While prolonging writing a paper for class, I was distracted
by a blog post my sister sent me about e-books. I don’t have an ipad or
e-reader, but something about that blog post made me really interested in the
technology being used behind it. Forgetting about my paper, I decided to look
at the post in more detail.
Fast Company Design blog writer, John Pavlus, described a
recent children’s e-book that moves beyond simply turning pages to interact
with the reader. Pavlus commented that “this is the key
to a successful children's book -- inviting them to play and explore and be
curious, not just jab buttons to activate cheesy visual effects.” The book, “The
Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” is a Moonbot production advertised
to be both a story and an animated movie. Below is a video to preview the app.
This isn’t the only e-book for kids that is making waves. “5 amazing iPad e-books for kids” provided other hands-on examples of apps for kids. Among them, Alice in Wonderland and several Dr.
Seuss books including The Cat in the Hat.
After viewing the promotion video of Alice
in Wonderland I see how entertaining and stimulating reading has become. Though
some comments left by buyers felt that these apps lack real interactive
qualities, most of the feedback was positive. “I absolutely love the
fact that now the limitations of our imaginations (Children's imaginations) are
disappearing. I am so excited to now be able to have the words themselves come
to life and be able to connect the word with a meaning at the same time. This
can help with speed at which we learn to read and the ability to enjoy each and
every word (BoyandRedBalloon, 2010).” I believe that e-books have great
potential in entertaining as well as educating kids. This could be a fun way to
learn how to read.
Here is a link to the free lite-version of Alice in Wonderland through itunes.
Pavlus, J. (2011). An Ex-Pixar Designer Creates Astounding Kids' Book On iPad. Retrieved September 19, 2011, from http://www.fastcodesign.com/1664419/an-ex-pixar-designer-creates-astounding-kids-book-on-ipad
Broida, R. (2010). 5 amazing ipad e-books for kids. CNET Reivews. Retrieved September 19,
2011, from http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-31747_7-20002462-243.html
BoyandRedBalloon. (2010). [Comment to blogpost: 5 amazing
ipad e-books for kids]. CNet Reviews. Retrieved September 19, 2011, from
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-31747_7-20002462-243.html
