The storybook is heavy and stays open well with the cover open to show the inside display. The nutcracker and train set shift left to right, and the fireplace and tree twinkle whle the lantern lights on the fireplace is steady. The music that plays has a pretty decent sound and there is a volume switch. The whole thing works well with the 3AA batteries provided. Note: While the storybook is "Twas The Night Before Christmas" and the first verse is printed in the inside cover - it doesn't actually read the story if that's what you were expecting...