TRUSTED BY EDUCATORS FOR 30+ YEARS

Lightbox Learning — The best PebbleGo Alternative

For more than 30 years, Lightbox Learning has helped engage students and educators through multi-modal interactive learning.

Our direct-from-publisher model provides flexible print and subscription options that can easily adapt to fit diverse needs and budgets.

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Compare Lightbox Learning

  • Strong Feature
  • Limited Feature
  • Not a Core Feature

Feature

Lightbox Learning

Subscription Pricing
Subscription access to the full collection with flexible customization for districts, schools, and libraries — in print or digital, direct from Lightbox. No middleman.
Subscription-based by module. Print available through a third-party wholesaler.
Print Availability
Print Books Available. Buy direct from the publisher, Lightbox Learning.
Subscription-based only. Other title selections available through Capstone - third-party wholesaler.
Hardcover Book Pricing
Direct Publisher Pricing. Get print for as low as $12 per book.
Available through Capstone. Print $18 and up.
Interative Digital Ebook Included with Print Hardcovers
Every hardcover includes a free interactive eBook, so you get durable print and engaging digital learning in one.
No interactive eBook included. Sold separately via Capstone for $39.99+ / eBook.
Shipping Timeframe
Print order ships from the warehouse within 3-6 business days.
Shipping within 7-10 days for in-stock items, 3-4 weeks for other items through Capstone.
Shipping Cost
FREE SHIPPING on all orders, for all customers!
Free shipping on all orders over $500 only for Libraries and Members. Minimum charge of $10. No Free Shipping.
Processing Fees
Flat $49 shipping and handling per order.
Free on all orders over $500 only for Libraries and Members. Minimum charge of $10. No Free Shipping.

Instruction & Curriculum Depth

Supported Grade Levels
Extends learning support across elementary to high school (K-12).
Primarily designed for early elementary (K-3).
Content Focus
Interactive curriculum-aligned multi-media content for K-12.
Non-fiction research for K-3 students.
Multi-subject curriculum
Integrates multiple subjects within a single system from grades K-12 with multi-module support.
Covers select subjects in a limited scope for grades K-3.
Structured lessons & units
Provides more structured instructional materials that are curriculum-aligned and used to build lessons.
Functions more as a resource library than full lessons.
Standards-aligned instruction
Covers more core subjects within one platform. ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Premium Fiction, and MUCH more.
Supports key subjects, but not full curriculum scope. Science, Social Studies, Biographies, Animals, Health.
Supports older students
Maintains relevance for upper elementary and older learners.
Content focus remains on younger grades.
Multilingual / dual language
Offers 18+ world languages and dual-language support.
Offers limited language options with Spanish and English only.

Research & Critical Thinking

Student research tools
More extensive research pathways and topic exploration tools.
Introductory research experience for young learners.
Informational nonfiction depth
Wider nonfiction range across subjects and grade levels.
Strong early-grade nonfiction database.
Project-based learning
Better suited for extended inquiry and projects.
Not designed for long-term project learning.

Access & Engagement

User Engagement
High engagement across all grade levels and subjects with robust interactive content and subject materials.
High for early learners, limited for multi-media and engaging materials.
Multi-device access
Full browser-based access across classroom and home devices
Browser-based access designed for school and library use.
Multimedia learning
Broader range of multimedia, including video, weblinks, slideshows, quizzes, links, maps, audio, interactive elements, and more.
Audio support and strong visual aids for early learners, like simple read-aloud features and limited interactive elements.
Independent student use
Encourages self-guided learning across all grades and subjects. Supports research, inquiry, and project-based learning.
Designed for independent exploration in early grades. Supports basic research skills for younger learners.
Reading skill support
Builds reading skills with subject-area content and high-quality read-alongs. Listen to the full book narrated or follow along with high-resolution video read-alongs for every page spread. Including 18+ world language support and translations.
Foundational reading development through read-aloud and vocabulary tools.
Read-aloud support
Integrated audio support within instructional content, word highlighting, read-along, and video support.
Consistent read-aloud support for student articles.
Visual engagement
IIncludes more varied interactive and visual learning tools across subjects and grades. Interactive images, videos, tips, and more.
Visual supports are present but less interactive across limited grades and subjects.

Teacher & Libraian Support

Built-in assessments and Lesson planning support
Teachers can customize and build lessons and resources.
Limited customization for lesson plans.
Ease of Use
Engaging multi-media with a variety of accessibility features for all learners.
Simple, intuitive navigation for young learners.
Early learner support
Usable in early grades with guidance and scaffolds.
Specifically tailored to PreK–3 learners.
Learning Level Support
Supports a wider range of learning levels and needs.
Strong early scaffolding but limited upper-level depth and interactive materials.

Accesibility

Library Integration
Strong for classroom, school, and public library use.
Strong for school and public library use.
Technology Integrations
"Supports interactive whiteboards, tablets, and PCs. URL-based - no username or password/no student data collected."
Basic features, easy access via login.
Device Compatability
Web-based, Tablet, and Mobile Devices across browsers.
Web-based, Tablet, and Mobile Devices on limited browsers.
Simultanous Access
Unlimited simultaneous access for students and staff.
Unlimited simultaneous access for students and educators.

Why Educators Choose Lightbox Learning

Get Quote Compare

  • Broader Grade-Level Coverage

    check Lightbox Learning:
    Serves a wider range (K–12), allowing content to grow with students.
    cross PebbleGo:
    Primarily serves early learners (K–3).
  • Enhanced Interactivity
    check Lightbox Learning:
    Videos, slideshows, weblinks, quizzes, and interactive tools that deepen engagement.
    cross PebbleGo:
    Basic read-aloud and simple interactive elements.
  • Multi-Language Support
    check Lightbox Learning:
    18+ languages with dual-language (Spanish/English language options).
    cross PebbleGo:
    English and Spanish only.
  • Richer Content Across Subjects
    check Lightbox Learning:
    Curriculum-aligned content across ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
    cross PebbleGo:
    Focuses mainly on Science, Social Studies, Biographies, and Health.
  • School-Wide Access
    check Lightbox Learning:
    Unlimited simultaneous access for students and educators.
    cross PebbleGo:
    May require additional licenses for expanded access.
  • Educator-Focused Features
    check Lightbox Learning:
    Teacher guides, activities, assessments, and customizable resources.
    cross PebbleGo:
    Limited instructional tools.

Subscription Pricing
Subscription access to the full collection with flexible customization for districts, schools, and libraries — in print or digital, direct from Lightbox. No middleman.
Subscription-based by module. Different pricing for Schools versus Libraries.
Print Availability
Print Books Available. Buy direct from the publisher, Lightbox Learning.
TumbleBook Library is a digital-only.
Hardcover Book Pricing
Direct Publisher Pricing. Get print for as low as $12 per book.
TumbleBook Library is a digital-only.
Interative Digital Ebook Included with Print Hardcovers
Every hardcover includes a free interactive eBook, so you get durable print and engaging digital learning in one.
TumbleBook Library is a digital-only.
Shipping Timeframe
Print order ships from the warehouse within 3-6 business days.
TumbleBook Library is a digital-only.
Shipping Cost
FREE SHIPPING on all orders, for all customers!
TumbleBook Library is a digital-only.
Processing Fees
Flat $49 shipping and handling per order.
TumbleBook Library is a digital-only.

Instruction & Curriculum Depth

Supported Grade Levels
Extends learning support across elementary to high school (K-12).
Mainly elementary-level content (K-6).
Content Focus
Interactive curriculum-aligned multi-media content for K-12.
Digital picture books for K-6.
Multi-subject curriculum
Integrates multiple subjects within a single system from grades K-12 with multi-module support.
Not structured as a curriculum platform for grades K-6.
Structured lessons & units
Provides more structured instructional materials that are curriculum-aligned and used to build lessons.
Does not provide structured units.
Standards-aligned instruction
Covers more core subjects within one platform. ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Premium Fiction, and MUCH more.
Focused primarily on literacy (fiction & non-fiction books).
Supports older students
Maintains relevance for upper elementary and older learners.
Limited appeal beyond early elementary.
Multilingual / dual language
Offers 18+ world languages and dual-language support.
Multilingual content varies by collection.

Research & Critical Thinking

Student research tools
More extensive research pathways and topic exploration tools.
Not structured for student research.
Informational nonfiction depth
Wider nonfiction range across subjects and grade levels.
Includes nonfiction, but secondary to story content.
Project-based learning
Better suited for extended inquiry and projects.
Not intended for project-based instruction.

Access & Engagement

User Engagement
High engagement across all grade levels and subjects with robust interactive content and subject materials.
High for early readers.
Multi-device access
Full browser-based access across classroom and home devices
Web-based access optimized for reading on multiple devices.
Multimedia learning
Broader range of multimedia, including video, weblinks, slideshows, quizzes, links, maps, audio, interactive elements, and more.
Basic multi-media funtions animated storybooks, and narration-focused media. (Read-aloud, animation, quizzes).
Independent student use
Encourages self-guided learning across all grades and subjects. Supports research, inquiry, and project-based learning.
Supports independent reading and listening. Great for self-paced reading.
Reading skill support
Builds reading skills with subject-area content and high-quality read-alongs. Listen to the full book narrated or follow along with high-resolution video read-alongs for every page spread. Including 18+ world language support and translations.
Primary focus on reading fluency and engagement.
Read-aloud support
Integrated audio support within instructional content, word highlighting, read-along, and video support.
Narrated books with word highlighting.
Visual engagement
IIncludes more varied interactive and visual learning tools across subjects and grades. Interactive images, videos, tips, and more.
Visual appeal through animated books. Limited subject matter.

Teacher & Libraian Support

Built-in assessments and Lesson planning support
Teachers can customize and build lessons and resources.
Limited lesson plans.
Ease of Use
Engaging multi-media with a variety of accessibility features for all learners.
Simple, intuitive navigation for young learners.
Early learner support
Usable in early grades with guidance and scaffolds.
Highly accessible for early independent readers
Learning Level Support
Supports a wider range of learning levels and needs.
Reading-level variety without broader instructional differentiation.

Accesibility

Library Integration
Strong for classroom, school, and public library use.
Strong for school and public library use.
Technology Integrations
"Supports interactive whiteboards, tablets, and PCs. URL-based - no username or password/no student data collected."
Basic features, easy access via login.
Device Compatability
Web-based, Tablet, and Mobile Devices across browsers.
Web-based, Tablet, and Mobile Devices on limited browsers.
Simultanous Access
Unlimited simultaneous access for students and staff.
Unlimited simutaneous access.

Why Educators Choose Lightbox Learning

Get Quote Compare

  • Broader Grade-Level Coverage

    check Lightbox Learning:
    Serves a wider range (K–12), allowing content to grow withstudents.
    cross TumbleBooks:
    Primarily supports early and elementary readers (K–6).
  • Enhanced Interactivity
    check Lightbox Learning:
    Videos, slideshows, weblinks, quizzes, and interactive tools that deepen engagement.
    cross TumbleBooks:
    Read-aloud books with limited interactive features.
  • Multi-Language Support
    check Lightbox Learning:
    18+ languages with dual language (Spanish/English language options.
    cross TumbleBooks:
    English, Spanish, and French titles.
  • Richer Content Across Subjects
    check Lightbox Learning:
    Curriculum-aligned content across ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
    cross TumbleBooks:
    Primarily focused on fiction and nonfiction books.
  • School-Wide Access
    check Lightbox Learning:
    Unlimited simultaneous access for students and educators.
    cross TumbleBooks:
    Unlimited access.
  • Educator-Focused Features
    check Lightbox Learning:
    Teacher guides, activities, assessments, and customizable resources.
    cross TumbleBooks:
    Limited instructional tools.