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Books Expo Buzz Report

By Tina Benitez -- Gifts and Dec, 6/3/2005 1:20:00 PM

NEW YORK—A book is a book. But a book with a game will make kids read more…then read again in order to play!

At this year’s Book Expo America, held at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, shorter text, added interactive elements and mobility are being added to some books to keep pace with other media (i.e. computers, video games).

There are books with games at the end for added play value. For kids and parents on the move, there are books that pack easily for travel (on par with portable game players). Other books are cutting down text to continue to keep a younger audience interested longer.

Beda Schmitheus, managing director, Rip Squeak books, San Luis Obispo, Calif., says that shorter books can keep up with other, faster media options for kids and are easier to use for parents who are crunched for time.

“For teachers, librarians and kids, it’s easier to use when it’s shorter,” he tells Playthings.com. “It [a book] needs to interesting, but doesn’t draw on too long. Everything today is fast-paced—to keep kids reading, you have to keep pace with other media out there and understand the synergy.”

Interactivity, play value and portability are some other things promoted at BEA. Christopher Campbell, senior vice president, marketing for the Publications International, Lincolnwood, Ill., says children need books that will give them more than words.

Added play value in the form of games, sounds and other activities make them want to read and continue on, finally completing a book. The new interactive Play-a-Sound books from Publications International feature a board game at the end in addition to the story and sounds.

“You want something with an edge, that’s engaging and will encourage repeat play,” he says. “You also want to stimulate independent play away from the competition like video games. Repeat play with books build self confidence, stimulate self esteem—then they’re more likely to continue to another page.”

On the portable front, Klutz, Palo Alto, Calif., has a new line of crafty instructional books that make kids read and play while they’re on the move. Pixie Stuff, St. Louis, Mo., feature lightweight books that are quick reads for the road, in addition to their plush, CDs and other products connected to the books.

School Zone, Los Angeles, focuses on books paired with DVDs that can be used on the road, or home, giving kids the option to play the activities in the book, or watch the DVD on the road. Each DVD runs for approximately one hour.

“We’re trying to help parents on the go,” says Barb Peacock, managing director of School Zone, Los Angeles. “You want something long enough, so if you’re moving it goes through different things—it’s kid friendly.”

School Zone is also launching a series of bilingual education books to help teachers bring students up to speed in the classroom and at home. “Kids are smart,” she says. “They just need to catch up. If they go home, parents can help them, then everyone knows what’s going on.”

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