Minneapolis-based children's book publisher
Lerner Publishing Group has released its first iPad app, a visually rich and
interactive digital version of the book Journey Into the Deep, which Lerner published in 2010.
Rebecca L. Johnson, who wrote the award-winning book, also developed the
app for the Apple iPad, says Terri Reden, vice president of marketing
and digital products for Lerner Publishing Group.
The book and app highlights the work and newly discovered aquatic life
of the Census of Marine Life, an international effort conducted between
2000 and 2010. The app includes content not found in the book, says
Reden, as well as photo slideshows, videos of sea creatures, links to
websites, a discussion guide, and a video introduction with author
Rebecca L. Johnson.
The inaugural app is a new aspect of Lerner's emerging digital catalog,
which includes e-versions of its books, as well as more than 120
"interactive books" aimed at K–5 students who struggle with reading.
While those other offerings are aimed at Lerner's primary
audience--schools and libraries--the iPad app is targeted more towards
families,
says Reden, specifically for 9–14-year-olds (although younger and older
individuals may appreciate the app's colorful images and/or breadth of
information).
Reden described the creation of the app as a sort of act of discovery,
spurred by Johnson's own interest in creating the application. Lerner is
not actively developing a next app, but the company is looking back at
its catalog to see what other titles might work in the format.
The company continues to expand its other digital offerings, says Reden.
Source: Terri Reden, Lerner Publishing Group
Writer: Jeremy Stratton