B&N brings "Nick" to Nook

NEW YORK -- Barnes & Noble has announced a partnership with Nickelodeon that will bring the first-ever digital books from the number-one entertainment brand for kids. The books will feature such Nickelodeon characters as SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer available in digital format through the Nook Color Reader’s Tablet (www.nookcolor.com) and the free Nook Kids for iPad application (www.nookkids.com/ipad and www.itunes.com/appstore).

Barnes & Noble is now offering a dozen interactive Nook Kids Nickelodeon titles, and will expand to more than 20 next month.

According to the company, Nook's technology enables children to interact with the story. For example they can explore the graphics ins SpongeBob's world under the sea and the places on Dora's map.Coming soon, select Nickelodeon Nook Kids titles will also include Barnes & Noble’s exclusive Read to Me™ feature offering professional narration, so kids can choose to explore books on their own or hear them read out loud.

“Barnes & Noble is proud to deliver the largest, richest digital collection for kids and families. Our technology enables families to read whatever, wherever and however they want. We are thrilled to partner with Nickelodeon to bring their much-loved characters and books to our Nook Kids platform, enhancing what we firmly believe is the most enjoyable and imaginative digital reading offering for kids,” said Wendy Bronfin, director product Management at Barnes & Noble. “Children of all ages love the NOOK Kids experience, and we are so pleased to collaborate with a leading children’s entertainment brand to welcome stories featuring SpongeBob, Dora and Diego to our best-in-class digital children’s reading experience.”