Story Reader (Story Reader)

STORY READER, from Publications International, looks like an oversize plastic book. Once the software cartridge and special book are inserted into the gadget, the unit turns itself on and starts to read the book out loud. When it finishes reading a page, it tells the child to turn to the next one. However, if the child decides to flip to a different page, the Story Reader recognizes which page is open and reads that page.

There are over 50 books available for the Story Reader. Some feature the voices of popular characters; others do not. The three-pack storybook library, featuring "Dora's Garden Adventure," "Blue's Perfect Picnic Spot," and "SpongeBob SquarePants Grand Prize Winner," all use the expected character voices. Special add-on songbooks come packaged with a microphone that allows kids to sing with such favorites as Scooby-Doo or Disney's Winnie the Pooh.

This Story Reader doesn't play games with kids, nor does it ask questions. It simply reads books out loud. But it's this simplicity that sets it apart from more interactive products. The "Story Reader" reads with great clarity, accompanied by music.

The Story Reader unit comes with one book for $24.99. Add-on books are $9.99 or come in a three-packs for $24.99.