Discover More About Penguins, Planets and People in New Multi-Platform Non-Fiction Series From Scholastic

NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In the age of eye-catching apps and online video, today's kids are looking for a different kind of reading experience. Now kids ages 4 and up can dig deeply into the topics that pique their curiosity – from the planets to penguins – with a new multi-platform non-fiction series from the most trusted source, Scholastic (NASDAQ: SCHL).  Scholastic Discover More™ includes non-fiction print books with rich graphics and stunning photographs along with companion digital content downloadable from the web – all clearly marked for different ages and reading levels so parents and teachers can choose just the right book for every child.  The series launches with two books for each age level:  Farm and See Me Grow for Emergent Readers (ages 4+); Planets and Penguins for Confident Readers (ages 6+); and The Elements and Oceans and Sea for Expert Readers (ages 9+). The series is available at retail outlets and through Scholastic Book Clubs and Book Fairs.

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"With the demand for non-fiction children's books increasing as teachers and families prepare young readers to meet rigorous standards like the new Common Core State Standards, Scholastic is proud to unveil this digitally-infused, multi-platform, non-fiction series that will inspire students to explore their world and become lifelong readers," said Francie Alexander, Chief Academic Officer at Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education and media company.  "We think kids, parents and educators will love this appealing series that represents the way kids want to learn today – with engaging text, rich graphics, detailed photographs and exciting real-world video."

Inside each book is a unique code that gives students access to the free corresponding interactive digital content in PDF format. The Scholastic Discover More digital content is whiteboard-compatible for classrooms and offers rich supplemental materials and teaching tools such as in-depth articles, charts, quizzes, and videos to support the text and allow children the chance to join scientists on their explorations. In response to teachers who are asking for more online and technology-based content for the classroom, this new series uses multiple formats to engage students with varying interests and learning styles.

"Scholastic Discover More transforms non-fiction books into a fun and immersive journey of discovery at all reading levels and engages children with exciting new tools and formats," said Ellie Berger, President of Scholastic Trade Publishing. "The combination of print and digital content provides children and families with non-fiction books and materials to motivate kids to read and discover in school and at home."

The Scholastic Discover More series includes:

• Free digital content— Each strand inspires kids to "discover more" with additional text, photos and video, making reading and learning more interactive and personal.
• Authoritative content—Experts and academics provide the most up-to-date information and context both in print and digitally.
• Contemporary graphic design— Photography, illustrations, graphics and text combine in a fresh and dynamic style that appeals to today's young readers.
• Learning activities— Kids become mini-scientists and explorers as they learn about cause and effect, make predictions and think critically about the facts.

For more information about Scholastic, visit our media room http://mediaroom.scholastic.com.

SOURCE Scholastic