Today we welcome Jason Lane of MagicBlox to the blog and we’re going to talk about his new online children’s book library available to families by subscription.
Jason: Our vision was to create and grow a digital library full of wonderful books to enrich the lives of children around the world and give parents affordable access for less than the cost of just a couple of paper books. We also give authors and publishers the ability to add their kids books for free, enabling a new distribution channel for them to make money and get recognized.
Dani: And it’s a lot of magic for a little money – an unlimited annual fee for the access pass is only $19.99. There are also shorter increments you can sign up for and one month trial is free. How do you get books for the library, and what age groups are you focusing on?
Jason: We’re always on the look-out for new independent children’s book authors to add to the library and there’s a page just for them at the website. Our books are geared to children kindergarten through 5th grade.
Dani: How does one read a MagicBlox book?
Jason: Simply find a book title that looks interesting on our virtual book shelf, and then click on a few big buttons that even a toddler can use. Here’s the screen below.
Dani: I have to jump in and tell about the Little Pickle Press books that you have in the library, which I’ve just tried out using your marvelous page-turning magic! Readers here know that the LPP books are all printed in an environmentally sound manner, and having good e-book capability is part of the green model the company follows. It’s wonderful to have the books available for reading and review on the MagicBlox site, and if the book becomes well-loved and the reader wants a hardcopy, they can buy one at the Little Pickle Press website. This makes more sense to me than buying books sight-unseen and ending up with another product that doesn’t get used.
 |
| Click on the screen to enlarge |
Dani: What are some last words to really explain what MagicBlox is about?
Jason: The key value props? Affordable, interactive fun, unlimited anytime use, that puts books in kids’ hands, and encourages reading 24 hours a day.
Dani: You’ll be meeting up with the LPP Team this weekend, right? Tell us about it.
Jason: We’ll be sharing a booth (#348) at the LA Times Festival of Books on the University of Southern California campus. Stop by and see us!
Dani: You’ll no doubt be tweeting on-location. (Jason is the king of social networking, and that’s another reason to get your kidlit on his site! This man knows how to promote.) Readers can read and tweet along by using hashtag #LATFOB. Everyone be sure to connect with Jason at his various online sites, and try out the magical MagicBlox online children’s book library by purchasing an access pass today. There's even a gift card option for grandparents who want to give the gift of reading at an affordable cost.
10 comments:
All children's book writers and illustrators need to add their books to MagicBlox. I've been reading through the books and it's really a cool experience. Kids will love this! The books they love the best will end up on their bedroom bookshelves.
Thanks Dani! Anyone interested in a Magicblox Access Pass or adding your book to our library, don't hesitate to contact us..
Thank you Dani for the great interview, and to Jason for the wonderful new e-reading opportunity for families! I look forward to the LA Times Festival of Books tomorrow, and will spend some time at the Little Pickle Press booth. See you there!
We have had the opportunity to meet many technology purveyors who have targeted the children's book market. MagicBlox stands out as an innovative and high quality solution, and Jason Lane and his team are a delight. We are proud to be their partner.
This is GREAT! I cant wait to share this with the children in my life!
Hi, Jason! It is an honor to have Sofia's Dream on MagicBlox. Thank you for your role in this. You have a great service and I'm sure you will do well. I look forward to meeting you someday. ~Land Wilson
This is fantastic! The cost is far less then a subscription for movie rentals and far more valuable! Thank you Jason..this is sure to be very successful!
This looks amazing! Thank you for sharing!
I think this is such a great idea...! I talk to children's book authors and illustrators all the time who all share the same concern - How can independent books get out into the world. I love what you guys are doing.
Thanks,
Chris Blair
Magic Blox is an affordable and wonderful way to share and experience books with kids. I loved reading this interview and can't wait to explore more on my own.
Post a Comment