Polylino Review – a digital picture book service for early years settings

Polylino provides instant access to hundreds of high-quality, carefully selected picture books translated into over 50 languages.

At a glance

• An engaging and varied online digital library of books for children aged 0-7.
• Both Fiction and non-fiction books are well organised into a variety of genres.
• All books are read aloud to the child enabling those learning to read to use the app independently.
• Books are translated into over 50 different languages, making this a fully inclusive resource.

Combining technology and reading has never been easier with Polylino, the digital library for nurseries and primary schools.

This engaging and innovative app instantly displays a wide range of different picture books to choose from,  all arranged into genres such as animals, non-fiction, emotions and family to name a few.

The app allows the user to swipe up and down, and along each bookshelf to select a book. Clicking on the front cover displays key information such as the intended target age, a short blurb and which of the 50+ languages the book is available in. 

Reading the books on screen is smooth and straightforward. Users can read the text with ease and view the illustrations clearly. 

What really stands out with Polylino is the way that the books can be read aloud to the user.  Switching to ‘child mode’ enables little ones to enjoy listening to the story at their own pace. 

For readers with English as an additional language, Polylino translates many of its books into over 50 different languages – a superb feature and one that should not be underestimated. 

The handy teacher guides for EYFS and KS1 provide practitioners with lots of practical ideas on how Polylino can be utilised within the classroom. 

It is evident that the digital library is not intended as a replacement for traditional books; in fact, Polyino can provide an inclusive and varied approach to promoting the love of reading at school and in the home.

Encouraging all children in your setting to read at home can be challenging at times, however with Polylino the vast library of books can be shared with parents so that children can continue to explore the digital books outside of the classroom. 

QR codes that link directly to a specific book make it quick and easy for the parent or carer to access a particular book.

The verdict

• Seamless to navigate and will get children reading in just a few touches.
• Translate stories into over 50 different languages.
• A varied and wide selection of genres and story types, including non-fiction.
• Will engage the most reluctant of readers.

Upgrade if…

You are looking for an inclusive and extensive library of digital picture books to supplement your classroom library and encourage even the most reluctant readers to develop a love of books.

Reviewed by Ben White