In a world where digital increasingly encroaches on the print industry, it is essential that publishing houses begin to harvest the benefits that technology can yield.

With the above in mind, it’s great to see a house-hold brand such as HarperCollins release a range of iPhone and iPad apps; even more uplifting to see that these apps are aimed at educating children.

HarperCollins Children’s Books, known for works such as ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’, has launched the ‘ABC Song’ and ‘123: Ants Go Marching’ apps on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.

The apps, published by Curious Puppy, are designed to teach children language, colour and numeracy skills.

Susan Katz, president and publisher of HarperCollins Children’s Books commented on the move:

“Children interact with technology at increasingly younger ages, and our apps are an easy way for parents to offer kids an interactive and educational experience…[these apps] show that learning can be fun year-round and mobile applications are a convenient option to keep a child engaged on the go.”

HarperCollins are not the first publishing company to embrace digital technology: Scholastic, for example, has released a number of apps designed to promote brand awareness for book series as well as educate their audience.

The news that HarperCollins has evolved a digital strategy centered on apps should encourage additional publishing houses to branch out. Embracing the smartphone and tablet industry may see publishers recoup lost ground in their traditional revenue streams.