Story projectors have been around for decades, initially gaining popularity in the 1970s when they were little more than a flashlight that could beam an image on a wall using a transparent slide.

That idea, like most things, has evolved over the years and now that classic play pattern has merged with new technology in the Little Tikes Story Dream Machine.

With this portable, battery-powered projector, kids can watch, listen, and read along with classic stories, starting with a trio from the famed Little Golden Book series.

Kids simply place a book-shaped story cartridge into the side of the Story Dream Machine to start a new adventure. Each story can be projected onto a ceiling or wall (from a recommended distance of 2-6 feet) and includes narration, sound effects, and vibrant lights for a truly immersive experience. The three stories included are Tawny Scrawny Lion, The Saggy Baggy Elephant, and my personal favorite, The Poky Little Puppy (Yes, I had the Little Golden Book!).

But wait, there’s more!

Since “dream” is part of the name, this handy little unit features calming white noise and a nightlight to help little ones drift off to dreamland. Kids can place a bonus figure of The Poky Little Puppy atop the Story Dream Machine to activate new lighting effects while in nightlight mode.

One of my favorite things about the Story Dream Machine is how perfectly portable it is. The flip-up handle and lightweight design make it perfect for travel adventures, and you can store the three story cartridges on the side of the machine.

The Story Dream Machine has been an immediate hit with families since its launch and the library of stories is expanding. Additional Story Packs (sold separately) feature tales from Sesame Street, the Berenstain Bears, and other titles from Random House Children’s Books with more on the way. Because this is a cartridge-based system, no connection to the internet is needed for additional content.

If you’re looking for something to keep preschoolers engaged, the Little Tikes Story Dream Machine just might be the toy of your dreams!


STORY DREAM MACHINE + STORY PACKS

Project classic children's stories with this machine, which includes three titles, with additional packs sold separately. It features light and sound effects to enhance the story and doubles as a white noise machine.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

STORY DREAM MACHINE SHOW & GO STORAGE CASE

Take your Story Dream Machine stories on the go! This storage case holds 32 cartidges and 10 characters. It comes with one exclusive fox character and three exclusive Random House Children's Books stories: Pizza Pig, The Lion and the Mouse, and Duck & Cat's Rainy Day.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.

archivearrow-chevron-downarrow-chevron-left-greyarrow-chevron-leftarrow-chevron-rightarrow-fatarrow-left-blackarrow-left-whitearrow-right-blackarrow-rightarrow-roundedbookscalendarcaret-downclose-whiteclosedocumenteditorial-archiveeyefacebook-squarefacebookfilesgifthamburgerheadinghearthomeinstagram-squareinstagramlatestlinkedin-squarelinkedinmailmedia-inquiresmessagenewsopen-boxpagination-leftpagination-rightpauseplayprintproduct-archiverecent-productssearchsharesort-filterspotifysunteamtiktoktime_purpletimetrendingtvtwitter-squaretwitteryoutube