First eBooks for Children Available on iPhone and iPod Touch

London, United Kingdom, October 03, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Media ideas company Sleepydog announces the first eBooks aimed at young people, for use on the iPhone and iPod touch.

Seven titles by award-winning authors Steve Skidmore and Steve Barlow, including books from the popular ‘Vernon Bright’ series, are now available from the iTunes App Store.

The books were developed for Apple devices with children’s interests specifically in mind:

- Available on mass consumer devices vs. niche eReaders
- Landscape layout and only six lines of text maximum
- Quiz game included
- Low cost

Authors Skidmore and Barlow made the titles available from books which were no longer in print and the rights had reverted back from the publishers. Titles from additional authors are planned in the near future.

A quiz game included with each story helps to attract the interest of younger readers as well as test comprehension in a fun way – the idea builds on the company’s quiz game heritage as the developers of Sony Playstation 2 hit Buzz! The Music Quiz.

The project, repurposing print books for digital media, is another example of Sleepydog’s approach to finding new media revenue from old media content via the use of technology.

Sleepydog CEO Toby Moores says “It’s an ongoing challenge to get kids reading but the widespread availability of devices like the iPod Touch provides an opportunity to reengage young people with ‘old media’ by updating it into a digital format.”

Author Steve Skidmore says “The reaction from children, teachers and parents has been really positive. As an author, this provides a new way to reach young readers.” He added, “The next generation is extremely tech savvy and books are competing with sophisticated entertainment like games consoles and Social Networking.”

“I liked reading Vernon Bright on the iPod. It's a lot more fun reading this way and the quiz at the end is really cool.” Charlie, aged 10.

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