Story Reader

$20, Smart Toy

Teaches: reading

CTR Review

Note: See Story Reader 2.0 (2010). Back in the olden days, educators dreamed of a day when children's books would read themselves. That's pretty much what happens with this book reader. This is more "low tech" than you might think. After placing a book and ROM cartridge in the reader, children merely open it to turn it on. The story is read aloud, page by page. The unit has auto page recognition (using magnets taped to each page) so no matter what page the child turns to, that's what's heard. The unit comes with one story-- The Lion King. Additional stories and cartridges are sold separately ($10 each) and include Toy Story and various children's classics like Pinocchio, Bambi and Peter Pan (sold in sets of three for $22). We found the unit to be responsive, and the narration and background music is pleasant. There isn't any interactivity beyond turning the pages, but good stories like these just require listening. A headphone jack is available, and the volume control is good. Spring 2005 Update: PIL has announced a series of Story Reader accessories, including a "Sing-Along Microphone" making it possible to sing with a new series of song books (the microphone plugs into the cartridge slot). Also released is a set of headphones and an AC adapter. We now count over 50 new titles in the library. New releases include Beatrix Potter, Nickelodeon, Disney Princess Stories, Disney Classic Stories, Scooby-Doo, Disney's Winnie the Pooh, Barney, Sesame Street, Tonka, Toy Story, Spongebob, and Disney Princess Stories. Fall 2005 update: price is now only $20 for base unit with 1 title - Finding Nemo. Also available is a Deluxe Fun Pack for $30 which includes the base unit, SpongeBob Squarepants Story Reader Title, A Sing-Along Microphone and Dora the Explorer Story Reader Songbook Title and a Carrying Case. Now over 60 titles in the library including new releases such as Chicken Little and The Incredibles.