A list of fiction and nonfiction AR books that’ll completely shake up your reading experience.
Augmented reality isn’t just for video games and fancy apps anymore—it’s found its way into books, creating an awesome interactive reading experience that’ll have you or your kids feeling like the future’s arrived.
AR is a magical experience that adds another layer of immersion to reading stories. The trend is here to stay, and with science and technology only advancing, we’re sure to see more titles like the incredible ones below pop up on our shelves.
But a quick lesson in AR fiction:
What’s an Augmented Reality book?
Let’s start with the basics: AR is technology that superimposes a computer-generated image over a particular canvas, like a phone screen, a pair of AR sunglasses or, you guessed it, even a book. It modifies the real-life environment and creates the potential for new worlds to exist—perhaps mythical or animated.
In the book world, AR is shaking things up. A reader can use an app or device over the physical pages, and see superimposed images that weren’t otherwise there. It’s enhancing the way we—both kids and adults—learn, and is beyond just immersive and educational… It’s incredibly fun.
If you love getting lost in a good story but want something more than just words on a page, these augmented reality books are definitely worth your time.
1. Between Worlds: Folktales of Britain and Ireland
Folklore and myth lovers will want to get their hands on Between Worlds, which mixes traditional storytelling with a modern twist. It brings to life folktales of Britain and Ireland with stunning illustrations but it’s the AR features that makes the mythical creatures pop up right from the pages.
I read this with my nephew on his birthday and I remember his face lighting up the moment an AR wolf appeared. When he dropped off to sleep, I was tempted to keep reading. If you weren’t already convinced, augmented reality books definitely aren’t just for kids!
2. Escape Book 1: The Cursed Temple
by Ivan Tapia
If you love a good escape room, this book is for you. Escape Book combines the puzzle-solving aspects of an escape room with an AR-powered adventure. As you read, you’ll need to solve puzzles to move forward in the story.
The best part? You can use the AR app to scan certain pages and get clues or visuals that will help you unlock the next part of the adventure.
3. Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction
by Jeff VanderMeer
You might think a writing guide would be, well, just a guide, but Wonderbook is anything but ordinary. Not just a book, it’s an experience, because by using augmented reality, VanderMeer’s guide on storytelling literally comes to life.
From the ocean to the stunning outdoors, you can scan illustrations, which lead to diagrams, maps and even cool new layers of narrative tools that’ll help any writer push their creativity to the next level.Even if you’re not into writing you’ll be sucked in by the visuals and augmented reality elements. If you want an AR book that feels like a class and a game all in one, Wonderbook is a must-have.
4. Moonbot Studios Presents: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore
by William Joyce
This one’s perfect if you’re looking for something a bit more whimsical. The Fantastic Flying Books is already a stunning story about the love of books and stories, but the AR elements make it even better. Throughout the book, you can use the companion app to watch pages come to life with animations. It’s like the story leaps off the page and you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into the book yourself.
I remember being skeptical at first, thinking this one might be more for kids, but I was completely charmed after a few scans of the pages. If you’re a lover of all things literary, the AR twists make this book a real treat.
5. iDventure: Cluebox Sherlock Edition
by IDVenture
Technically, this one’s not just a book, but it deserves a spot here. iDventure is an interactive puzzle book with Sherlock Holmes at its heart. The AR app that comes with it gives you a sense of stepping into Sherlock’s shoes as you solve intricate puzzles tied to the story.
You’ll find yourself investigating crime scenes, inspecting clues and feeling like a true detective—all through your phone.
Augmented reality books bring the best of two worlds together—classic storytelling and modern tech. These titles just scratch the surface. Soon, you’ll be exploring oceans, completing your own trekking up Everest or experiencing life in ancient times. These AR books will offer more than just words on a page. Give them a try and let your reading come to life.