The barn and animal set are very cute. Animals are well stitched and look like they are supposed to. Barn lid Velcros shut tightly so can carry without opening. I did not attempt to make any noises with the animals because I did not want to run out the batteries, but they are so cute I do not think the noises being there or not makes much of a difference. Will buy again if I become an aunt again. BTW, the names of the animals were not stitched on the sides, which I should take off another star on educational value (only 3 stars for educational). However, not having the names really does not take anything else away from the item.