Still, the current technology is not ready to take out under a tree on a warm summer day when there is nothing else to do. This was true with several other books we read. We do note, however, that sometimes a movie can be used to spark interest in a book and get a child to read a book that might otherwise go ignored. The new CD-ROM books are also great tools for parents. The Arthur series is particularly well done because it features so many hidden surprises that play off the funny happenings in the books themselves.
Audio tapes are also a good tool to use.
Books on tape make great travel companions and allow parents to extend the influence of good literature. We are truly blessed to live in this age, but that doesn't mean that black type on white paper is going away. A final note here. The critical element here is story. Good stories will always capture the imagination, no matter what format is used for the presentation.