Publications International, Ltd. (PIL), a privately held company based in Lincolnwood, Illinois, is the world’s largest publisher of children’s products that combine traditional printed books with electronic features that deliver interactivity, learning, and entertainment value.

PIL introduced Story Reader in 2003 and My First Story Reader three years later. Often called “the next best thing to a parent’s lap,” Story Reader products, designed for children ages six months and older, have earned many industry awards and have proved to be among children’s favorite possessions. The average Story Reader household owns five Story Reader titles. At nearly 5 to 1, Story Reader’s book-to-unit ratio is well above the industry standard of 3 to 1.

PIL publishes Story Reader books in partnership with some of the world’s leading children’s educational entertainment companies, including Disney, Sesame Workshop, Hit Entertainment, Mattel, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., and Fisher-Price. The partnerships have resulted in more than 80 books titles that feature popular children’s characters, including Dora the Explorer, Elmo, Thomas & Friends, Toy Story’s Sheriff Woody and Buzz Lightyear, Disney Princesses, Nemo, Baby Einsteins, Spider-Man, and more.

Louis Weber established Publications International, Ltd., in 1967 and remains the CEO. Mr. Weber’s long-stated mission is to provide high-quality, high-value products for consumers worldwide.

PIL produces more than 400 new book titles each year and prints more than 20 million books annually. In addition to children’s books, PIL publishes books and educational products in the following categories: cooking, interactive learning, sports, automotive, inspirational, reference, leisure, and travel, as well as photo storage and stationery items.

PIL is actively involved in philanthropic literacy efforts, donating books to children’s charities and schools to stimulate the love of reading in young people.