Friday, October 8, 2010

A Digital Library at Your Fingertips

I recently learned about an exciting new site that lets you choose from a wide variety of of books for your child. It is an online digital library. The way it works is you buy a library card. You can buy one for only $1.99 per month if you just want to try it out. (And in fact there is a coupon right now for a free month -long trial.) Then you and your child can enjoy reading from a wide selection of titles or read the same book over and over. Full disclosure: I love books and the feel of them, as well as the experience of turning pages. I believe that there will always be "real" books. However, that being said, there is no reason to miss out on the excitement, advantages, and fun of electronic books. Also your child will, if she has not already, be reading books and having content delivered electronically at school. It looks as if you can choose from lots wonderful books to enjoy with your child. And there are descriptions and previews to help you select appropriate books, as well as reviews. The site is exceptionally parent-friendly.

Check out this new site. I am planning to . . . often! http://www.magicblox.com

3 comments:

  1. Interesting that the electronic books are moving into children's literature now. I haven't embraced the new technology just yet. I love the feel of a "real" book in my hands too much!

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  2. I totally understand what you are saying. But I think it is OK to have both. "Real" books will never go away. I think of this as another alternative. I have some adult friends who are confirmed book readers, but have fallen in love with their Kindles. It just offers them a certain convenience and another option for reading. I also work in educational publishing and am seeing that new elementary programs are delivering a lot of content electronically so it is not a bad idea for children to have exposure. Plus it can be fun! And if technology engages children in learning and appreciating reading, then the definition of books is just expanding. Interesting issues, right?

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  3. Thank you so much for sharing this. I had not heard of this site before. Of course, we will still make our weekly trip to the library to get "real" books but my son LOVES the e-books too. Have you heard of wegivebooks.org? Probably not as much selection but it is free and they donate books to charities for each book you read. My son, age 2, can already use a mouse to turn the pages. (Of course, I don't think the baby is quite ready for the ebooks). Ok, I'm off to check out this link. Thanks!

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What I think . . .

There are all kinds of readers. Some—like my daughter and me—are never without a book to read for pleasure. Others—like my son—are careful, analytical, and curious readers who read primarily to seek information from the page.


No matter what kind of reader your child becomes, you can help him or her get started. After all, you are your child’s first teacher. And, best of all, you can have some fun in the process.


Please feel free to share your own ideas. Tell me about ways you've enjoyed reading with your child.


Madeline Boskey, Ph.D.