Spirit Animals

[ladyofastolat]

I've just been reading about a new series of children's books from Scholastic, called Spirit Animals. It is, according to the publisher, "part engrossing book series and part role-playing game." When the children buy the books, they are able to unlock new elements of an online game in which they create a character and go on quests alongside the book characters.

The librarian in me immediately thinks, "Using games to encourage children to read! Great!"

The role-player in me immediately thinks, "Using books to encourage children to play roleplaying games! Great!"

The cynic in me, rather belatedly, thinks, "Money-grabbing marketing ploy. Grump!"

I am, in short, Conflicted and Confused.