Toy Story Reviews

Story Reader interactive books are a terrific way for children to begin learning to read. The simple design allows even the youngest Disney fan to "read" Toy Story 2. Just place the illustrated book inside the portable plastic Story Reader, insert the cartridge, and open the cover. A narrator will begin reading at any page the book is opened to. Children can follow along, seeing the words they hear and begin making sense of the printed word. The animated voice of the narrator, along with engaging sound effects and music, will draw the child into the exciting world of Toy Story 2--or any of the other Disney Story Reader titles (other books not included). A handle and the lightweight design of the Story Reader makes it a snap to carry everywhere, from play groups to road trips to Grandma's house. There's even a headphone jack for more private readings! (Four "AAA" batteries required--not included) --Emilie Coulter

Like well-illustrated books, Tell-A-Story offers worlds for children to enter. In this game, 50 picture cards teach memory, reading, and storytelling skills as children invent stories to match the pictures. Whenever a player collects five cards with the same character, he or she arranges the cards to create and tell a story. Parents may need to help little ones lay out the cards, but once they're launched, kids will want to return to the same story over and over again. --Lynne Sampson