Developed in mid-2019, Umbalena app is a large online book store for Vietnamese children aged 2 to 6 years, and their parents.

Umbalena’s developers

The online bookstore is now home to 1,000 books which are suitable for readers of each age group.

Mr Nguyen Viet Thang from the VOOC Technology company based in Da Nang’s Hai Chau District, co-founder of the Umbalena project, said he came up with the idea of the project after seeing his daughter being very interested in reading English books on foreign mobile apps for children.

Therefore, he decided to seek the help of those who share the same passion or idea as he does in order to develop the similar app for Vietnamese children.

As a result, Umbalena was born in mid-2019 with the intention of developing a love of reading in children.

Apart from its members who are in charge of technologies and content, Umbalena has developed a network of freelancers nationwide, including 6 to 7-year-old kids.

Poems and stories on the app feature attractive content, eye-catching images, expressive voices, and interesting questions.

“Umbalena will help to develop creativity and imagination in children to improve their abstract thinking and problem-solving skills” Mr Thang added.

In fact, this app certainly can't completely replace printed books, but it's an wonderful option for children during their off-school time instead of playing video games or watching useless videos on Youtube.

Currently, Umbalena is one of the most favourite reading apps by overseas Vietnamese parents.

Mrs Le Cam Linh residing in the Republic of South Africa is a typical example.

She said that thanks to Umbalena, her 3-year-old child gradually become more interested in learning Vietnamese language and learning more about the Vietnamese culture.

By KHANG NINH - Translated by MAI DUNG