At first, Miss T was fascinated to see that each page was the same. She inspected the bear, the butterflies, and strawberries on each screenshot and each page. Then somewhere along the way, she quit checking to see if they were the same. She pointed to the printed book, “You turn that one.” She took charge of swiping pages on the iPad.
        Nana exhibited her surprise with the statement, “I never would’ve guessed that.”
        I didn’t view Miss T’s decision as an actual preference, but as a practicality. For her little fingers, the paper pages were harder to turn. She’s also keen on sharing and taking turns. Once she mastered swiping the pages, she was at ease taking charge of the device while enjoying the story. She continued to enjoy the story both in print and pixels.

Last week I received the call every long distance Grandma longs for..."We're planning a trip to visit this summer." Then my daughter-in-law announced they might be driving from Arkansas to California. For the full picture, that would be, Mom, Dad, nine-year-old, six-year-old, five-year-old and a three-year-old golden retriever in one vehicle. The cat’s staying home this time.

Parents today face the same challenges as always, what to pack and how much to pack. When we traveled with our young family, books and in-the-car activities were a must. It's no different today; however, the options are much broader and more compact.

Tips for traveling with kids and digital devices:

• Look for digital books or activities related to your destination. Many tourist attractions also have a QR Code you can scan with your device. (Choose QR Code Apps carefully.)

• Kids love to know information about new discoveries, consider adding field guides to your collection. Search for “field guides subject” I found some wonderful ones on mammals, reptiles, and rocks.
• If you're traveling to an area without a data connection, download items from your cloud ahead of time.
• Download items while with Wi-Fi rather than using data allowance.
  

• Choose silent mode for books and apps or use child-safe earphones.
• No child-safe earphones? Get some, protect their young ears.
• Services such as iBooks and Kindle allow syncing across multiple devices so you a reader can resume where he or she left off. If multiple children are reading on different devices within the same account, this can be confusing. If the option is available, don’t sync across multiple devices.

• Set digital usage parameters. Just like at home, limit and pace electronic usage.
• Establish a polite interruption protocol. Reading a good book or engaging in an activity can be consuming.
• Some locations are not suitable for digital devices. Rafting comes to mind.
• Set up a central luggage location for devices and chargers to avoid misplacing them while traveling.
  

I personally think it's a good idea,to pack physical books and tactile activities along with digital devices. Mix it up.

Finally, it's okay to unplug. In the summer, we often vacation at a location with no amenities except the great outdoors. No phones. No cell connection. No electricity. The only running water is in the creek. Our grandchildren don't miss the electronics and are perfectly happy with drawing supplies and physical books when they’re done poking around the creek for caddisfly larvae.

Mary A Livingston is an award winning illustrator, photographer, author and designer. She believes that today is an exciting and challenging time in the children’s book industry as the digital market finds its way alongside traditional printed books. Beginning in Fall 2014 she will be teaching a CBA course Using InDesign for Picture Book Dummies and eBooks that will make this complex but extremely helpful program accessible for creatives.
Born in Hoopa, she grew up in the forested communities of Humboldt and Trinity Counties of Northern California. She attended Shasta College, Humboldt State University, and Loyola University. She has also worked in education, photography, and liturgical design. She and her husband, Tim, have two sons and three grandchildren.
    You can find out more about Mary at www.maryalivingston.com

By Mary A Livingston

    While reading the 2014 Digital Book Award Finalists in the children’s category, I was focused on how the digital application delivered literary content. Then to my surprise, my personal live image appeared within an illustration of Little Red Riding Hood, Nosy Crow, picture book app. I searched the menu looking for the privacy policy as well as how to opt out of that particular feature. I finally found my way to the “grownup” section. The app linked to the internet for the privacy policy. There wasn’t an opt out option, nor was there information about the use of my image. This experience left a knot in the pit of my stomach.

    So who sees or uses the pictures of my kids? My grandkids? What other information might be transmitted?   
    As I investigated the privacy policy of all finalists, I discovered a wide variation in privacy policies, permissions and ease of finding the information within the app. Some international titles didn’t include a privacy policy at all.
    The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), effective April 21, 2000 addresses online collection of personal information from children under 13. Technology has evolved quite a bit since then.  
    The FTC 2012 Staff Report, “Mobile Apps for Kids: disclosures Still Not Making the Grade” highlighted the need for transparency in the mobile marketplace. 

    The COPPA Rule changes taking effect July 1, 2013, addressed updated technology such as “apps” directed to children under 13. Under the 2013 rule changes, the definition of “personal information” expanded to include photo or video of a child’s image, or audio file with a child’s voice.
Parental consent and notice are required for the collection of personal information from a child.
     From the COPPA Rule 2013 description, it would appear that permission was required for the in-app photo collection since the app is by design for a child. However, the FTC article “Complying with COPPA: Frequently Asked Questions” states:

    So, unless the app is transmitting the photo, it is not a violation. But, how do I know it’s not transmitting the photo? The privacy policy didn’t address photos or other in app data collection. So I don’t know.

     Adults are perfectly capable of making decisions to accept terms, turn off features or not purchase a product that doesn’t respect their privacy. Children, however, are in a protected class when it comes to privacy issues.
    Parents need to know how information is collected, how it’s stored, and if it’s transmitted. If you question the privacy policy of child-directed digital media, look for the privacy policy. If it’s not clear, ask for clarification. Organizations, such as Moms with Apps, list developers adhering to best practices policies.
    If you’re digital book author or illustrator, you should know the privacy policy associated with your title. I know I’ll be insisting on an easy to access, COPPA compliant, transparent policy when my digital titles are released.
    For the consumer, I know it’s a hassle, but read the privacy policy. Know how to disable or allow interactions on your device. Preview how the digital book interacts with your child first. The best protector of children’s privacy is well-informed parents or guardians.

I'd love to know if you read the privacy policy of digital book apps, comment below or take this poll.

To find out more about COPPA:

Original COPPA http://www.coppa.org/coppa.htm
COPPA Rule Changes http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-01-17/pdf/2012-31341.pdf
COPPA FAQ http://www.business.ftc.gov/documents/0493-Complying-with-COPPA-Frequently-Asked-Questions

        Picture books are a glorious balance of story and illustration. Now, enter a third artistic element…digital presentation. By considering digital interpretation as an art, rather than embellishments or accessories, there is opportunity to add another dimension to the story. Just as an artist uses a limited color palette or as an author uses a limited number of words, a digital designer will do well to limit the digital enhancements when designing a digital picture book. The reasons to limit a digital palette are the same as for the art of writing and illustrating. It serves to bring focus to a point and distractions to a minimum. When choosing to animate, interact or amplify, consider the story first.

The first scene of COWZAT!

• Thirteen automatic animations.
• Thirteen interactive elements.
• Each word bounces and highlights as it’s read.
• Story always reads aloud, no option to turn off narration.
• Each word bounces and sounds when touched.

     A child can spend several minutes exploring this one scene. The pooping parrot alone will entertain a five-year-old boy to the point of forgetting the story, but it’s not relevant to the story. Add the auditory flatulence of the cow pie and it even delights a 12-year-old boy. So much is happening in this scene that the only reason to go to the next scene is to see more digital candy. Story? What story?
    The animations are elegant, smooth, and clever…but so numerous they interfere with the story flow. It becomes more like a cartoon than an interactive book especially since the narration will not turn off. The unrelated digital content is a distraction and the sheer number of actions overwhelms the story content.

        The digital actions of Prancing, Dancing Lily don't interfere with the story. Each digital element has a place in the story. Some build on the existing illustrations, others add information.
        The temptation to show off animation skills and cram the screen with a gluttonous load of electronic gibber can snuff the life out of a story. While I appreciate the animation quality of COWZAT!, the digital designers of Prancing, Dancing Lily have respected the story by making appropriate enhancements.
        Digital design is part of an artistic triad for picture eBooks. The digital elements and interactivity should be included in the editorial process like the text and illustrations. Just as an author and illustrator must evaluate the relevance of specific words or imagery, the digital designer must consider if the animation or interactivity is pertinent to the specific story.

The 2014 Digital Book Award winners are in. As a small press publisher, author-illustrator, and a mom/grandma of a techno savvy family, I’ve enthusiastically explored the world of digital picture books. Just like their physical counterparts, presentation matters. Digital picture books come in a variety of platforms and each platform has a wide depth of execution. The basic form, known as a fixed ebook, is typically screen shots of the physical book with no bells or whistles. The other extreme of the digital picture book is the interactive, animated, game loaded, book app. One is underwhelming, the other overwhelming. Somewhere in between is the enhanced digital book.

I reviewed the 2014 Digital Book Award Finalist in Children’s categories prior to the winners’ announcement. I find it interesting that while I appreciate the story content of the winners, I’m not as pleased with the digital interpretation.

Since the children’s categories combine picture books and chapter books, Good Night Moon and The Adventures of Captain Underpants were in head-to-head competition. This is just more evidence of the digital market finding its way.

Most of the finalist titles are available on a variety of platforms. I’ve noted the platform I used while reviewing the digital editions. The experience may be different on another device.

Category description from 2014 Digital Book Awards:
App—If the title must be downloaded from an App Store, and/or the ebook title can only be read on an app platform, it’s an app. It can be a native app or a web-based app. Files formatted using ePub and KF8 specifications are not considered apps.
App – Children
Winner: COWZAT!, Colour Me Play
Picture Book, My device experience:  iPad App also available Android App

This digital book app is full of animation gyrations, text undulations, and cacophonous sensations, all of which are a bit overwhelming and in my opinion interfere with the story. It’s hard to know where to look without an anti-emetic on board and I’m not prone to motion sickness. Too bad, because it’s a fun story with lyrical rhyme and lots of action. Sometimes, just because the technology can make it wiggle, squeak, and squirm, doesn’t mean it should be included.

The read to myself option is missing from this title. The user can only choose between between play and autoplay. While this award winning title is a great story and the digital designers know all the bells and whistles, it’s more like a cartoon video than a book. Great story with an overdone app.

App Finalists:
The Adventures of Captain Underpants, Scholastic
Chapter Book,  My device experience:  iPad App

This book app is a basic digital ebook with the option of accessing interactive material. Fortunately, the interactive material isn’t intermixed with the story text. Kids have the option of hearing the story or reading it themselves. They can even turn the narration on and off at any time during the story.

Good execution of the page swipes in this edition. The next page spread flows into place without jarring the visual cortex. The privacy policy and information is clearly stated.

Axel’s Chain Reaction, Allison Pomenta
Picture Book,   My device experience:  iPad App

I was able to download a lite version at no cost to sample the book app. Wise move on the part of the publisher. I purchased the full version because I invested in the story and wanted to know the outcome. I wasn’t disappointed.

The interactivity of this picture book includes precisely timed tapping of characters. The execution of animations are controlled and add to the story. Separate from the story, educational applications expand on the subject of kinetic art with hands on activities. The privacy policy is clearly stated and easy for parents or teachers to find. I thoroughly enjoyed this story app. I plan to purchase it for my grandchildren.   

Goodnight Moon Storybook App, Loud Crow Interactive
Picture Book,  My device experience:  iPad App

I was eager to view this bedtime classic. I appreciate the parental link to privacy policy. Read options include read to me, autoplay and read myself. At any time during the read myself option, the user can activate audio. Note on text highlighting, dark red and black are difficult for some viewers with color acuity issues. On a positive note, the background music has volume control.

The interactive illustration jiggles don't auto-load, so the user may enjoy a straight book experience. The interactive animations distract from the bedtime feel so these options are best for a non-bedtime experience.

For the most part, it's pleasantly paced and calming for young children. My two year-old nephew comes to mind as a good recipient.

Little Red Riding Hood, Nosy Crow
Picture Book,  My device experience:  iPad App

This story app has offers different routes to Grandma’s house. Along each route, Little Red adds to her already heavy basket. The items she collects come into play during the finale. Users must tap blue dots to experience the full story. Without tapping in the correct order or at the correct time the story may not make sense.

Privacy warning. Typically, apps or ebooks will ask to use the camera or microphone on your device, or at least issue a privacy statement. No such option offered for this ebook, imagine my surprise when the app accessed my camera and I viewed my own reflection in the pool in the woods. I’m particularly concerned for the privacy of children. A privacy policy should clearly state any device interaction. This ebook edition doesn’t include a privacy policy.

Ebook fixed format/Enhanced Finalists:
Seahorses & Pipefish, Dive in Your Imagination
Enhanced Photo Picture Book, My device experience:  iBook

Lovely underwater photography with exquisite use of limited pallet and composition elevating this to an art-photo ebook. The imagery expertly educates about seahorses and pipefish in an elegant way. Speaker button reads on command. The user may activate videos showing how each subject moves. I’m really looking forward to sharing this with my grandkids.

Alicewinks: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Walrus & Carpenter Productions LLC
Chapter Book,  My device experience: iBook also available on Kindle

I like the presentation of different artists’ depictions of Alice over the years. The mild animation complements the text and moves in a non-overwhelming fashion. However, during play of the book the characters morph from one artist rendering to the next. The reader will benefit by viewing the artist archive before reading or experiencing the story.

First Time on a Plane, Parragon
Picture Book,  My device experience:  iBook

No read aloud option. Activities are age appropriate. I might be picky here, but when Dan’s dad makes a beep at the metal detector, we never find out why or what happened. On a positive note, the text is clear to read.

Category description from 2014 Digital Book Awards:
Ebook Flowable—These files are made in ePub and/or KF8 without utilizing features such as audio, video, HTML5, Javascript, fixed layout, pop-outs, etc., in order to work on a wide variety of e-reading devices.
Ebook Flowable – Children
Winner: Can You Survive the Titanic?: An Interactive Survival Adventure, Capstone Press
Chapter Book, My device experience:  Kindle

The reader has the option of choosing a role or actions in the story to experience the Titanic’s sinking. Period art and photos are interspersed throughout the text. Includes some bios of real survivors. The story adapts its flow to the content selected by the user. This is a classic example of how the digital experience may interfere with the brain’s natural mapping of text in a traditional book. A menu tree showing the various story branches would help the user navigate to a previous section. That aside, it is an excellent way for kids to enjoy historical fiction from a variety of perspectives.

Finalists:
Cinderella Spinderella, Light Publications
Chapter Book,  My device experience: iBook

I put away my personal disdain of prince rescuing damsel stories and read the book anyway. The “Spinderella” in the title comes from Cinderella’s wheelchair. In this chapter book, the user chooses a black, white, Asian, Hispanic or Subcontinent Indian for Eleanor, aka Cinderella, and/or her Prince.

The digital execution of the story is well done, but I personally have an issue with the overall message of prince rescuing stories. While it includes contemporary twists, wheelchair bound Cinderella lives in the inner city, why not take it all the way? Must it take a prince to rescue her?