EBooks (electronic books) are digital versions of paper back books.  The text and images of the books are loaded into a digital form that can be read on devices such as computers, PDA's, cell phones and eBook-readers.  It is necessary to have eBook Reader software, which is free, loaded on the device to be able to read eBooks.  EBooks come in a variety of formats so it is essential to get the one that will work for the device that you are using. 

Since children live in a world of video and computer games introducing them to e-books may help to get them to become more interested in reading.  EBooks should never replace the time that you spend reading to your child but should be used as something extra as they get older.  At the age of three you can introduce them to the internet and the "reading world" that it offers.  There are a variety of online book sites for children available that contain e-books ranging from picture books to novels.  You will find that eBooks come in three different levels: fully assisted is where the book is read to the child; partially assisted where the book is read slowly and words are highlighted to enhance recognition; unassisted where the child reads on their own.  Young children's e-books often have cheerful, brightly colored, animation that brings characters to life or interactive areas that force kids to think about what they read.

Although eBooks have been around for a while, they are becoming much more popular today due to eBook readers, like the Amazon Kindle, which make access much more user friendly.  However, most eBook readers do not cater to children.  The biggest roadblock is that they have low graphic abilities; they are monochromatic which will look very boring to a child.  As a result you will find that most eBooks for young readers are meant to be used on the computer where graphics are phenomenal.  Children over 8 will find  that book sources such as Amazon, Borders or Barnes and Nobles offer a large selection of eBooks in all formats.  In addition, there are many websites offering free eBooks for kids to enjoy.  If you decide to purchase an eBook reader for a child be sure to do some research prior to your purchase. 

Benefits of reading eBooks:

• EBooks are readily available for downloading or use.

• They enhance the reading experience for children through animation and interaction.

• EBooks keep the story interesting through a variety of voices.

• EBooks for young children improve eye-hand coordination.

• It introduces young readers to the computer and online libraries .

• EBooks are many times lower in cost than paper back books.

• There are a wide range of formats so that eBooks can be read on a variety of devices.

• A great number of eBooks can be easily stored on your device or memory stick.  This is especially beneficial for storage in a student's backpack.

Online eBook sites to investigate:

Tumble Book Library - This is a great site for books for young children.  You will find a large selection of animated picture books that are read aloud.

Children's E Books -  A terrific site  for young reader's from beginner to advanced.

Story Online -  This site is sponsored by the Screen Actors Guild Foundation and it contains videos of famous actors reading stories.

On Lion for Kids -   This site allows you to download children's and young adult stories if you have their library card. 

Raising Readers - This PBS site allows you to read and listen to stories.

Children's Books Online - The Rosetta Project- Contains a international collection of children's antique books.

eBooks.com - Great site for young adults to purchase eBooks.  Books are divided and listed by subject so it makes it easy to navigate.

There are many safe sites to find great eBooks for kids but I would still recommend that you make the selections together.  It is still the internet and parents can never be too careful.  EBooks will most likely play an increasing role in the book world and our society in the years to come so why not get the kids involved today.