Despite a strong selection at competitive prices, the new books category never lived up to expectations, as most of our buyers stayed with their existing retailers (mainly Amazon).

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But until then, they are shaking up nearly every category from books to electronics, as the Amazon Kindle Fire HD will attest.

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The vast majority of books belong to a third category: still protected by copyright, or of uncertain status, and out of print.

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That category includes digital books, audio and video content, which have been driven by the massive growth of mobile and tablet devices.

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Mr Stink - about a smelly tramp - goes up against five other books in the seven to 14 category.

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"After the hyper growth in the e-book market over the last few years, consumers have settled into their book formats of choice, and while e-books will continue to drive growth in the book category in the future, physical book sales will have a longer tail (or longer life expectancy) than previously anticipated, " he said in a call with investors.

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In the picture book category, Rebecca Cobb - who has illustrated books by The Gruffalo creator, Julia Donaldson - has been shortlisted for Lunchtime, while Chris Haughton features for a second year running with Oh No George, about a dog who tries very hard to be well-behaved.

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The company has hired experts in each category, such as lighting or rugs or even vintage books.

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Mobclix, an advertising outfit, reckons the number of programmes, or apps, for books on Apple's iPhone recently surpassed that for games, previously the largest category.

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