Where emerging readers become confident ones
For educators
Cali Reader is a physical audiobook for the years kids are learning to read on their own. Paper books, enhanced by audio, backed by research.
Developed by researchers and co-designed with kids
Kids love it.
And they come back to it.
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30%
stronger decoding of unfamiliar words
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20%
more accurate, fluent reading of passages
*Preliminary data from current RCT - Read about the study
Meet the Cali Reader: The screen-free reader revolutionizing kids' literacy!
Cali Reader: a screen-free digital reader
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Physical books
Booklets that look and feel like classic picture books.
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Brought to life
Embedded buttons play audio, prompt comprehension questions, and run learning games.
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Without a screen
No glass, no apps, no notifications. Built for PreK–2 attention spans.
Bring Cali Reader to your reading station
Fits during independent reading and group rotation.
Reading Station Set
$1,999
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8 Cali Readers
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64 Reader Stories (8 per Reader)
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8 wired headphones
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30-minute teacher onboarding with a Cali Research Assistant
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Unlimited phone support
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Lifetime warranty on all hardware
Testimonials from educators
Casey Jeffers - 1st Grade Teacher
"Offering diverse reading options during rotations has always been a goal in my classroom, and the Cali Reader delivers: screen-free, interactive, and perfect for independent reading. A game changer for classrooms and homes!"
Becca T. - PHD, Literacy Expert
"As a literacy expert, it's my job to find the best books to grow kids into readers — and the best test is what kids are drawn to again and again. My kids just keep picking up Cali Books over and over. They're so engaging, so fun!"
Kristen F. - Montessori Primary Teacher
"It is so cool to see a child have their own agency over their reading at two years old — no prompting needed, just pulling their Cali Books off the shelf, opening it up, and pressing the button to hear the stories read to them."
Camille N. - Elementary Teacher
"By the end of month two, I noticed that their vocabulary had started expanding and they were learning new words and songs. By the end of month three, their stamina had increased, their focus had increased, and they really enjoyed choosing the books themselves."
Frequently asked questions
How is Cali Reader different from an audiobook?
- Kids hold and turn the pages of a real printed book while the device reads along.
- Interactive activities and comprehension questions embedded in the book help students apply their understanding. Questions adjust in difficulty based on how the student is doing.
How does it fit into the school day?
- Teachers are in full control of how they use their Cali Readers, and most so far have folded it into independent reading time or literacy stations.
- A typical classroom gets 8–10 readers for 20–24 students.
- Since there's no Wi-Fi required and each charge lasts 10+ hours, Cali Readers can move around the classroom without any setup slowing things down.
- Headphones mean several kids can listen and read at once without the sound taking over the room.
How does it align with our curriculum and state standards?
- The Cali Reader was created based on learning theory and the science of reading, and it was improved based on rigorous independent research with students and educators, ensuring that it's designed to support young readers.
- We work with educators to design our content and activities based on early learning standards, Common Core State Standards, and Next Generation Science Standards for K-2nd grade.
- Comprehension questions and STEM activities adapt automatically to each student's level, so students aren't stuck with material that's too easy or too hard for them.
How durable is it, and what happens if something breaks?
- The Cali Reader, buttons, and firmware have been carefully designed and revised based on educator feedback and pilot testing with children.
- Every device comes with a lifetime warranty, so it's replaced for any reason, including damage caused by kids.
- Beyond the initial onboarding, unlimited phone support is there whenever a teacher needs help or just has a quick question.
How is student privacy protected?
- Cali Reader is FERPA and COPPA compliant.
- Cali Readers work completely offline. Nothing connects to your network, and there's nothing for IT to configure or secure.
- We never sell or share student data with third parties.