Kindle for a child?

*Twinkle*

my daughter is really into reading, and I was thinking about getting her a kindle, ive never had one so I don't really know much about them but would they be suitable for a 7 year old, is there a good variety of books to buy for her age ect?

J:Redders

Can't see any reason why it would be unsuitable. Plenty of books including childrens bookes available. There's a decent amount of free books also. You can check the Amazon website for the books on offer.


amazon.co.uk/Kindle-eBooks/b/ref=sv_kinh_1?ie=UTF8&node=341689031

Only thing I can think to be careful with is it's VERY easy to buy books if your Kindle is linked to your Amazon account (like, one click easy) - so just watch out for that.

You could probably pick up an older version of the Kindle on Ebay quite cheap now as well.

Kynthia

I can't see why a child couldn't use my kindle (the original with the keyboard). It's just for reading books and as it's not backlit it means you can see if clearly in the sun and it doesn't strain you eyes or give you headaches like phones and laptops do. However would she have her own Amazon account or would you have this in order to control what books she downloads? As you can do this from the Kindle you may want to see if there's a way of preventing this as she could buy lots on your registered card or download unsuitable material. What type of kindle would you have as the Fire is like a tablet as goes on websites like an ipad, so I wouldn't give a child one of these? Hmm, the more I think about it the more risks I can see but I think they can be mitigated. Perhaps go on the Amazon website and see if there's information in the Kindle section about young users.

*Twinkle*

im presuming I can set up parental controls so she cant buy anything???

onlyroz

Yes, our son has a Kindle Fire, and he uses it for reading, watching films and playing games. Parental controls have been set up to restrict his web access and so he can't accidentally buy anything.

sweaty_betty

If you can get hold of one, you might be better with a cheaper option which is the barnes and noble Nook - going at £29 where available. It's only basic but a cheap way of working out if it's going to be used as much as you think/hope (that's the way I looked at it and I'd never go back now!). You can buy books from the Nook store or convert other format books using software such as Calibre etc.

meritaten

a child who loves reading should be encouraged - and although I wouldn't buy a Kindle ( I love the feel of a 'real' book) kids are so used to reading 'on screen' I would buy one for a child.

Tiddlywinks

I would buy the Kindle dedicated book reader and NOT the Kindle Fire as the screen on the Fire is reflective and not designed specifically for books.

There are plenty of books for children and young adults for Kindle so I think this would be a great thing for encouraging reading.

Melonade

I would definitely buy a kindle for a child that reads

I've got the keyboard version and I honestly LOVE it. Ok I'm not a child but reading is reading no matter what age. If you go onto amazon you'll be able to search children's books. They probably have some free ones too.

My son has a kindle fire and we opened him his own amazon account and bought him vouchers so he can buy what apps and music he wants. It never asked for any bank details and you buy the vouchers straight from the amazon site and print them out.

I wasn't sure at first as I love the feel of a real book.... I wouldn't go back now though. I can adjust the size of the font so it's brilliant.

delain

*Twinkle* wrote: »

im presuming I can set up parental controls so she cant buy anything???

You can just disable the wifi on it, then she won't be able to buy anything.

I know I'm not a child, but I love my kindle. I take it everywhere!

Kindle fire is a totally different ball game though, and not for reading books on, it's more about web browsing and silly (very annoying) noisy games like talking tom. DD1 was given one for Christmas last year and I'd suggest the original Kindle any day for a keen to read child.

Though the kindle fire does have good parental controls to stop in app purchases and anything that may cost money.

FBaby

It's an excellent idea....as long as you can trust she would look after it. Unlike a book that can be forgotten anywhere without consequences, losing or forgetting a kindle is much more expensive!

My daughter's eye consultant recommended that she gets a kindle because of an eye condition which means that she would benefit reading larger scripts, so from a health perspective, it is certainly fine. It does take time to adjust to it, didn't think I liked it at first, but now can't go back to books, it is just too convenient.