How and Why to Read and Create Children's Digital Books

How andWhy to Read and Create Children's Digital Books outlineseffective ways of using digital books in early years and primary classrooms,and specifies the educational potential of using digital books and apps inphysical spaces and virtual communities. With a particular focus on apps andpersonalized reading, Natalia Kucirkova combines theory and practice to arguethat personalized reading is only truly personalized when it is created or co-createdby reading communities. Divided into two parts, Part I suggests criteria toevaluate the educational quality of digital books and practical strategies fortheir use in the classroom. Specific attention is paid to the ways in whichdigital books can support individual children's strengthsand difficulties, digital literacies, language and communication skills. Part IIexplores digital books created by children, their caregivers, teachers andlibrarians, and Kucirkova also offers insights into how smart toys, tangiblesand augmented/virtual reality tools can enrich children's reading for pleasure.How andWhy to Read and Create Children's Digital Books is of interestto an international readership ranging from trainee or established teachers to MAlevel students and researchers, as well as designers, librarians and publishers.All are inspired to approach children's reading on and with screens with anagentic perspective of creating and sharing.Praise for How and Why to Read and Create Children's Digital Books'This is an exciting and innovative book - not least because it is freely available to read online but because its origins are in primary practice. The author is an accomplished storyteller, and whether you know, as yet, little about the value of digital literacy in the storymaking process, or you are an accomplished digital player, this book is full of evidence-informed ideas, explanations and inspiration.'Dr Liz Chamberlain, Open University'At a time when children's reading is increasingly on-screen, many teachers, parents and carers are seeking practical, straightforward guidance on how to support children's engagement with digital books. This volume, written by the leading expert on personalised e-books, is packed with app reviews, suggestions and insights from recent international research, all underpinned by careful analysis of digital book features and recognition of reading as a social and cultural practice. Providing accessible guidance on finding, choosing, sharing and creating digital books, it will be welcomed by those excited by the possibilities of enthusing children about reading in the digital age.' Cathy Burnett, Professor of Literacy and Education, Sheffield Hallam University