Kids books on the road - swaps, libraries, deliveries...kindle?

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Sounds like something electronic is the way to go, supplemented by op shops if we pass any!
Gerald V can you access the library ebooks through a kindle or only a computer/iPad? I believe a kindle is much more book-like and easier to read from, so would prefer that option with the free ebooks if it works!

Carolyn,

Contrary to popular belief, the Kindle is not tied to the Amazon store. With free software (e.g. Calibre: http://calibre-ebook.com/) you can convert almost any ebook format to another (assuming that they are not copy protected). This means that any open source book available online may be converted to Kindle format (MOBI) with ease.

You can access books from the Library using a Kindle, but you need the right 'tools' added on to Calibre on a PC - it's technically not legal because you have to remove the DRM copy protection to convert to Kindle format. There are, however, many other e-readers that have the same e-ink display that can be used to access the library books directly (and legally!) - almost anything that can read an ePub book. You will still need a laptop to download the books and transfer to your e-reader. If you local library is anything like ours they will have a lot of information to get you started. Ours occasionally runs free training sessions.

We also have Google Nexus 7 Android tablets which can connect directly to the library (using Overdrive Media Console app) for downloading books. IPad will do the same.

That being said, the preferred reading device for our family is a dedicated e-reader because of the e-ink display and 3 week battery life. Although they don't have colour, the display is much easier to look at for long periods and is as easy as a normal paper book to read in direct sunlight.

There are plenty of different options out there, you just have to find one that will work well for you.

Gerald

Another point is that large English bookshops such as the Book Depository sell an excellent range of kids' books on-line and they offer free postage to anywhere in Australia. Might be worth checking such sources. You could shop as you travel! Lynne

Great idea re bookdepository - although I haven't found their delivery times that reliable! But definitely worth considering if we think ahead enough!

Hi Ross, Thanks for making a really good point. Now I come to think of it I have seen quite a bit of informative childrens material at tourist centres, National parks offices etc. Some is free, some not. I notice that the EO shop has kids atlases for sale too, a really good travel accompaniment.

That said, just as we like to read our novels, thrillers or biographies etc at night I suspect children want to do the same too.

Cheers,

Val

You probably need to move her books up a level or two, to later primary at least. I see that some of the Australian classics are reappearing in attractive editions and paperbacks- Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, Blinky Bill etc. Also Enid Blyton's Famous Five series have been reissued- these are still ripping yarns for kids and likely to take longer to read. I remember discovering them at seven. She could be up to Harry Potter too. If all else fails Lord of the Rings should certainly stop her for a while! There is certainly a place for quality non fiction about Australia and the places and animals she is likely to see.
Good luck with the project. I could never keep up with my avid readers! Lynne