**GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED**
Congratulations to: #236 HEather R

I’ve been spotting so many deals to go with the VTech V.Reader Interactive E-Reading System, that I knew I had to get this special holiday giveaway ready ASAP! Yes, huge software deals (you can check out my notes below)!
In the spirit of giving this holiday season, I do want to mention something really special……VTech recently announced they are donating 4,000 new books to start reading programs across the country through First Book, who provides books to parents who can’t afford them.
Love that!

As many of you know, I have a 4 year old daughter who is not in a formal preschool, but stays at home and learns with me. We’ve been working on sight words for the past few months – beginning stages of reading. It’s so cool to actually see the learning taking place.
We’ve been fortunate to have some great tools to encourage reading, one of which is the Vtech V.Reader Interactive E-Reading System. While I will always have a library full of traditional books in the house (I’m a HUGE reader), I’m really seeing the value in using technology to help kids at this age.
According to VTech, 40% of moms with children ages 3 to 7 years old say that they simply do not having enough time to spend reading with their children. For those kids who can’t yet read, or are in the process of learning, having something they can access (without the assistance of a parent) can help them learn.

Here’s the Scoop:
V.Reader provides the necessary building blocks for kids to grow from a pre-reader into a fluent reader as they learn reading comprehension, vocabulary, phonics, word-building and definitions that are easy to comprehend.
It comes with a 3.5″ color touch screen, and unlike other systems, it has a cover that protects the screen (which I love), and opens and closes easily. It folds completely behind itself too.
It has a touch screen and you can use your fingers or the included stylus. The stylus isn’t attached, which has it’s pros and cons. The pros – easier to use for young kids. The cons…..um, this is likely to get lost at some point. We most likely will not be traveling with it.
I do think the unattached stylus is helping her in how she holds a pencil…….that’s been tricky for her. Already loaded on the V.Reader – Writing practice, where you can choose to trace numbers, letters, or even words. This has been a huge help for my daughter as we are learning to make our letters more legible.

The V.Reader comes pre-loaded with the “What’s That Noise” storybook and applications such as a Photo Viewer, Video Player, and Art activities. Additional storybook cartridges (sold separately -see the hot deals below) offer new stories and feature a fully narrated and animated story, reading skill games, and a Story Dictionary.
- Plays fully animated stories with story narration, character voices, vivid graphics, and exciting sounds and music!
- Storybook Cartridges have 3 ways to play: Watch the Story, Reading Games, and Story Dictionary
- USB port and SD memory card slot for expansion
- Multimedia Capabilities: Photo Viewer, Video Player, Art & Writing Programs
- You can Download additional e-books and track your child’s progress at VTech’s Learning Lodge Navigator

The V.Reader does not come with any additional software……but gives you tokens to use online in order to download 3 eBooks. You will want to grab some software if purchasing the V.Reader……fortunately, I’ve spotted some of the lowest prices I’ve ever seen on software this week. I’m grabbing two of them since we don’t have any cartridges yet.
4AA Batteries will be needed in case you are preparing for Christmas morning.
Best of all, not only is the V.Reader educational, but it’s fun too. Our favorite activity just for fun – the coloring pages in the Art program. We take turns creating! Yes, Mommy too!
DEALS: Vtech V.Reader Interactive E-Reading System: $44.96 on Amazon

SOFTWARE DEALS: Disney software (Cars, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Disney Princess – Amazon just $7.99/$9.99
(I’ve never seen so low)
Now for some extra fun for my readers….
GIVEAWAY:
One (1) winner will receive a VTech V.Reader Interactive E-Reading System!
HOW TO ENTER: Leave a comment on this post telling me why you’d like to win. That’s it.
EXTRA ENTRIES:
You can earn one (1) extra entry for each of the following (leave as separate comments please for each entry):
2. Leave a comment on any non-giveaway post (tell me which one)
3. Subscribe to A Frugal Friend via email or in a reader
4. Like A Frugal Friend on FB
5. Like VTech Toys on FB
6. Follow A Frugal Friend on Twitter
7. Follow VTech Toys on Twitter
8. Tweet the following as is: *48 Hr Giveaway* Win a VTech V.Reader Interactive E-Reading System http://tinyurl.com/6ryr3mq @VTechToys @AFrugalFriend
9. Grab my button for your site and/or Add me to your BlogRoll
Giveaway ends at midnight (central time) on Saturday, December 17th, 2011! Valid for US residents (age 18 and older) and addresses only. No purchase necessary to enter. Winner will be randomly selected. Void where Prohibited. I’ll announce (and contact by email) the winner on this post and the winner will have 2 days to get back to me for delivery details. Limit one set of entries per household.
(Complimentary product was provided for review. All remarks are the personal and honest opinions of A Frugal Friend)