International Paper Debuts Original Children’s Book as Part of Accent On: Reading Program

December 19, 2019 /3BL Media/ International Paper, one of the world’s leading producers of fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper, announced the publication of its new original children’s book, Apollo the Spacedog, along with the inaugural initiative of its Accent On: Reading program.

An Augmented Reality Adventure Book

Apollo the Spacedog is an original children’s book created by International Paper in collaboration with illustrator Kyle Beckett. This adventure story introduces young readers to Apollo, a shelter dog who longs to find a home, and Andi, a 7-year-old girl who’s into astronomy — two daring characters who team up to outrun a space monster. Apollo the Spacedog gives readers a glimpse of Andi’s vivid imagination, with action scenes brought to life through the magic of augmented reality.

The book’s cover is printed on Accent® Opaque 100 lb. Cover Super Smooth and its text is printed on Accent® Opaque 80 lb. Text Super Smooth with ImageLok Technology. The book is printed on the Canon ImagePress C10000 and the Océ ColorStream 6000 Series Color Inkjet Press, both of which are available from Canon Solutions America. The augmented reality experiences were created by the agency Trekk.

Pairing Kids with Shelter Animals to Develop Reading Skills

Apollo the Spacedog is part of International Paper’s new Accent On: Reading program, which promotes literacy initiatives for both children and adults, partners with other service-oriented organizations and produces original educational materials.

Through the Accent On: Reading program, International Paper continues to be a force for good, mobilizing its people, products and resources to address critical needs where its employees live and work. International Paper’s community engagement efforts focus on critical community needs such as education, which is why the company chose to invest resources in developing reading skills for kids in Memphis, where the company is headquartered.

As part of the launch of Apollo the Spacedog, International Paper is working with local schools and literacy partners to connect kids with dogs that are up for adoption at the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County. By reading aloud at the shelter, the kids are able to practice their reading skills in a fun, low-stakes environment while also helping to socialize the dogs and make them more adoptable.

International Paper has provided the Human Society with copies of Apollo the Spacedog, as well as a library of children’s and middle-grade books donated through an employee book drive.

“It is the passionate readers of the world who help the print industry grow and thrive, and International Paper is on a mission to support and strengthen the bonds between readers and the books they love,” says Karin King, Commercial Printing Brand Manager at International Paper.

Community Involvement

Those who wish to bring the Accent On: Reading program to their local communities may contact their local International Paper representative or get in touch at accentopaque.com/contact-us.

For questions about Apollo the Spacedog, Accent Opaque or anything else in this press release, contact karin.king@ipaper.com.

About Accent Opaque 

Accent Opaque is International Paper’s premium paper line, beloved by designers, printers and paper merchants for its ability to keep colors true with enhanced whiteness and brightness. With a variety of sizes, weights and finishes, including options made with 30% post-consumer fiber, Accent is the preferred choice thanks to its quality and results. 

To learn more, visit accentopaque.com.

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper products with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, Europe, North Africa and Russia. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable world-wide commerce; pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal hygiene products that promote health and wellness; and papers that facilitate education and communication. We are headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., employ more than 50,000 colleagues and serve more than 25,000 customers in 150 countries. Net sales for 2018 were $23 billion. For more information about International Paper, our products and global citizenship efforts, please visit internationalpaper.com.

To learn more about International Paper’s community initiatives, visit ipgiving.com.

About the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County

Since 1933, the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County has been providing shelter, food and medical care to thousands of injured, neglected and abused animals. With support from local animal lovers, the Humane Society is able to provide animals with a safe place to recover, nutritious food and outstanding veterinary care. They are dedicated to giving these animals a brighter future and a second chance at life.