Mobistories – Virtual books for kids

Sometimes I think my 4-year old knows how to use my iPod Touch better than I do. There are a handful of games for her on it, as well as a couple of videos that she loves to watch while we’re in the car. I try not to feel guilty for needing that little bit of quiet time, but when she starts reciting the words to a cartoon, it’s hard not to.

With MobiStories, I’ve alleviated a little of that guilt. MobiStories are digital children’s books that can be downloaded to your computer or portable music device, so even if you can’t sit down to read with your child, the “essence” of the story can still be told, anywhere and at anytime. We already know just how important it is to read to our children, and so many of us do so at bedtime, but did you know that it’s just as important to read to them throughout the day?

Research shows that children who are read to throughout the day:
1. Read, write and concentrate better
2. Learn speech patterns & familiarity with the spoken word quicker
3. Have an expanded interest in a wide variety of topics
4. Develop vocabulary and pronunciation skills earlier
5. Expand image recognition and increase their imagination

Within minutes of visiting the MobiStories website, I added 4 books to my cart, checked out, and immediately received an email with links to download my purchases. It was all so easy! I love the fact that you can choose what format you want your “virtual book” in, so there are no worries about converting files. The options are: PC, Mac, iPhone/iPod Touch, iPod classic, or just the audio as an mp3 for 99 cents. The books are categorized by age range, with about 35 titles to choose from in all and you can preview each selection before you buy.

The hardest part might be choosing what book to download. I love the jazz themes of Ella Elephant and MIles the Crocodile, and so does my daughter! The illustrations are beautiful and the narration is fun. The MobiStories concept could easily come across like any other video, but it doesn’t! The stories are actually presented just like a book, complete with text and page turning. I found that they kept Maya focused, even if it was just for 7 minutes. She didn’t have the distraction of background noise and was able to give her full attention to listening to the book.

Thanks to MobiStories and MomSelect, I’m able to share a special code with my readers that entitles you to download up to $10 of digital books free from the MobiStories library. The code is: 221A. It can only be redeemed once, so please log in and use the entire coupon in one visit, as it will not be recognized a second time. The coupon is valid through December 31, 2008 so remember to use it before then!

MobiStories downloadable children’s picture books are now available in select library systems throughout the country. If your local library doesn’t offer them, you can ask your librarian to contact MobiStories directly.