Epic Alternatives: Interactive Learning Beyond Books

Epic is the Netflix of children's books—40,000+ digital titles for $9.99/month. For families who love reading, it's a remarkable library at a fraction of what physical books would cost. Teachers use it in classrooms. Kids earn badges for books completed.

But here's what many parents discover: having access to 40,000 books doesn't help if your preschooler isn't interested in sitting still for digital reading.

If you're looking for Epic alternatives because your child needs more interactive learning—videos they can watch, games they can play, activities beyond swiping through pages—these apps teach the same foundational skills through formats that work better for active young learners.

Why Parents Look for Epic Alternatives

Epic works brilliantly for certain children. For others, it collects digital dust:

• Reading requires readiness — Epic assumes your child will sit and look at books. Many preschoolers aren't developmentally ready for sustained digital reading, even with pictures.

• Passive format — Books are consumed. There's no interactive reinforcement, no games that practice what kids read, no video explanations of concepts.

• Overwhelming volume — 40,000 books sounds great until you're faced with helping a 3-year-old navigate options. Curation becomes your job.

• Not teaching reading — Epic provides books to read. It doesn't systematically teach reading skills like phonics, letter recognition, or sight words.

• Screen reading isn't book reading — The physical experience of books—turning pages, feeling paper, the ritual of reading together—is lost in digital format.

Quick Comparison: Apps Like Epic

Best Epic Alternatives

Kokotree — Learning Through Watching, Not Just Reading

Some children learn best through video. They absorb information by watching and listening, then reinforce it through play. If your child zones out when handed a digital book but lights up for quality video content, Kokotree aligns with how they naturally learn.

Unlike Epic's vast book library, Kokotree offers curated educational videos created specifically for preschool learning. Kids don't browse through thousands of options—they're presented with purposeful content designed to teach specific skills.

The learning format difference:

• Videos as primary content — Kids watch engaging educational content on letters, numbers, science, social skills, and more. No reading comprehension required.
• Interactive games — After watching, kids play games that reinforce concepts. Active participation, not passive page-turning.
• Printable worksheets — Bridge screen time to hands-on activities with coloring pages, tracing sheets, and activities
• Curated, not overwhelming — Approximately 500 activities organized by topic instead of 40,000 items to sort through

Kokotree doesn't replace the value of reading physical books together. But for independent screen time, it provides learning through formats that work for pre-readers—video and games—rather than assuming digital reading skills.

Why it works better than Epic for many preschoolers: Young children often aren't ready for independent digital reading. Kokotree delivers the same foundational knowledge through video content kids can actually engage with independently.

See our full Kokotree vs Epic comparison →

ABCmouse — Multi-Format Learning Platform

ABCmouse includes books but embeds them in a broader learning experience with games, videos, and activities.

• Variety of formats — Not just books; includes learning games, songs, art activities, videos
• Structured curriculum — Clear learning path rather than library browsing
• Books in context — Reading is one activity among many, not the whole experience
• Progress tracking — See skill development, not just books "read"

Best for: Families wanting comprehensive academics including books. At $14.99/month, it's more expensive than Epic, but offers more than a book library.

Homer — Interactive Reading Lessons

If reading is the goal but your child needs more than passive books, Homer teaches reading through interactive lessons.

• Teaches reading skills — Phonics, sight words, comprehension—not just book access
• Interactive stories — Kids tap, trace, and engage rather than just swiping pages
• Personalized path — Adapts to your child's interests and level
• Stories with purpose — Each story reinforces specific reading skills

Best for: Families committed to reading focus who want active instruction, not just book access.

Khan Academy Kids — Free Interactive Learning

Khan Academy Kids teaches reading through activities, games, and some video—all free.

• 100% free — Khan's nonprofit model means no cost
• Reading embedded in broader curriculum — Letters, phonics, and reading alongside math and SEL
• Interactive, not passive — Kids engage with every activity
• Book companions — Some book-reading features, but emphasis on interaction

Best for: Families wanting free educational apps with interactive learning. Not a book library, but teaches reading foundations.

Vooks — Storybooks That Read Themselves

If you love the idea of Epic but wish books were animated and read aloud:

• Animated storybooks — Classic and modern stories brought to life
• Read-aloud narration — Kids watch and listen, no reading required
• Ad-free, safe content — Curated library, not user-uploaded
• Reading without reading — Accessible to pre-readers

Best for: Families who love stories but have children too young for independent reading. Limited educational curriculum—it's books, not lessons.

Free Epic Alternatives

If Epic's $9.99/month isn't working, these free options offer different approaches:

• Libby + Local Library — Free ebooks through your library. Same format as Epic but no cost. Limited children's selection varies by library.
• Khan Academy Kids — Free interactive learning including reading activities. Not a book library, but teaches reading.
• PBS Kids — Free educational content including story-based learning

Choosing Learning Formats for Your Child

Different children learn differently. Consider what works for yours:

Choose Kokotree if: Your child learns best through video and active games. They might resist digital reading but will engage with educational videos and interactive play.

Choose ABCmouse if: You want books plus everything else. The comprehensive curriculum includes reading materials alongside games, videos, and activities.

Choose Homer if: Reading is your priority, but you want lessons that teach skills—not just access to books they might not read.

Choose Vooks if: You want the book experience but with animation and narration for pre-readers.

Epic Alternatives FAQ

What is the best alternative to Epic?

It depends on what you need. For interactive video-based learning (not books), Kokotree is the best alternative. For comprehensive curriculum including some books, ABCmouse offers more variety. For reading instruction specifically, Homer teaches reading skills rather than just providing book access. For free ebooks, your local library's Libby app provides similar functionality.

Is ABCmouse better than Epic?

They serve different purposes. Epic is a digital library—access to books. ABCmouse is a learning program—structured curriculum with games, videos, and activities. ABCmouse is more educational; Epic is more like having a big bookshelf. ABCmouse costs more ($14.99 vs $9.99).

Are there free apps like Epic?

The closest free equivalent is your library's Libby app for free ebook access. For free educational content (different format from books), Khan Academy Kids offers comprehensive learning. Epic is unique in its specific combination of massive children's book library at a single subscription price.

What if my child won't read digital books?

Many preschoolers aren't developmentally ready for independent digital reading. Apps like Kokotree offer educational video content kids can engage with independently—same learning outcomes, format better suited to pre-readers. You can still read physical books together while using video-based apps for independent screen time.

Can Kokotree replace Epic?

Kokotree can replace Epic for educational screen time, but they're fundamentally different. Epic is a book library. Kokotree is a learning program with videos, games, and printables. If your child wasn't using Epic much because digital reading doesn't suit them, Kokotree's video-first format may work better. Neither replaces reading physical books together.

Ready for Learning That Matches How Your Child Learns?

Some kids learn best through reading. Others through watching, playing, and doing. Kokotree meets learners where they are with videos, games, and activities.

• Try Kokotree Free →
• Get the Kokotree App →
• View Pricing →
• Discover More →

More Alternatives Guides

Looking for alternatives to other apps? These guides might help:

• Duolingo ABC Alternatives — Another literacy-focused app with different limitations
• Khan Academy Kids Alternatives — If you want video content for independent viewing
• YouTube Kids Alternatives — If video content is what your child prefers

← See All Alternatives Guides

Related Pages:

• Kokotree vs Epic: Full Comparison
• See All Preschool App Comparisons