Children’s Digital Picture Books: Readers and Publishers

During the COVID-19 pandemic, children's media use increased, while print-book reading decreased. Tablet use suggests online reading, primarily in ePub3 pdf files for illustrated works and prescribed school texts. Smartphone use was linked to apps and games. This book explores the challenges and opportunities in children's picture book publishing in the digital age, engaging the children's publishing sector for feedback. It assesses the plight of picture books and considers how publishers cater to diverse readerships and new platforms.

Format: Hardback
Length: 6 pages
Publication date: 08 April 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes in children's media consumption patterns. While print-book reading experienced a decline, there was a notable increase in the use of various media, including tablets (Susilowati et al., 2021). This shift indicates that children were engaging in online reading, primarily through ePub3 PDF files for illustrated works and prescribed school texts. At the same time, smartphone use was associated with apps and games (Mesce et al., 2021).

For many years, children's publishers have explored digital picture-book formats, but they have generally considered the genre unsuitable for digitization. This book presents the results of a one-year research project that involved engaging the children's publishing sector to gather feedback on reading trends and digital publishing in picture-book genres. The research aims to assess the current situation of picture books and explore how publishers are adapting to serve diverse readerships and new reading platforms post-COVID-19 lockdowns and in the digital age.

Written by an academic with over 15 years of industry experience and an editor, this book offers a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on children's picture book publishing and reception. It is valuable for librarians, teachers, publishers, and international scholars in the fields of publishing studies, library studies, early childhood studies, early education, and childhood psychology.

During the pandemic, children's media use surged, with a notable increase in tablet usage. This shift suggests that children were primarily engaging in online reading, primarily through ePub3 PDF files for illustrated works and prescribed school texts. Smartphone use, on the other hand, was associated with apps and games.

In the past, children's publishers had experimented with digital picture-book formats but had largely regarded the genre as not suitable for digitization. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital publishing in the children's book industry. Publishers are now exploring new ways to reach and engage with readers, including digital distribution platforms and interactive features.

The research project conducted during the pandemic aimed to assess the plight of picture books in the current climate and explore how picture-book publishers are catering to diverse readerships and new reading platforms post-COVID-19 lockdowns and into the digital age. The project involved interviews with key stakeholders in the children's publishing sector, including publishers, librarians, teachers, teachers, and international scholars.

The findings of the research project revealed several key trends and developments in children's picture book publishing and reception. Firstly, there is a growing recognition of the importance of digital publishing in the children's book industry. Publishers are increasingly investing in digital technologies and platforms to reach and engage with readers, including e-books, audiobooks, and interactive apps.

Secondly, there is a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusivity in children's picture books. Publishers are recognizing the need to represent diverse voices and experiences in their books, and are actively seeking out authors and illustrators from underrepresented communities. This trend is reflected in the increasing number of books featuring diverse characters, backgrounds, and identities.

Thirdly, there is a growing interest in interactive and multimedia features in children's picture books. Publishers are exploring new ways to engage readers, including augmented reality, interactive games, and multimedia elements that can be accessed on digital devices. This trend is particularly relevant in the age of COVID-19, as it allows children to continue to engage with books and reading even when physical libraries and schools are closed.

Finally, there is a growing recognition of the role of libraries and schools in promoting children's picture book reading. Libraries are adapting their services to meet the needs of children during the pandemic, including offering virtual book clubs, online resources, and digital distribution platforms. Schools are also recognizing the importance of promoting reading and literacy, and are incorporating picture book reading into their curriculum and teaching practices.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in children's media consumption patterns and has accelerated the adoption of digital publishing in the children's book industry. The research project conducted during the pandemic has revealed key trends and developments in children's picture book publishing and reception, including a growing recognition of the importance of digital publishing, a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusivity, a growing interest in interactive and multimedia features, and a growing recognition of the role of libraries and schools in promoting children's picture book reading. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be important for publishers, librarians, teachers, and scholars to stay informed and engaged in these trends to ensure that children continue to have access to high-quality and diverse picture books that promote reading and literacy.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032740768