What to Look for in eBooks for Kids

Digital eBooks for kids are a terrific tool for parenting. They give your child the benefits of a large book collection, with added interactivity and the ability to take lots of titles on a single device anywhere you go. But how can you tell a good eBook series for kids when you see it? Here's what to look for in eBooks that your family will use over and over again:

• Full color – This might seem like an obvious point for a kids' book, but we still see some eBooks for kids that don't seem to get it. Kids love colorful storybooks, and every eBook should be a full-color experience in itself. High-quality, colorful artwork is not only a visual hook that pulls kids in; it also helps them understand the story and learn visually. No children's eBook should be without vibrant illustrations. 

• Available for a variety of devices – Not everybody has the same devices in their household and this shouldn't be a barrier to getting great eBooks for your kids. Generally, children's eBooks should be able to be downloaded and used on a computer or laptop or on the smart device of your choice. Tablets are an excellent way to read eBooks with your kids, because the large screen makes it easy for them to use the interactive "touch" elements. But phones and laptops are also perfectly good ways to read an eBook together.

• Feature characters your kids will love – Children's eBooks have to appeal to their main audience—kids. That means the main characters in the eBooks should be kids themselves and should be fun, likeable, and go through experiences that your kids have had themselves. For example, the cast of many prominent kids' eBooks include children and their parents, and maybe even their pets.

• Help your child navigate real problems – The themes of the eBooks should also be relatable, and ideally help guide your kids through difficult situations and give them a touchstone they can use to deal with those situations. For example, kids' eBooks might focus on things like going to the doctor or dentist, the first day of school, or other activities kids can find scary. The books help them understand that they will be okay when they do these things in real life.

• Lots of episodes – Good eBooks get kids hooked. Look for a series that has lots of titles so that when your child asks for more, you have plenty to show them.
What else do you look for in kids' eBooks?

5 Best Educational Apps for Toddlers

Unlike previous generations, today toddlers are growing up in a digital era. They are introduced to computers, tablets and smartphones at very early age. This is a positive thing because these electronic devices are a great tool for educating your children. With electronic applications, your children can access an endless realm of educational materials. They can become an effective learner early on. Also, it’s important to expose your children to tablets and smartphones at young age because they will soon be using them for school.

Here are some of the best educational apps for toddlers:

1.       Peekaboo Barn – Available for iOS and Android devices, Peekaboo barn is a great educational app for toddlers. Your child can learn the names of barn animals in English and Spanish. They can also learn the sounds each animal makes. In addition to providing a fun learning experience, this app also provides a great distraction for toddlers while they are shopping or waiting in line with their parents.

2.       Luca Lashes Learns to Brush His Teeth – This award-winning app teaches your children about the importance of dental hygiene. It’s an interactive story that teaches your children about the daily routine of brushing their teeth. Using interactive touch, sight and sound features, it shows them how to properly use a toothbrush and why good dental hygiene is important. Your children can experience the app in 5 different languages.

3.       Tozzle – The Tozzle – Toddle’s Favorite Puzzle app is based on wooden jigsaw puzzles that teach children about letters, numbers and animals. The puzzles begin with large, simple shapes. As the child solves a puzzle, the puzzle gets more difficult and includes smaller, more complex designs.  The app helps teach children about patience and solving complex problems.

4.       Learn to Talk – This app uses flashcards to help children learn how to talk and improve their vocabulary. It incorporates sound and sight to teach your child basic vocabulary and early language skills. Children can also use the app to learn foreign languages.

5.       Luca Lashes Visits the Doctor – With this app, children will learn visiting the doctor is fun, not scary. It is an interactive story that incorporates sight, touch and sound. Words are highlighted as the story is narrated, so it helps children learn how to read. Along with text, the app also displays vivid artwork and audio. It is available in 5 languages.