ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Open textbook

An open textbook is like a storybook that grown-ups use for learning new things. But this storybook is special because it is free for everyone to read and learn from. That means nobody has to pay money to buy it. Isn't that cool?

Now, imagine you need a book to learn about history or science, but you don't have any money. It's okay because some teachers and nice people got together and made open textbooks for kids just like you. They made sure to explain everything in simple words, so you can understand them easily.

And the good thing about these books is that anyone can edit them to make them better. If someone finds a mistake or wants to add more information, they can do that, and the book will become better for everyone to read. It's like a big group effort to create the perfect book!

So, if you ever need to study something, just ask your teacher if there's an open textbook for it. And if there isn't, maybe you can get your friends and teachers to work together and make one yourselves!