Literacy: Beyond the Ink-Printed Word

One of the mini-themes today is the idea that being a reader transcends "formats." Kids will never get inky fingers reading the newspaper any more, but we hope that they always have the joy of holding and exploring a book.

That said, we also recognize the value and unique opportunities that eBooks and Apps can give our kids. They might just get us over the hump and send reading rates soaring ... at least we can hope so.

Well, that is the idea that Josh Ory and his team (self-described limestone miners!) used as the foundation in creating Reading Racehorse and launching their first eBook app in December 2011.

Even though we are a 'for profit' company, our goal is to teach the world to read. So, in my opinion, it would be selfish of us to not do this. Our concern is for the kids.

What is "this" you ask? Well, it is big. I mean B.I.G. BIG.

For the next 48 hours, Reading Racehorse is giving away Frank the Friendly Pirate, an eBook App available in the iTunes store. [for iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch]  From the iTunes store description:

The defining function of the app is when a word in the story is touched, the pronunciation of that word is heard through the speaker on the device. There are other apps that continuously read stories in their entirety, but we have taken this a crucial step further.

Our app allows the child to read the words they already know. Then when they come to a word that gives them difficulty, he or she can touch that particular word to hear what it is. The reason this works is the natural tendency to take the easiest path. They will simply read the words they already know and only use the touch function on the ones they don't. Eventually the child will be able to read the entire story without touching any words.

No special code, no secret password, just a free download. We are very grateful to Reading Racehorse for this most generous donation and all that it means for connecting kids with books. While you're in the iTunes store, we would love it if you'd thank Josh, too!

Reading Racehorse will be releasing additional titles in 2012, so stay tuned.