The animated storybook looks like an authentic book, made with a cloth like outer cover. When you open the "book" the music begins to play three holiday songs, the lights on the tree flicker, the Nutcracker moves back and forth and the train moves side to side. I wish they would have made the train go in a circle though. One nice feature is that you can plug in the adaptor or place the storybook anywhere and use the three included AA batteries!

This is such a nostalgic Christmas decor piece. It is a "book" that sing a different holiday song every time you open it. You can either use batteries or the plug for it to function. It has lights, music and movement. Something to keep in mind is that it is a big piece of decor. But other than that is very traditional and well made.

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...