As children turn the pages of each Story Reader book, their most popular children's stories and licensed characters come to life. Almost magically, a narrator reads the book to them as each page is turned, while Story Reader adds sound effects and music to accompany the story. Children need only turn pages - no buttons or stylus are required. Story Reader's proprietary technology recognizes what page the child is viewing, allowing them to control the experience.

The lightweight, portable design features a hinged clamshell-style unit with carrying handle. A 24-page, four-color book based on Disney's The Lion King is included with Story Reader.

With ten popular Disney titles to choose from at launch, each Story Reader book features graphic-rich content, beautiful illustrations and large-format copy on each page. Product features also include:

• One, Two, Three, Read: To begin using Story Reader, parents or children simply insert the story cartridge, insert the book, and turn the page.
• Auto Page Recognition: When a page is turned, Story Reader reads the new page aloud. If a page is turned back, Story Reader automatically reads the previous page.
• Premium Sound, Volume Control, and Headphone Ready: Story Reader provides a high-quality audio experience, either through the built-in speaker or through optional headphones.
• Exciting Disney Titles Available Immediately: Parents and children have a wide variety of much-loved Disney titles to choose from immediately. More than 24 new titles are scheduled for release in 2004, including Winnie The Pooh, SpongeBob Squarepants, Dora The Explorer, Blue's Clues, Sesame Street, Barney, Scooby-Doo and Beatrice Potter.
• Exclusive FlatLock^TM Binding: The system securely and firmly locks the book into the reader during use, and permits easy removal when books are interchanged.
• The National Parenting Center's "Seal of Approval": Story Reader has earned the Seal of Approval from The National Parenting Center, which reviews hundreds of books, toys and learning systems for children each year.
• Consumer Service Center: Story Reader users can contact support@storyreaders.com for complete customer support.

Launched by PIL, one of the world's top three children's book publishers for ages six and under, Story Reader will be featured at Toys 'R Us, ToysRUS.com and select other retailers starting October 1, 2003 and found nationwide on January 1, 2004.

"Story Reader is a unique product that leverages the benefits of technology while making sure it doesn't get in the way of the fun, or the learning," said Kerry Cunnion, PIL Executive Vice President. "Our testing showed that kids love Story Reader and found it simple and fun to use all by themselves, or with their parents sharing the experience," Cunnion said. "Moms felt it allowed their children to be more independent, while helping them learn how to read, and learn to love to read. Moms also like the confidence-building, 'I-can-do-it-myself' element of Story Reader."

PIL holds more than 50 popular licenses in children's books - more than any other children's book publisher. Included on the list are 14 of the 15 top book properties. Based on PIL's 35 years of success as a leader in children's book publishing, the company sought to bring its quality design and creative experience - as well as its dominance in licensing - to the growing electronic category. "We expect this brand new offering for children to be widely popular, especially for the upcoming holiday season," said Cunnion.

"Like all PIL products, Story Reader is priced to appeal to millions and millions of parents who want to provide their children with the finest quality early reading experiences," said Cunnion. "It's part of our goal to get as many great reading opportunities into the hands of as many children as possible."

For more information about Story Reader, or to request a photograph or product sample, contact Sarah Bisbee or David Schulte at Healy Communications, Inc. at 312/440-3900; sb@healyco.com.