Lincolnwood, Ill. - October 31, 2003 - Publications International, Ltd. (PIL) is pleased to unveil the Clock Book series, first-ever interactive soundbooks featuring both digital and analog clock displays to help kids learn to tell time, in a unique offering that leverages the benefits of licensed characters and interactive sound technology, but doesn't get in the way of kids' fun or learning.

Safety tested for children 18 months and up, the Clock Book titles available immediately include "Fun Time with Bob" (Bob the Builder^TM), "Right on Time" (Thomas & Friends^TM), "Time to Dance" (Barbie^TM) and "Party Time with Blue" (Nick Jr. Blues Clues^TM). The Clock Book series is now carried by major retailers across the country.

Each full-color, graphic-rich book takes young readers through a series of adventures with their favorite characters over the course of an action-packed day. Clock Book covers feature a built-in analog clock with large, moveable hands designed for easy manipulation by small fingers. With each adventure, a child is prompted to set the hands of the analog clock to the time corresponding to that part of the story. In addition, a digital display is featured directly beneath the clock face. When the child sets the clock hands and presses the "TIME" button, the digital clock displays the same time, while the Clock Book announces the hour aloud.

"Parents love Clock Book because the engaging stories and characters make it perfect for bed-time or story-time, while the play pattern offers an ideal opportunity to help children master the ability to tell time," said Kerry Cunnion, Executive Vice President of PIL, one of the nation's top three children's book publishers for ages six and under. "We expect the series to be widely popular through this holiday season and year-round."

Founded in 1967, PIL has become the nation's leader in interactive soundbooks since launching its first soundbook more than 10 years ago. In addition, PIL holds as many as 50 popular licenses in children's books - more than any other children's book publisher - including 14 of the 15 top book properties.

PIL also recently launched two new award-winning products. Story Reader^TM is a first-ever portable electronic storybook reader for kids aged three to eight that operates simply by turning book pages, and has earned the National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval. The ActivePAD^TM interactive book and reader system is the newest portable, stylus-driven electronic learning aid for kids ages three and up, and winner of the 2004 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold and SNAP Awards.

For more information about the Clock Book series, or to request artwork or product samples, contact Sarah Kelty or David Schulte at Healy Communications, Inc. at 312/440-3900; sb@healyco.com. Additional information can also be found at www.pilbooks.com.