The speaking toybook ...

This novelty book reproduces the sounds of a rooster, goat, cat, bird, lamb and the cuckoo. Miniature bellows inside the body of the book operate when the small tassel indicated on each page is pulled. There is a coloured illustration and verse for each animal, with the added delight of a 'voice' for it.

Initially produced in Germany where many ingenious toys and books for children were made, talking books were later published in England and America. Despite the apparently sturdy appearance, talking books from this period are fragile, and so rare to survive in working order.

Modern versions of 'audible' books utilize batteries to power a sound device, or for the youngest of children 'squeakers'.

Listen to the sounds:

• The Rooster
• The Goat
• The Cat
• The Bird's Nest
• The Lamb
• The Cuckoo

Permission to use this item for any purpose, including publishing, is not required from the State Library under these conditions of use.

Buy a high resolution copy.