In an evident attempt to establish itself with children and their parents as a digital e-book leader, US’ biggest bookstore chain Barnes & Noble (B&N) will soon launch a digital collection of over 12,000 children’s books under the name Nook Kids.

The child-oriented book app, which will boast the works of 15 children’s books publishers – including some big names like HarperCollins and Random House -, will be aimed at children aged between 3 and 8 years. The works will chiefly include picture books, novels, as well as a selection of enhanced editions of classics, like “Jamberry.”

Talking about the Nook Kids app, Judith Haut - Senior VP of digital marketing at Random House Children's Books - said: “We're excited about this new direction. We're interested in making sure kids can enjoy our books in many new ways.”

The Nook Kids platform has been designed particularly for the Nook Color, iPad and other color touchscreen devices. While some books will have an embedded spoken version of the book; others will either have interactive elements or will allow users pinch to zoom pictures or double-tap the text.

It is being reported that nearly 12,000 chapter books will likely become available at NookKids. com by late Sunday. Furthermore, about 100 picture books are expected to become available in mid-November; while nearly 30 enhanced picture books will be available by the end of 2010 or early next year.