What’s next for children’s literature? We are zooming into the digital age. Technology keeps changing, and print media is quickly going digital. Is anybody out there nervous? Could we lose something with this change?
An article in Publishers Weekly addresses these questions and more: are publishers ready? What about piracy? How will rights be handled? Will libraries become obsolete?
The article summarizes a forum held by the Children’s Book Council on “The Current State of E: Publishing in the Digital Age.” One panelist states, “E-books add a fantastic functionality to what a book is. Adding interactivity to that experience is also very interesting. And thinking about ways they can be fun [is important], because it’s for children.”
There’s a lot of potential! What do you think?
Interesting things to think about. I think that we need to move into the digital age. I really like the idea of the Kindle! I have a feeling that is the direction we are going in.
I like the idea of the Kindle, too, and I’m seeing more companies starting their versions of it, too. I’ve heard that’s all school kids will need in a few years, with all their books on one hand held reader. As a book lover, that’s hard to think about, but it makes sense.
Even though the iPhone has a smaller screen than the Kindle, two huge plus points for picture books as iPhone apps rather than Kindle downloads are:
1. illustrations are in full, vibrant color on the iPhone (Kindle has only 16 shades of gray)
2. The iPhone/ iPod touch is not a designated device – it can do a whole lot of other things in addition to playing picture books (phone, texting, e-mail, music, etc.). That means that you’re a whole lot more likely to have your phone in your pocket when you find yourself stuck in a line with a bored kid. Plus, you don’t have to shell out the $399 for the Kindle!
I wonder what is so remarkable about the Kindle and Apple iPad. Yes, i was reading about all the advantages if offers over at netbookspoint.com but i still prefer laptops and netbooks.