My husband and I tote our laptops everywhere. Padded in their safe cases, they are very portable — and very useful — for trips out with the kids. It’s nice to have spots where waiting is involved but where wifi is available (the dentist, the hair salon)….but that’s not always feasible. That’s why I’m so glad I found out about MobiStories.
MobiStories are storybooks that are complete movie files of books being read, downloadable straight to your computer. They have a great selection to choose from for variety of age groups. I was pleased to see titles that I knew both my daughter and son would enjoy. We downloaded three titles to try out:
1. Bus – A simple, two-word phrase per page description of city sounds. The sound effects sold me on this one!
2. All the Way to the Ocean – A serious, informative story about what happens to trash that is thrown out haphazardly. I knew this one would intrigue my little inquisitive, process-minded 4-year-old, and I was right.
3. Miles the Crocodile – This is a fun, fun tale about a crocodile who loves jazz and the “colors” jazz music evokes. The musical moods change for each color, and the narration and other background interactions are positively endearing.
The kids were smitten with these stories, and I have to admit, I was, too. I actually spent an evening perusing through the selections, making my decision as to which we’d try first, listening to the samples. When the kids finally got to see the stories unfold, they were quiet as mice until we’d finished all three. (They’re experts at balancing the laptop on their little laps. It’s quite funny, really, to find them like this.)
I love this idea. It is just as the founders say: Nothing can replace a hug or story read aloud by YOU, but MobiStories are wonderful when that isn’t possible. I love knowing that, even when we’re stuck waiting somewhere, in the car, or even outside, these stories are available as long as my laptop is nearby.
And look! MobiStories has offered to share a coupon code with each of you readers, just for dropping by their site and looking around at what they have to offer! Once you select a few stories you think your children would enjoy, just enter the coupon code “222A” at the checkout stage for a $10 credit! That’s right! An instant $10 to put towards some fun, new, digital storybooks for your little ones. (But hurry — the coupon code expires on December 31st, 2008 — and is only valid for one sitting — don’t let time run out!)
Have fun!
jodi (3 years ago)
ooh – how fun – thanks for passing it on! Bus sounds like it would be right up W’s alley!
G & R are such cuties with that laptop in their laps! love it!
Grace FULL (3 years ago)
I just checked them out. That’s 2 free stories! Thanks for sharing!