TransmediaKids.com: Children's Ebook Trends

According to a report from IHS iSuppli, tablet shipments will grow 90% in 2012.

The American Association of Publishers reported in January that sales of adult ebook titles rose 49.4% in January ($99.5M vs $66.6M) and ebook sales in the children's and young adult trade segment rose 475% over last year ($22.6M vs $3.9M).

Dominique Raccah of Sourcebooks cites the growing functionality of e-books as a new opportunity for growth in the children's market. Right now ebooks are 5-7% of U.S. children's book sales according to Bowker. This will only increase.

Take a look at her slides from TOC/Bologna.

Toc bologna childrens book keynote 2012 hd ratio

View more PowerPoint from SourcebooksInc

Are you experimenting with ebooks?

GeekDad Dan Donohoo suggests that content creators consider 3 things (at least) when developing ebooks:

1. create ebooks that allow children control over the narrative

2. create ebooks that support 21st century skills

3. create ebooks that nurture exploration

I couldn't agree more. Building critical thinking and creativity skills into ebook experiences is great for teachers and kids. I'd also add:

4. create enriching offline activities that foster collaboration & empathy

5. create ebooks that can be easily shared and discussed

6. create ebooks that inspire kids to create content of their own (UGC-user generated content)

What would you add to this list?

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