Children's Books Online

January 12, 2011

Are you trying to find good, entertaining reading for your child, but your child just wants to play games on the computer? Mid-Continent Public Library has resources that will keep them entertained, and also help them learn. Interactive books—where they can read along with the narrator—may be just what you are looking for.

Two great databases for children are located on our Homepage under Books, Movies, Music. Click on “Books Online” then “Books & Reading.” There you will find BookFlix and Tumblebook Library.

BookFlix is wonderful for the beginning reader. Children can listen to a narrator read award-winning fiction and engaging non-fiction titles while words are highlighted as they are pronounced.

What I like about this site is that a fiction book is paired with a non-fiction title on the same subject.  An example is Bark George by Jules Feiffer paired with Pets at the Vet by Alyse Sweeney. Games that relate back to the book are on this site along with Meet the Author. They also direct you to good sites to learn more about the subject. If you choose to look under the “Resources” tab, you will find guidance on helping your child obtain the best results using BookFlix.

Tumblebook Library is another excellent resource. Your child can read along with the narrator, as well as play puzzles and games and explore language learning sites. Tumblebook Library is where you will find our collection of downloadable eBooks and audiobooks for your PC/Mac, Android phone and/or tablet.

I encourage you to sit with your child as you explore these two wonderful resources. You won’t want to miss their excitement as they discover a new way to learn.

Cindy K.
Camden Point Branch