New futures for nonfiction

Ebooks have made a dramatic entrance into the picture book field now they are becoming more important in the nonfiction arena. This month School Library Journal has an excellent roundup called "Pick me! Pick me!" of new nonfiction series available for public and school libraries. Choosing ebooks to be read on computers or mobile devices poses new challenges for librarians used to dealing with print. It's important to know the kind of equipment available in the library, in the school, and in children's homes. SLJ makes some excellent points about the importance of testing these products before purchase and, if possible, having children of the appropriate age try them out. The books are exciting--offering opportunities for vivid graphics, sometimes speech, translation and note taking. We are entering a new era of making information attractive and intereting to children.