We’ve been watching the trends for kidlit eBook authors for a while, and this is one area of digital publishing that has seen nothing but explosive growth. Not only have there been several predictions that today’s child will grow up more comfortable with electronic literature than any generation before, but children’s eBooks are some of the most popular.
Perhaps sealing the fate of this trend in a very visible way – a way that should excite many children’s eBook authors – is the recent news from Cheerios. Cheerios, a General Mills cereal, has, for many years, included a print book on each box of cereal as a part of their Cheer on Reading campaign. The Cheer on Reading campaign is designed to promote literacy and encourage kids to read.
Says Cheerios, “When children make reading an everyday activity, they not only unleash their imagination – they establish a lifelong love of learning. That’s why Cheerios® is committed to build upon the potential within every child through the power of books.”
This year, Digital Book World has reported that the Cheer on Reading campaign will add a new dimension by partnering with BookShout to deliver eBooks in cereal boxes. Rather than include a print book in the box, the code will allow a child to choose a free eBook from a well-known children’s author.
When even a cereal company recognizes that children prefer eBooks over print, it’s a great sign for up-and-coming children’s eBook authors.