The Bottom Line
- Nice compact size
- Requires only a TV, not a DVD player
- Encourages child to read
- Headphone jack for easy in car use
- Not very interactive
- Animations not too effective
- Good for a limited age group only
Description
- Telestory attaches to the TV using 2 wires
- The Telestory unit has easy to use buttons
- The Telestory unit runs on batteries
- The unit comes preloaded with either a Spongebob or Dora cartridge
- Additional cartridges can be purchased separately
Guide Review - Telestory Electronic Storybook from Jakks Pacific
Once the unit is attached to your TV, kids can easily navigate through the menu using 4 big colored buttons, and a forward/backward button. There is also a scrolling wheel.
The Telestory offers the option of reading the stories to the kids, or lets them read by themselves. The unit guides the kids through the stories one page at a time, and presents a few animation effects on each page of the story which are activated by pressing a few buttons. As the story is read along, each word is highlighted on the TV screen, which is helpful for the kids to recognize words. If kids choose to read the book by themselves, they can ask for help by selecting the word and pressing down on the scrolling wheel.
The Telestory unit is very easy to use, and little kids who are just learning how to read can operate it by themselves. It's not too complicated, and the functionality is very basic. In a way, it concentrates more on reading itself, rather than incorporate any fancy electronic effects which one usually sees in most electronic story book readers nowadays. However, for kids who are looking for something more challenging will not be too excited by the Telestory. Overall, the Telestory is a decent buy for kids who are learning how to read.