eBooks Review: Wizz-e.com

In my previous post on online eBooks, I discussed the benefits of reading and including eBooks as another method to enhance a child’s reading time and further elevate reading as a fun and engaging time to learn.   In preparing for this post, I visited several free online eBooks websites to see what is currently available. 

 For the most part, the  better free eBook websites offer a story where:

   o  the pages  change once you click on the next button or right arrow key

  o  they have colorful graphics

  o  a voice  reads the story for you

The stories are often entertaining but not too long in length.  There are also numerous kids eBook retailers on the web.  I wondered, “are  their offerings much better than the free eBook resources out there?”  I found an opportunity to review Wizz-e.com’s website and read a number of their eBooks.  Wizz-e.com is owned by EBooks4Kidz Ltd.   EBooks4Kidz, Ltd. Is an electronic eBook publisher, so their focus is on producing high quality eBooks – unlike the traditional paper book process that is bogged down with inefficiencies and long timelines.  Their sole dedication to eBooks is evident in how they have crafted their storybooks.

I have to say I was impressed with their offerings of eBooks.  Although they don’t have a huge collection of eBooks  (they have 29 books currently), they offer a good variety of books for children 3 to 8 years of age.   I sat down at the computer with my six and three year olds and we read/watched several books together.  My kids were instantly intrigued with the familiar stories like “The Three Little Pigs” and “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.”  They were eager to see their  favorite stories “come alive” on the computer.  I have to admit, I was skeptical as to whether the books would capture their attention throughout the whole story.

As we listened to the story, my daughter began doodling.   Just as I worried, although sitting on my lap,  she felt the freedom to multitask at the desk.  I allowed her to doodle for a little bit then I decided to change the option of having the book read to us to her reading the book.  She read the pages to her brother and I.  My daughter is a first grader, but is a good reader – due to the fact, I believe, that we began reading to her daily at six months old.  She was able to read most words of the book, however, as there were many words on the page, she grew tired of reading.  We compromised by allowing her to read a page and let the voice read the next page.  We do the same routine with longer paper books during our nightly routine.  My daughter enjoyed clicking on the next buttons and clicking on the words she didn’t know to hear how they are pronounced.  To my amazement, my son paid attention the entire time.

At the end of each story there is an interactive quiz which questions kids not only the content of the story but also the sequence of it.  Each quiz consists of five questions.  Despite my daughter’s doodling, she answered all five questions  correctly.  After we were done reading, I looked more closely at my daughter’s doodles.  She had written a summary from both books: 

The animations on the pages were cute and the kids liked re-watching some of the scenes.  It was good for the kids to hear a different voice reading them a book too – with different tones and intonations.  The books are read by a British woman or a British man so it gave us a chance to talk about accents and how they differ from ones in the US.

The next day my son was eager to hear more eBooks.  In particular, he wanted his familiar stories, The Three Pigs and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. After reading his two favorites, we ventured off into new storylines.  I loved the book “When I Don’t Want to Sleep.”  What a fantastic book!  The illustrations are very graphically appealing and the animations are very cute.  The storyline is clever and imaginative.  It is  fun to read with its rhyming and ability to excite your child of all that awaits them after s/he falls asleep.

 “It’s way past your bedtime” they [parents] always say

But then they tell me I can still play…

Because in my dreams I can play in my head!

But only if I am asleep in my bed.

Wizz-e has a good variety of familiar and new stories available on their site.  eBooks can be purchased from anywhere to $1.99 to $8.99 with most books falling between $2.99 to $4.99.  My favorite book, “When I Don’t Want to Sleep,” is regularly priced at $8.99 but is now on special for $1.99.  To buy the book you have two options:

1. Save it under “My Books” under your login so that no matter where you are, you can access the book online to read over and over again.
2. Download it to your computer so you do not need Internet access to view your book.  If you choose this option, download it to your laptop so when you travel, your kids can view the book as often as they like.  In the purchasing contract, it states that you are permitted to download the book to a single computer and may not transfer it to other computers or users.  So be sure you download it to the computer that will be used the most by your kids.

 Benefits of Wizz-e Compared to Free eBooks

      o  higher illustrations quality

     o  larger display on the screen

     o  gives option to change volume right on the book screen

     o  good graphics and sound when “turning the page” of the book

     o  interactive quiz at the book ensures child is paying attention and prepares them for online tests at school

     o  flexibility to download onto a laptop to take on trips with you- provides better learning possibilities and interaction for kids rather than just DVD movies

     o  fast loading time for each book and page

 Opportunities for Wizz-e to Improve Upon

      o  more voices – of the six eBooks I tested, it seemed as if only two voices are reading all the books.  Variety and different intonations of voice makes eBooks more interesting for kids

     o  interactivity – more interactivity can be created by highlighting various objects that perform different actions if clicked.  For example, click on the lamp and the light turns on or off.

     o  more books – they’ve got a great start already on a variety of books – keep that library going!

 My “Squeeze” on Wizz-e.com

 Wizz-e.com is a delightful and entertaining site to explore eBooks which my children were interested in.  Their eBooks had wonderful illustrations, interesting storylines, and cute animations that seem to make the book come alive.  Wizz-e.com’s eBooks not only captured my kids’ attention, but helped them to retain the story and its sequence in their minds – as confirmed by their correct answers at the quiz at the end of each story.

As I wrote in my post, “Kids’ Online eBooks:  Don’t Overlook Their Importance,” the future of our children’s education will be rooted in technology.   Our kids are a part of the “Digital Generation.”  There is a reason why they can figure out how to change the ring-tone on your phone leaving you hostage with that ring-tone until they change it back.  Kids love technology because they find it engaging,   it allows them to self-direct their learning at their pace, they  can be creative with it, and it’s very empowering.  They can use technology at new levels that aren’t possible in their normal lives.

Tying your child’s love for books with their  growing interest in technology is a match made in heaven.  There’s no doubt in my mind that education will move to eBooks and online tests as funds and further software development are made available.  Do what you can now to empower your child for their future.

Happy reading!

Lori

PP  (post post):   Attention Readers!  For a short time, Wizz-e.com is offering wellconnectedmom.com readers a 25% discount on all of their eBooks.    Go to Wizz-e.com, select your books, and use this code:   WCM09 at checkout before Oct. 21st. to take advantage of this offer.

For more information on reading and  eBooks, see my previous post entitled, “Kids Online eBooks: Don’t Overlook Their Importance.”