Abracadabra Books, a pioneering company in children’s non-fiction literature, is taking bold steps to transform the way young audiences engage with reading. Founded by Sindhu Narasimhan, an experienced veteran from the technology industry, the company is employing innovative design principles to captivate the hearts and minds of children. With a focus on making reading an enjoyable experience, Abracadabra Books aims to address the literacy challenges facing today’s youth.
Abracadabra Books applies principles derived from app design—simplicity, atomicity, and progressive disclosure—to create its unique range of non-fiction books. These elements ensure each book is engaging and accessible, with bright colors and easy-to-understand formats that encourage children to pick them up. The books are carefully designed to present only one concept per page, gradually revealing more complex ideas as the reader's interest deepens.
“I spent a decade designing smartphone apps, and I know what makes them effective. We are bringing the same principles to designing the new generation of non-fiction books for children to make reading fun,”
- Narasimhan
The company targets children from ages three to twelve, offering hardcover sets starting at $55. The books are not only visually appealing but also cover compelling themes such as culture, biomes, and national parks—topics that are often underrepresented in children's literature but are of great interest to young readers.
“Beyond this, we focus on relatable themes — like culture, biomes, national parks, and more — that lack well-designed books for kids but are topics they are eager to learn about,”
- Abracadabra Books
The company's mission comes at a critical time when literacy rates among children are concerning. According to National Achievement-Level results, only 33% of fourth graders were reading at grade level in 2022. In New York, large districts report that up to eight out of ten children fail annual reading tests. Abracadabra Books aims to collaborate with educational systems to introduce its titles into classrooms, hoping to make a significant impact on these statistics.
Further emphasizing their commitment to reducing screen time for children, Abracadabra Books aligns with the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation that screen time should be limited to an hour a day. By offering engaging alternatives to digital devices, the company hopes to foster a love for reading in young audiences.
Parents have noticed the effectiveness of this approach. One parent shared their experience, highlighting how the books kept their child engaged throughout.
“The books are just perfect and super easy to read and understand. Max stays engaged the entire time.”
- A parent
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