Reading Rainbow Rides Again

The very popular PBS program launched in the 80's, "Reading Rainbow" has taken a leap into the digital world to engage young readers targeting ages 3-9.  There is now an app for Reading Rainbow.  It is being promoted by Levar Burton, the well-known host of the original program.  In describing the original Reading Rainbow Burton states that  they were using the most up-to-date technology of the time, television.  With the exponential growth of today's technology they wanted to find a way to bring Reading Rainbow to a new generation.  Their answer, an app for the iPad.  The app is free with one book, then it operates on a subscription basis of $9.99 per month or $29.99 per 6 months.  There are currently 150 titles available as well as 4 different themed floating islands on which users can now take 16 video field trips; My Friends and Family, Genius Academy, Animal Kingdom, Action Adventures and Magic Tales.  With the subscription basis, either a month or 6 months, users have unlimited access to titles rather than purchasing each book individually.  More books and more floating islands will be added related to subscribers preferences.  Given the high quality of the original program in promoting reading in a most engaging fashion, one can hope this app will provide the same high quality experience.  Let's offer this information to our parents of young readers and let them decide if this would be the type of experience they would wish for their children.