Epic Kids Books – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Epic Kids Books

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

app2013

86%

WISE Score

4.7

App Store

Netflix for books—40,000+ titles that actually get kids reading, with parent controls and no ads to derail the literacy mission.

Epic Kids Books

app

4+, 2013

86%

WISE Score

4.7

App Store

Netflix for books—40,000+ titles that actually get kids reading, with parent controls and no ads to derail the literacy mission.

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Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

Epic is one of the few apps that actually delivers on its promise—it gets kids reading. The library is genuinely massive and well-curated, the reading tools are thoughtful (not just tacked on), and the lack of ads or manipulative monetization is refreshing.

The subscription cost is the main barrier for families, but if you've got a reluctant reader or a kid who burns through library books faster than you can return them, it pays for itself in convenience and variety. The educator endorsement and free school access are strong trust signals.

It's not a magic bullet—some kids still prefer physical books, and screen fatigue is real—but as far as educational apps go, this is top-tier. Just monitor that they're actually reading and not just collecting badges.

Age Fit

Best for ages 3-12, the core elementary years when building reading habits matters most. Preschoolers love the Read-To-Me books, while older elementary kids can tackle chapter books independently. Middle schoolers might still use it but often graduate to other platforms or physical books.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A digital library app that promotes reading and learning with kid-safe content. The curated collection of 40,000+ books, audiobooks, and learning videos is designed for children, with parent dashboards for monitoring. The reward system (Reading Buddies, badges) encourages positive habits without being manipulative. Wholesome mission of building reading confidence and curiosity.

Imaginative

Provides access to 40,000+ books across all genres and interests, allowing kids to freely explore topics they're curious about. The variety of formats (ebooks, Read-To-Me books, audiobooks, learning videos) and multilingual options (English, Spanish, French, Chinese) support diverse learning styles. However, it's a consumption platform rather than a creation tool—kids read and listen but don't build or make their own content.

Safe

Kids Mode available, content is curated for children, and the platform is designed to be kid-safe. Subscription-based model (after 7-day trial) means no predatory ads or IAP targeting kids directly. Parent dashboard provides oversight. The free Epic School version for educators is a strong trust signal. Minor concerns: subscription cost could add up for families, and without seeing the full privacy policy details, some caution on data collection is warranted, though the educator endorsement suggests reasonable practices.

Enriching

Directly builds literacy skills—95% of parents report improved reading skills. Features like Spotlight Words, Dictionary Lookup, and quizzes actively teach vocabulary and comprehension. The ability to filter by reading level (AR, DRA, F&P) helps match kids with appropriate challenges. Multilingual books support language development. Strong educator adoption (9 out of 10 would recommend) validates educational value. This is skill-building at its core.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Massive library means even the pickiest reader can find something that clicks—dinosaurs, graphic novels, chapter books, whatever they're into
Read-To-Me books with voice actors and sound effects are clutch for emerging readers or kids who struggle with decoding
Parent dashboard lets you see what they're actually reading (spoiler: probably more Dog Man than you expected)
Vocabulary tools and quizzes sneak in learning without feeling like homework
Free for teachers during school day is genuinely generous and builds trust

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What to Watch For

Subscription cost adds up—evaluate if your kid will actually use it regularly or if the library checkout system works fine for your family
Screen time is still screen time, even when it's reading—some kids need the physical book experience to stay engaged
The sheer volume of choices can be overwhelming for some kids who just freeze and pick the same series over and over
Rewards and badges might motivate some kids but feel like pressure to others

Conversation Starters

"What book are you reading on Epic right now? Can you tell me what's happening?"
"Do you like the Read-To-Me books or reading by yourself better? Why?"
"If you could only keep five books from Epic on your tablet forever, which ones would you choose?"
"What's a new topic you want to learn about? Let's search for it together on Epic."

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