The Benefits of Digital Books for Children

I have recently entered the world of digital books. For someone who loves visiting libraries and book stores and having the feel of a book in my hand, this was a big step for me. However, once I started using my Nook, it didn’t take me long to discover the benefits and convenience of using an e-reader. I’ve come to realize that my love of books can incorporate both traditional bound books and e-books.

In addition to using an e-reader for personal use, I’ve also begun publishing my own children’s e-books online. With the popularity of both the Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble’s Nook, online publishing has soared. And while I am not willing to give up on traditional bound books for myself, my kids, or my students, I have learned there are many benefits to starting a digital library. Read on to learn more about how and why to start a digital library, and check out my first online e-book if you are interested:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004TGUR2M/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_alp_nLlJnb1ASTPYX. Currently my book is published through Amazon for use with the Kindle or Kindle App (the app is available for free download on any computer or smartphone), but soon it will also be available through Barnes and Noble for use with the Nook.

What is a digital book or e-book?

As defined by Wikipedia, “An electronic book (also e-book, ebook, digital book) is a text and image-based publication in digital form produced on, published by, and readable on computers or other digital devices. Sometimes the equivalent of a conventional printed book, e-books can also be born digital. The Oxford Dictionary of English defines the e-book as ‘an electronic version of a printed book,’ but e-books can and do exist without any printed equivalent. E-books are usually read on dedicated hardware devices known as e-Readers or e-book devices. Personal computers and some cell phones can also be used to read e-books.”

In other words, it is an electronic book that is available in digital form, via any e-reader, or through an app on any smartphone or computer.

How do I get digital books?

If you own an e-reader, like the Amazon Kindle or Barnes and Noble’s Nook, you simply search for a book you want and order it directly from your e-reader. It will download in a matter of seconds. If you don’t own an e-reader, you can download a free Kindle app for any PC or Mac computer or any smartphone. Check out this link for all the available free Kindle apps: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&ref_=amb_link_352814142_11&docId=1000493771

Why start a digital library? (5 Great Reasons to start buying e-books for kids)

1. E-books are less expensive. They start as low as 2.99 at the Amazon Kindle online store, and many great titles are available for under $5. Most children’s e-books, even ones that are part of popular series, are under $10.

2. E-books are more convenient. When a trip away from home takes longer than expected (think waiting in a doctor’s office or a long car ride) and you didn’t bring enough toys to occupy your kids, having a digital library at the ready on your smartphone or laptop is a great way to entertain your kids for awhile. Plus a digital library is much easier to carry around than a bag of books!

3. E-books have a lot of variety. With digital books becoming more popular, many authors are going straight to digital publishing now because of its convenience. You can find a variety of popular kids’ books online that are also in print as well as many that are only available online.

4. E-books take seconds to download and can be instantly acquired via any e-reader, smartphone, desktop, or laptop. No more waiting around for that book you want to read or your next trip to the library to have new books for your kids.

5. E-books help prepare kids for the digital world. Not only will your child be building literacy skills with an e-book, he or she will also be building computer skills as well. Technology is all around us, and children are motivated and engaged by the multiple forms of technology that surround them. Why not use these tools to benefit children’s learning? E-books engage children in reading and motivate them to want to read. Here is an interesting article I found that discusses why e-books are good for literacy: http://publishingperspectives.com/2010/04/the-kids-are-alright-why-digitization-and-e-books-are-good-for-literacy/