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When a kids’ magazine meets an app: a hybrid path to language learning
I Love English 5-8 by Bayard Jeunesse received a Special Mention at the BolognaRagazzi CrossMedia Award 2025 in the CrossMedia Projects category. We spoke with Valérie Touze of Edoki Academy, who collaborated with the Bayard team to design and integrate the app’s educational features. Together, they transformed a traditional print magazine into a hybrid format that blends high-quality editorial content with playful, interactive learning — supporting young children in their first steps toward learning English in both print and digital environments.
Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Bayard Jeunesse is France’s leading children’s magazine publisher. Among its many titles, I Love English Mini — aimed at young children beginning their English journey — was due for a transformation. A quick market analysis confirmed the potential of digital tools to support language acquisition, especially for pre-readers. So in late 2023, the decision was made to turn I Love English Mini into a hybrid format: a quarterly print magazine paired with a complementary educational app. I joined the project in early 2024. As one of the co-founder of Edoki Academy and a former Montessori teacher, I was in charge of designing the pedagogical approach and overseeing the development of the digital component. I worked closely with Bayard’s editorial team to ensure the integration of our educational goals with their publishing expertise and to ensure that the app and the magazine “work” well together.
Could you tell us a little about your project?
This project was born from the shared expertise of Bayard Jeunesse in publishing and Edoki Academy in educational apps. The idea to merge our strengths came naturally, with the goal of creating a richer, more engaging learning experience for young English learners.
We drew inspiration from both the evolving market and the children themselves. Numerous test sessions were organized with young users to fine-tune the learning flow and user interface. The original product combined a magazine and audio CDs. But we quickly realized that learners often understand more than they can speak — so we integrated voice recognition technology to encourage pronunciation practice and speaking confidence.
The first edition of the revamped magazine, now titled I Love English 5-8, launched in September 2024 alongside the app. Since then, four issues have been released, with new learning levels and content continuously added to the app.
Can you describe your project’s unique ingredients?
I Love English 5-8 is the result of years of specialized experience in both publishing and digital education. One of its key strengths is how it blends high-quality editorial content with engaging digital interactivity to support progressive and playful language learning. The magazine is crafted by seasoned English-speaking journalists who have decades of experience writing for non-native speakers — they know how to capture a child’s attention while keeping the language accessible and meaningful.
We also shared a core value: responsible screen use. Both Bayard and Edoki believe children should be taught how to manage their digital time wisely. That’s why the app promotes short daily sessions (5 minutes/day or 30 minutes/week) and encourages shared learning moments with parents or caregivers.
How do you see the future of storytelling for children and young adults?
Storytelling remains a cornerstone of child development. Stories help children dream, imagine, and explore ideas. But I’m concerned that today’s fast-paced lifestyles mean fewer moments are spent reading aloud. Devices and AI-driven toys - like interactive teddy bears or smart speakers - are becoming more common. While I’m not against technology, I advocate for balance.
Technology should support, not replace, human interaction. Conversations, questions, and shared reading experiences are essential for language and emotional development. That’s where true learning happens - through connection, not just content.
As for the future, I believe we’ll see more multilingual, cross-platform storytelling, with sustainability also playing a bigger role in how products are made and consumed. We must design with intention - both environmentally and developmentally.
Why should a publisher/developer/author... participate in the BRCMA?
Winning a Bologna Ragazzi Digital Award is a powerful recognition from the industry. I was fortunate to receive one previously for Montessori Preschool, and this second award reinforces our belief in combining quality pedagogy with intuitive design. Beyond prestige, the award opens doors - for communication, partnerships, and visibility. It also serves as a trust signal for parents, reassuring them of the product’s educational and ethical value. But personally, as a Product Manager, I also see awards like this as a rare opportunity to step back, reflect, and evaluate whether the product aligns with our original goals. It’s a valuable moment of perspective in a fast-moving development cycle.
Both Bayard and Edoki believe children should be taught how to manage their digital time wisely.
The BolognaRagazzi CrossMedia Award is the prize of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair that celebrates publishing projects able to expand their narrative world beyond the book, through games, podcasts, web series, films, and more. It’s open to anyone who has created cross-media experiences, not just publishers: authors, production companies, IP developers, specialised studios... anyone who has brought the story to life across different platforms. For all the details and rules, check out the official award page.
