Over the last few years, these Leap Pads have come in and out of my house via various garage sales, gifts, etc.. The kids play with them for a very short time, then tire of them, and off they go to Goodwill.So my kids like them for like a day, and that's it. It's just another electronic toy. The little cartridges get lost very easily and then you're stuck with books that won't work.My kids will cuddle up with me and a book everyday, for long periods of time. That's what little kids books are about: bonding with those who love you while learning. Read you child a book instead of plopping them in front of this thing. Teach them the words with your fingers and your voice, not a stylus and a computerized talking box.We don't need batteries to teach our kids to read.