A revolutionary road to making a change in the world
And suddenly, life presents a new revolution because a new invention is born. But this isn’t your typical story about selling a game. No, this is a fairy tale—a story spun by destiny itself, about two teachers whose paths were intertwined as if by magic, bringing them together to create something utterly new, revolutionary, and brimming with enchantment for the world.
Meet Jessica Arbelaez and Brandi Dugal, the brilliant minds, the heartbeats, the "Braimes" (Brain-Games) behind Squishyland, an innovative game that promises to change the way children learn to read. But their journey to this point is far from ordinary—it’s a saga of passion, struggle, and unwavering dedication.
Jessica, once a full-time special education teacher, faced the daily heartache of seeing her students struggle with reading and writing, all while grappling with their emotional battles. Every day was a challenge, not just to teach, but to hide the fact that each lesson was meticulously crafted to meet every child where they were—quietly, subtly, so they wouldn’t feel left behind.
Brandi, a full-time teacher and reading specialist, fought the same battles. Her classroom of 30 children was a sea of potential, yet none were reading at the level they deserved. The weight of expectations from principals and school boards was crushing, as they demanded results—graduations, diplomas—regardless of whether the children could actually read.
Teachers across the world will recognize these stories, this relentless push and pull between what’s expected and what’s possible, between the heart’s desire to help and the harsh realities of the system.
In the midst of an emotionally draining divorce, Brandi made a bold move. She left the classroom behind, retreating to her parents’ garage to build what would become The Fidget Game company. Every penny she had left went into creating the first games, which she carried across the globe, teaching English to children in remote corners where classrooms were little more than dreams.
But little did they both know, this was only the beginning…
Destiny has a way of weaving stories beyond our control
Brandi soon realized that what she had created was more than just a game—it was a lifeline for a real community with real needs. Yet, to make a true impact, she couldn’t just offer a grain of salt; she needed to bring the whole shaker to the table. So she returned to the States, pouring every ounce of her heart and soul into a single mission: to reach Shark Tank, to find the support and exposure she needed to spread her creation to every corner of the world.
Months of sleepless nights, gallons of coffee, and relentless preparation culminated in that moment when her episode finally aired…
And where was Jessica? Picture this: Jessica, in the shower, her husband lounging on the bed, idly flipping through channels. Suddenly, Shark Tank appears on the screen, and who’s in the tank? Brandi! Without missing a beat, Jessica’s husband grabs his phone and records the whole thing. As soon as Jessica steps out, still wrapped in a towel, he excitedly shows her the video and says, “You need to see this—she’s like your twin in everything you believe in!”
Inspired, a little starstruck, and driven by a sense of destiny, that very night, Jessica wrote an email to Brandi. She didn’t know if Brandi was hiring or if her message would even be read, but something in her heart told her she had to reach out. And as fate would have it, the universe had plans for these two.
When they met, it was nothing short of magical. They bonded instantly over their shared beliefs, their deep desire to help children, and their unwavering conviction that educational gaming was the key. They weren’t driven by profit or fame; their mission was pure and simple—to bring joy and learning to every child and to be the voices for those who couldn’t speak up for themselves.
Hiring is always a tough decision, but some things are just meant to be. A few weeks later, Brandi made a call that left Jessica dancing with joy: she was now the new product developer of The Fidget Game.
There is a real problem to be solved
Every parent understands the weight of teaching their child to read and write—it’s a fundamental skill, a key to unlocking a world of opportunities. Yet, despite this universal understanding, few know how to truly support their children in mastering these crucial skills. The traditional methods—paper, pencil, rote memorization—are no longer enough. Our children are growing up in a world that demands more, a world where learning must be as dynamic, interactive, and multi-sensory as the experiences that surround them.
The reality is stark. As children grow older, their love for reading begins to fade. Studies from 2022 paint a concerning picture:
- A Joy That Fades: While 70% of 6–8-year-olds find joy in reading, by the time they reach 12–17 years old, this number plummets to 46%.
- The Decline of Frequent Readers: Nearly half of young children (46% of 6–8-year-olds) read frequently—five or more days a week. But as they age, this habit dwindles: 32% among 9–11-year-olds, 21% among 12–14-year-olds, and a mere 15% by the time they reach 15–17 years old.
- The Diminishing Importance of Reading for Fun: While 64% of children aged 6–8 believe reading for fun is important, this belief drops sharply to 43% among those aged 12–17.
- Parental Concern Wanes: Though a vast majority of parents (83%) believe it’s important for their children to read for fun, as their kids grow older, even parents become less emphatic—only 67% of parents of 15–17-year-olds continue to see reading as a crucial activity.
(Source: Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report™, 2022)
The process of learning to read—transforming scribbles and symbols into letters and words, then into sentences, paragraphs, and eventually full-fledged essays—is a journey that begins in childhood. It’s a journey that, ideally, should be nurtured and refined over time. But for many children, this journey is cut short. They lack the resources, the guidance, the support they need to flourish. And for many parents, the desire to help is there, but the know-how is not. This isn’t just a problem; it’s a crisis—a literacy crisis that demands our immediate attention.
Children are falling through the cracks. The tools they need are out of reach. The support they require is absent. This isn’t just about reading; it’s about their future, their potential, their ability to thrive in a world that moves fast and leaves no room for those who can’t keep up.
We can’t afford to let this crisis continue. It’s time for a solution—a new approach that meets the needs of today’s children, that reignites their love for reading, and that equips parents with the tools to guide them. The literacy crisis is real, and it’s up to us to confront it head-on, with everything we’ve got.
Squishyland enters to save the world!
In this new world, where everything seems to happen from behind a screen, working together on any project can feel like a daunting challenge. The distance limits companionship, stifles communication, and complicates collaboration. But Squishyland was born out of something far richer—an in-person connection, a shared passion, and a relentless pursuit of perfection.
Imagine this: Jessica, fresh from her honeymoon in Europe, didn’t head home to unwind. Instead, she hopped on another plane straight to Lisbon. Why? To finally meet Brandi in person after months of working together remotely. They weren’t there for sightseeing or leisurely strolls through the city; they were on a mission. While others might have explored the historic streets of Lisbon, Jessica and Brandi hunkered down in their pajamas, transforming a simple idea into what would become Squishyland.
Picture them, huddled together in a room, not just working, but breathing life into every detail of the game. They spent their days, and even some nights—yes, Jessica literally slept over—to ensure that Squishyland would be nothing short of a masterpiece. It wasn’t just work; it was a labor of love, and it shows in every aspect of the game.
Squishyland Draft
After months of remote work and that intense in-person collaboration, Squishyland was finally brought to life. This game isn’t just another educational tool; it’s the ultimate masterpiece in educational gaming, guiding children from their first steps in reading—learning letters and sounds—all the way to mastering complex skills like phoneme deletion and subtraction. Every single detail was carefully thought out, meticulously crafted, and lovingly perfected to make Squishyland what it is today.
For the first time in months, they can finally define Squishyland for what it truly is: An interactive, story-based reading board game, developed by teachers who specialize in the Science of Reading (SoR). It’s designed for young learners who are building those crucial foundational literacy skills. With Squishyland, learning isn’t confusing or stressful—it’s an adventure!
But let’s be honest, getting to this point wasn’t easy. It took months of hard work, countless hours, sleepless nights, and a shared dream of making the world a better place—even if it’s only one child, one game at a time.
Why they need your help on Kickstarter to bring Squishyland to all
Jessica, and their dedicated team need your help. Together, we can bring the joy of reading into every home and classroom, but they can’t do it alone. This dream of making literacy accessible to all children hinges on the support of a strong, passionate community of teachers, parents, and believers like you.
Your backing on Kickstarter is more than funding another game, it’s about fueling a movement. With your help, Squishyland can reach far beyond its initial promises to backers. Every contribution on Kickstarter will go towards producing enough units to fulfill these promises and beyond, enabling the team to invest in marketing, product enhancements, and, most importantly, expanding the reach of this life-changing game.
The Fidget Game has always stood by its commitment to education. They’ve worked hand-in-hand with their community, donating educational games to classrooms and school districts in need. They believe, with every fiber of their being, that education is a fundamental human right—one that should be accessible to all, regardless of circumstances.
By backing this project on Kickstarter, you’re not just getting a game—you’re becoming part of something bigger. You’re helping to create a path for those in need, ensuring that Squishyland reaches children who might otherwise never have the opportunity to experience the joy of learning to read. Your grain of salt is all it takes to bring the magic of literacy to everyone, everywhere.
