Scholastic has launched an app that will make its library of kids’ books available on computers, tablets, and smartphones. The app, Storia, is currently available as a PC software beta to selected customers through the company’s website. Later this month, an iPad version will be made available on iTunes.
Initially, Scholastic has made the PC/iPad app available to teachers and families who buy content through the the company’s book clubs and other company sales channels. When a user initially downloads the app, Scholastic is offering them five free additional book titles. The company plans to add support for iPhones, Macs, and Android devices, but has not provided any availability date. In the fall, the publisher plans to make over 2,000 book titles generally available to the public from its Storia online store using the app. Titles will cost between $2 and $20.
Scholastic’s books include such titles as Clifford the Big Red Dog and Ready Freddy. Currently, the publisher gets only about five percent of its sales from digital distribution. Scholastic believes that Storia, which targets children ages 3-14, will help it reach a much broader electronic audience
