A reading book including a partially electronic page display provides a system and method for implementing interactive and/or animated books without the cost associated with typical electronic books, while retaining the multiple page features of a traditional printed book. The reading book may be a split-page design, where a portion of a reader's view is provided by a fixed electronic display, while a second portion is provided by a plurality of movable pages that may be recirculating electronic pages or printed pages. Alternatively or in concert, the reading book may include partial page areas implemented with electronic displays. Page selection via turning may be detected by optical, electronic or mechanical sensors and the display contents synchronized or activated in response to detected page turning activity.