How far is up?: encouraging social interaction through children's book app design

Abstract

Historically picture books have been a social medium, an item understood by a combination of child and adult readers. Book apps are a new format for picture books. These items do not commonly require an adult co-reader; the audio narration 'reads' the text to the child. How Far is UP? is a children's book app designed to foster social engagement. Through interacting with the work users uncover text that contains different information to the audio narration. Pre-literate audience will not be able to comprehend the textual aspect of the narrative. Children will require an adult to read the text aloud and to discuss the content so that together they can formulate deeper narrative meaning. This study draws on children's literary theory with the view to uncovering ways in which interactive digital storybooks can entertain, educate and foster meaningful social, intergenerational bonding.