WHAT KIND OF ANIMAL IS HODHOD?
Hodhod is a Hoopoe. A hoopoe is a colorful bird that is found accross Afro-Eurosia, notable for it's distinctive 'crown' of feathers. (Check it out on Wikipedia)
HOW DID HODHOD COME ABOUT?
In Fall 2012, my brother and my niece, Luna came to visit me for the first time. As an uncle, it’s very important to me that Luna understand her heritage, culture and language. I used my iPhone to search for an Arabic language app to keep her entertained and culturally informed.
At the time, there were only a handful of apps available. They lacked the quality, art, and animation that I look for in online applications. I searched for Arabic Alphabet videos, but again, was pretty disappointed with the quality of art and engagement in these videos. My disappointment with the animation, music, and age-friendly engagement, led me to create my own brand and app using my personal style.
This is now Hodhod and Friends and Hodhod's Arabic Alphabet for kids.
Today, the quality of Arabic apps has improved, and I'm happy to say that Luna's app is part of the collection. Hodhod's Arabic Alphabet stands out in artwork, characters, simplicity, design, and usability for children and adults. It's an excellent tool to compliment anyone’s education of the Arabic alphabet.
The app was released in March 2013 in iTunes. It moved up the ranks quickly and is now one of the Top #10 Arabic Alphabet app in iTunes. An Android version shortly followed with the book.