In a world where technology is ingrained in our daily lives, getting kids excited about reading can sometimes be a challenge.
And of course, although paper books are much adored by children and adults alike, interactive e-books are a fantastic way to blend the magic of storytelling with the engagement of multimedia elements.
If you’re wondering how to create interactive e-books for children, you’ve come to the right place!
Join me and explore the steps to bring your story to life with interactivity!
Let's start with a short explanation before we head further into the details.
To create interactive e-books for children, start with a well structured story, and integrate audio narration, animations, games, and sound effects. Use tools like iBooks Author, Kotobee, or Book Creator. Ensure illustrations are engaging, test on different devices, and publish on platforms like Apple Books and Amazon Kindle.
Ok so now we’ve got the at-a-glance mini answer, let's dive a little deeper into children's E-books.
Step 1: Start with a Stellar Story
Before we get into the technical bits, remember that the core of any book and any great e-book is a compelling story.
Think about the stories you loved as a child – what made them special? Whether it's an adventurous journey, a heartfelt lesson, or whimsical characters, your story should engage with young readers from the get-go.
Different Story Structures
Three-Act Structure: This classic model divides the story into three parts: setup, confrontation, and resolution. Act One introduces characters and conflicts; Act Two escalates the conflict; and Act Three resolves it.
Hero’s Journey: Popularised by American author Joseph Campbell, this structure follows a hero who embarks on an adventure, faces a crisis, wins a victory, and then returns home transformed. It includes stages like the Call to Adventure, Ordeal, and Return.
Freytag’s Pyramid: This model consists of five parts: exposure, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement. It focusses on building up to a climax and then resolving the story.
Save the Cat Beat Sheet: Created by Blake Snyder, this 15-beat structure includes specific plot points like the Opening Image, Catalyst, Midpoint, and Final Image, ensuring a tightly plotted and engaging story.
The Fichtean Curve: is a structure that emphasizes continuous, rising action without a distinct presentation. It builds through a series of crises leading to a climax, followed by a brief resolution.
Seven-Point Story Structure: This method outlines seven key points: Hook, Plot Turn 1, Pinch Point 1, Midpoint, Pinch Point 2, Plot Turn 2, and Resolution. It provides a clear road map for plotting.
Dan Harmon’s (American screenwriter) Story Circle: An adaptation of the Hero’s Journey divides the story into eight steps: You, Need, Go, Search, Find, Take, Return, and Change. It emphasises character transformation through a cyclical journey.
Consider what themes and genres resonate with your audience. Children’s books often embraces a sense of wonder and adventure. Classic influences from Enid Blyton’s tales of mystery and exploration or Roald Dahl’s fantastical worlds can be a great source of inspiration...as can be the Ancient Greek Myths...
...Reimagining the Ancient Greek Gods...
In an inner city school in an anywhere school that is easily recognisable, ancient Greek gods take on the roles of teachers, blending into modern society with a twist. These gods are hiding in plain sight and exhibiting their unique powers and quirks, sparking suspicion among the pupils. Two keen students, Alex and Jamie, start to notice the strange antics and peculiar abilities of their teachers, suspecting there's more to them than meets the eye.
As Alex and Jamie dig deeper, they observe:
Mr. (Zeus) Zander, the principal, seems to control the weather, always predicting rain or shine with eerie accuracy.
Ms. Athena Thea, the history teacher, possesses an uncanny (inside) knowledge of ancient battles and strategies; her wisdom is unmatched, as is her penchant for olives, spiders...she was brought u by a single parent.
Coach Ares Aaron, the PE teacher, displays extraordinary strength and a competitive spirit that pushes students beyond their limits.
Ms. (Aphro) Dita, the art teacher, inspires love and creativity, her charm and beauty captivating everyone.
Mr. Henry Hermes, the delivery man, always arrives on time, with incredible speed and agility.
These mysterious teachers
Determined to uncover the truth, Alex and Jamie embark on a mission to reveal the identities of these mysterious teachers. Along the way, they discover important life lessons, about acceptance and understanding. Their adventures not only brings excitement to their daily routines but also strengthens their friendship and sense of community and school.
In this modern-day reimagining of ancient myths, the timeless stories of the Greek gods come to life, blending humour, mystery, and cultural richness in tales which captures the imagination of all ages.
Counting is more than ...123
A simple counting book idea 'Spot & Count' can be a good way of creating a counting project and it's good to think in series. Use unexpected numbers.
Ants are Invading a Picnic
The ants are invading a picnic, see how many ants can be counted, before the ants get in the picnickers pants or should that be pic knickers! This illustrated counting book featured split pages and was designed for children just starting to learn how to count. Chaos is created on each spread with the ants becoming to many to count.
Sample Series Idea for a Counting Book 'Spot and Count Adventures'
The Spot and Count Adventures series, young readers will delight in finding and counting a variety of animals as they go on the run, have adventures and unexpected journeys through different settings. Each book features high-contrast illustrations and clever hiding spots to engage and challenge children, helping them practice their counting skills while enjoying humorous and lively scenes. With unique themes and varying numbers of animals to find on each page, every book offers a new and exciting adventure.
86 Kittens in Chaos
When 86 Kittens Cause a Commotion
Join 86 mischievous kittens as they escape from their cosy homes and wreak havoc all over the city. From parks and playgrounds to libraries and zoos, these playful kittens are everywhere! Can you spot all 86 kittens as they climb, hide, and explore their way through each bustling scene?
114 Raccoons on the Run
An Unexpected Adventure with 114 Rascally Raccoons!
Follow the wild journey of 114 raccoons who accidentally escape from a wildlife sanctuary. These clever creatures explore campsites, neighbourhoods, funfairs, and more, causing delightful chaos wherever they go. Count each raccoon as they rummage through rubbish trash cans, steal snacks, and playfully disrupt dull daily life.
92 Penguins on Parade
A March of 92 Penguins Through the City!
Watch as 92 penguins march away from their icy zoo and parade through the city. From ice rinks, snow domes, beaches, supermarkets and parks, these penguins bring a touch of the Antarctic to every scene. Spot and count each penguin as they waddle, slide, and interact with their new surroundings.
77 Parrots in a Predicament
Can You Find All 77 Parrots in Their Feathered Frolic?
Discover the escapades of 77 parrots, who fly from their tropical jungle and explore the city. With their bright colours and curious nature, these parrots perch in unexpected places, mimic sounds, and add a splash of excitement to every scene. Count and locate each parrot.
68 Squirrels in a Scramble
A Nutty Adventure with 68 Squirrels!
Join 68 athletic squirrels as they scurry from their forest home and embark on a nutty adventure. From parks and gardens to shopping centres and amusement parks, these squirrels are always on the move. Spot and count each squirrel as they hoard nuts, climb trees, and surprise people with their playful acrobatics
99 Frogs on the Loose
A Croaking Quest to Find 99 Frogs!
Embark on a rib-biting adventure with 99 frogs who leap away from their pond and hop through the city. From gardens and swimming pools to fountains and city squares, these frogs add a splash of fun to every scene. Count each frog as they catch bugs, leap across lily pads, and interact with other animals and people....
... a series as you can see is easy to work out once you see a theme...a sub-title helps explain what the book is about...and avoiding a number like 50 or 100 seems to feel more playful.
Step 2: Sketch Your Interactive Elements
Once your story is ready, think about how you can enhance it with interactive elements.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Audio Narration: Children love listening to stories, especially when they’re read by engaging voices. Recording your narration can add a personal touch, making your book come alive.
Animations and Graphics: Little animations can make a big difference. A butterfly fluttering across the page or a character waving can delight young readers.
Games and Activities: Integrate puzzles, colouring pages, or simple games related to the story. Interactive quizzes can also reinforce learning.
Sound Effects: Subtle sounds like rustling leaves, chirping birds, or magical chimes can enhance the immersive experience.
Interactive Text: Allow kids to tap on words to hear their pronunciation or meaning, helping with vocabulary building.
Work out your E-book ideas in thumbnail sketches to create your interactive children's book
Step 3: Choose the Right Tools to Create
Creating an interactive e-book might sound daunting, but fortunately, there are several tools designed to make the process easier:
iBooks Author (Mac): A user-friendly tool perfect for creating interactive textbooks and children’s books. It allows you to embed multimedia, create interactive widgets, and more. However, Apple is phasing it out, so you might want to explore its successor or other options.
Kotobee Author: A versatile ebook creator that supports various interactive elements. It’s compatible with multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and web browsers.
Scrivener: While primarily a writing tool, Scrivener can help you organize your story and its interactive components before exporting them to other formats.
Book Creator: A web-based platform that’s incredibly intuitive. You can add audio, video, and interactive elements with ease. It’s great for those who might not be tech-savvy but still want to create beautiful ebooks.
Step 4: Designing Your Ebook
With your tools in hand, it’s time to design your ebook.
Here’s a step-by-step approach:
Layout: Decide on the layout of each page. Keep it simple and visually appealing. Children’s e-books often benefit from colourful, eye-catching designs that complement the story.
Illustrations: High-quality illustrations can make your story pop. If you’re not an artist, consider hiring an illustrator or using stock images from sites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. Remember, illustrations should be consistent in style and vibrant.
Integrating Interactive Elements: Using your chosen tool, start embedding the interactive elements you’ve planned. Test each one to ensure they work smoothly.
Fonts and Text: Choose fonts that are easy to read. For young readers, large and clear fonts are best. Avoid overly decorative fonts that might be hard to decipher. Find out more in my other useful guide What Are The Best Font Choices For Children's Book Text?
Step 5: Testing Your Ebook
Before you publish, test your ebook on different devices. What looks great on an iPad might not work as well on a Kindle or a smartphone.
Make sure that all interactive elements function correctly and that the reading experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Step 6: Publishing Your E-book
Once you’re happy with your interactive e-book, it’s time to publish.
Depending on your target audience, you have several options:
Apple Books: Ideal if you’ve created your ebook using an Apple tool. It’s a popular platform for interactive e-books.
Amazon Kindle: While Kindle devices are more suited to text-based books, the Kindle Fire supports interactive content.
Google Play Books: Another good option that supports various interactive formats.
Self-Hosting: If you have a website, you can host the e-book yourself and offer it as a direct download.
Step 7: Marketing Your E-book
Creating your e-book is only half the journey; now you need to get it into the hands of young readers. Here are some strategies:
Social Media: Share snippets, illustrations, and behind-the-scenes content on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Engage with parents and teachers. Here’s another guide to help you plan your social media. How Can I Use Social Media to Build a Fanbase for My Children's Books?
Book Bloggers and Reviewers: Reach out to bloggers and reviewers who specialize in children’s literature. A positive review can significantly boost your book’s visibility.
Schools and Libraries: Contact local schools and libraries in the UK. Offer to do a virtual reading or provide copies for their collections. Find out more about getting your children’s book into schools How to Get Your Children's Book into UK Schools and Libraries in my other blog
Online Communities: Join online communities and forums where parents and educators discuss children’s books. Be active and share your ebook with them.
How Do I Create Interactive E-books for Children? - Final Thoughts
Creating interactive ebooks for children is completely rewarding combining storytelling with technology.
It’s a fantastic way to engage young minds and foster a love for reading. By crafting a compelling story, integrating interactive elements, choosing the right tools, designing thoughtfully, testing thoroughly, publishing wisely, and marketing effectively – you can create an ebook that captivates and delights children across the UK and beyond.
Remember, the key is to blend creativity with usability. Children are naturally curious and imaginative, and an interactive e-book can be the perfect medium to spark their interest and nurture their love for stories. So start creating and let your story shine in the digital world!
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