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The two Steves, Barlow and Skidmore revolutionise the eBook

Authors Steve Barlow and Steve Skidmore have always been experts in reaching out to children through their witty and accessible books, so it comes as no surprise that they are once more at the forefront of new developments in reading and literacy. With the anarchic Vernon Bright titles leading the way the Steves have launched their first range of revolutionary eBooks.

The eBooks are the result of a unique collaboration between author and media ideas company Sleepydog, bringing a real convergence of skills and experience. With more than 125 books published worldwide and over 25 years of working with children of all ages and abilities, there really is no-one more qualified than the Steves to take how children access books and reading to the next level. Sleepydog developed the concept of hit game Buzz! The Music Quiz for the Sony Playstation2 and have a unique approach to finding new media revenue from old media content via the use of technology. The result is a fun, interactive, educational and accessible product which children won’t be able to resist.

We wanted the eBooks to be led from the coalface by experts in books and literacy. Working with Sleepydog we have been able to achieve just that. We have a truly impressive, funny, cool eBook which not only looks good but delivers on our core philosophy of enthusing and engaging young readers.
Steve Skidmore

The eBooks are an extension of the 2 Steves’ brand that has delighted children, parents and educational professionals for so long. With the emphasis on fun and active learning the eBooks really embody the Steves’ familiar mantra “you must get children to want to read”.  With this at the heart of what they are trying to achieve the iPhone and iPod touch were always going to be the delivery systems of choice.  As well as being truly aspirational, the iPhone also has the unrivalled advantage of being a single device for music, games, apps and now eBooks. Gone is the need for a separate e-reader, rather the iPhone and iPod touch celebrate the fact that reading is no different to all the other media that children are embracing.

This is a great idea! Anything that makes reading cool and gets kids reading for pleasure must be a good thing.
Anthony Browne, Children’s Laureate

Steve Barlow and Steve Skidmore started out teaching in Nottingham Comprehensive schools and it was their desire to capture the imagination of those children with little or no interest in reading that set the Steves on their path to success with the now familiar books Vernon Bright, The Dark Forest and Star Bores, amongst many more.

The values that were important then remain so now and embody the design of the eBooks perfected by Sleepydog. The text is easy to read, with manageable line and chapter lengths, fun illustrations and an interactive quiz; all designed to engage even the most reluctant of readers.

These tried and tested titles are now available for the first time from the iTunes App Store as downloadable eBooks to be read on the iPhone and iPod touch, and at the pocket money price of just £1.19 they are the perfect purchase for any young reader.

Available now

Vernon Bright – the scientific genius who doesn’t know when to stop

  • Vernon Bright and the Magnetic Banana
  • Vernon Bright and the End of the World
  • Vernon Bright and the Faster-than-Light Show
  • Vernon Bright and Frankenstein’s Hamster

Tales of the Dark Forest –  journey into a mythical world of trees and scattered cities.

  • Goodkynght!
  • Whizzard!
  • Trollogy!
  • Knyghtmare!

Available now for older children

  • Star Bores – a hilarious parody of good versus evil with new but appallingly familiar characters Princess Liar and Har Har Jinx.
  • Star Bores – Episode I The Panting Menace
  • Star Bores – Episode II The Attack of the Clowns, Episode III The Revenge of the Hith
  • Star Bores – Episode IV A New Hype

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