilities at MBO Cinema’s Kecil Halls.
The first of the storybooks, entitled “Unleash The Superhero In You” was made available for sale as a bundle set during MBO Cinemas’ annual Blood Donation Drive on 24 and 25 August at Starling Mall, offered at MYR50. The special bundle set includes:
- “Unleash the Superheroes in You” Children’s Book (English)
- “Unleash the Superheroes in You” Children’s Audio Book + three months subscription to Me Books App worth MYR40.
- “Superhero Cape” in blue / red
- “Superhero Badge” in blue / red
- “Superheroes Family” Sticker
Subsequently, the bundle can be purchased at Me Books Nooks at Sunway Citrine Hub, Sunway Iskandar, Johor; CzipLee Bangsar, Jalan Telawi 3, Kuala Lumpur; Czip Lee Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur; and online via www.store.mebooks.asia.
For MBO Cinemas, the collaboration provides the opportunity for the brand to move beyond the stereotypes as a cinema. It is the first cinema in Malaysia to have a dedicated kid-friendly hall, fitted with a play area and comfortable family beds. Since its introduction, Kecil Halls have received overwhelming response from the public, Jamie Tiong, General Manager Sales and Marketing of MBO Cinemas said.
Hao Jin, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Me Books Asia said that the collaboration heralds for strong family values as the heartbeat of Malaysian families and nurtures the next generation of storytellers.
The specially-crafted children storybook is infused with audio via the Me Books Plus App. Narration is done by professional voiceover artists to ensure the best pronunciation and intonation for children to stimulate their imagination and speech. Among notable personalities who lend their storytelling talents to the audiobook include international celebrity Sinje Lee; social influencers Sarah Tan, Racheal Kwanzaa, Jay Jamalina, and Kristie Chan. The storybook is available in three languages: English, Mandarin, and Bahasa Malaysia.
Me Books Asia hopes to make the storybooks complimentary to all MBO Starclub members in time to come.
The first storybook entitled “Unleash The Superhero In You” is a story about Alison and how things are not as they appear to be. She lives her life trying to achieve great exploits by lending a helping hand to all around her. It is evident sometimes as family and friends, it may seem easier to watch and comment by the sidelines, not be involved and be indifferent to the plight of others. This story reminds us that no matter who we are, we have all got something to give and make a difference. Rather than wondering about the wonderful, let an inspiring person like Alison, help to unleash the hero within us to make the world a better place. This storyline was written with intention to inspire and instil good values in children.
Profits from the sale of the first storybook will be donated to Little Yellow Flower Education Foundation, benefitting underprivileged children who lack access to quality education.
The collaboration also seeks to donate more than 1,000 copies across five state libraries in conjunction with the #MalaysiaMembaca campaign, introduced by the government in their 10-year Literacy Plan (Dekad Membaca). The libraries involved are the National Library of Malaysia, alongside state libraries in Selangor, Perak, Johor, and Sarawak.
For more information about the storybook, visit www.mebooks.asia. For more information about MBO Cinemas, head over to www.mbocinemas.com.
