Book Creator is a digital book-making tool with limitless options, suitable for learners of all grade levels. It’s available for both iPad and the web (including Chrome, Safari, and Microsoft Edge). Learners join the class library using a code, and then any books they create can be accessed by the teacher and added to the class library to share with classmates. Before learners create their first book, it’s helpful for them to read the basic tutorial. They then tap the plus sign or New Book icon on the main screen, choose a book shape or template, and then tap the plus icon to add photos, videos, and typed words to the cover page, first page, and so on. Simply swipe to move content around the page and resize or rotate it as desired. Under the “i” tab, learners will find many options for adjusting or deleting items. Every time they want to add something, they just tap the plus sign again. Make the book simple, or take advantage of a large number of fancy bells and whistles. For example, a predictive drawing feature helps create professional-looking graphics based on the user’s input. Once learners are done, books can be shared in tons of ways: by email, AirDrop, Google Drive, Dropbox, printing, publishing to iBooks, and more.

Book Creator offers a number of features to make it widely accessible. It’s available in 10 languages. If your browser is set to one of the supported languages, Book Creator automatically appears in that language. There are options for text-to-speech, closed captions, screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and more to support learners of different abilities. And multiple users can work on the same book across multiple devices, which can support remote learning. There’s also a large support library. And, there’s lots of how-to support to show educators and learners how to use the Book Creator tool — including example books, lesson plan ideas, trainings, and webinars.

To get learners started, have them focus on creating individual pages. Learners should read the tutorial and try to create a sample page within the tutorial. Once they’re familiar with the basic functions, it’s time for learners and educators to start creating a full project: fiction or nonfiction books, how-to manuals with video and audio instructions, photo books, comic strips, and more. Learners could also use Book Creator as a portfolio tool, assembling examples of work throughout a unit or semester. Even though they’ll be creating digitally, the old rules still apply: Have learners sketch out a simple outline and maybe even mock up on paper the basic layout they want to go with. Take note that Book Creator is perfect for app smashing, too, because pretty much anything with a link can be added to a book. Check out our Top Picks lists for tools learners can use to, for instance, create illustrations they can then insert into their books.

Teachers might want to check out the developer-created “50 Ways to Use Book Creator in Your Classroom,” or any number of other ideas for implementation on the website or the Book Creator’s blog. And, in addition to using it in your classroom, consider using it for your classroom in the form of project directions, class resources, and more!

Storytelling and book creation are common creative tasks in classrooms, and there’s no better option than Book Creator. Its ease of use and flexibility with media and publishing make it perfect for empowering learners to create and share their work. With guidance, even learners in early elementary school grades can use this tool to produce and publish their own simple books or comics with images, videos, and audio. And, given the options for adding images and multimedia, even learners who are ready for more challenge won’t feel limited. Plus, book creation itself gets learners using critical-thinking and organization skills as they brainstorm, plan, and make creative decisions about their books.

Once they start to compose pages, learners can learn how multimedia elements help them tell their story or communicate information more effectively. Learners can practice their writing skills and feel pride in translating their thinking into book form. Of course, educators can create books for learners too. This offers educators another way to communicate key class information (like norms and procedures), or to collect and share student learning and accomplishments. Truly, it’s a super-versatile, accessible tool that offers pricing levels to work with varied classroom needs and circumstances.

Website: https://bookcreator.com/

Overall User Consensus About the App

Student Engagement

The straightforward design focuses learners on storytelling. They can easily create ebooks and comic strips using their own photos, drawings, audio (including their own voices), video, and text.

Curriculum and Instruction

It’s versatile enough to be used in any content area, and learners can extend their creativity by incorporating other creations into their books.

Customer Support

It has impressive support and extensive idea resources, including a Facebook group for idea sharing and a book: “50 Ways to Use Book Creator in your Classroom.”