When I was small, my dad travelled a lot for work. I missed our nightly story sessions when he was away, so to keep me company he recorded tapes of himself reading stories aloud. Each night, my mum would tuck me into bed and turn the book pages as we listened to the stories together.

My kids now have their own high-tech version of the same thing. They usually have a weekly visit with my in-laws. But when they’re away, the girls get their story fix with a recordable story book.

I’m not sure exactly how it works, but as each page turns, the book plays the corresponding recording of my in-laws reading the words on the page. It’s simple to record, and there’s a button that ‘locks’ the recording so it can’t be accidentally erased.

My kids are delighted—especially my 3-year-old, who can often be found in a cosy out-of-the-way spot, listening to her grandparents tell her a story.

You can see more about how they work here. Buy similar books at gift shops and toy stores, or make your own version, like this one by Play At Home Mom.