I use this small device to project storybook images on the wall or ceiling while I read to my daughter at bedtime

• Moonlite Storybooks use your smartphone's flashlight to project pictures from storybook reels on the wall, ceiling, or any surface you choose.
• Each storybook you purchase is saved in your library in the Moonlite app.
• Additional features on the app include calming background music and sound effects for words.
• My daughter and I love to cuddle in bed, turn the lights off, and project books onto her ceiling with this storybook projector.

One of my favorite ways to connect with my daughter is through reading. When she needs to unwind or relax, we enjoy cuddling up with a blanket and some snacks to read together. I try to incorporate books of all types (flaps, sounds, etc.) and genres (everything from princesses to trucks) to broaden her horizons and always keep reading fresh and interesting.

Our Moonlite Storybook Projector books are some of the most unique ones we have. They're not physical books, but they're not e-books either. Moonlite stories work by inserting a story reel into a projector that attaches to the flashlight on your phone. Then, parents read the text from the phone while kids look at the pictures projected onto the ceiling or wall.

What it's like to use Moonlite

When you buy a Moonlite book, you'll get a projection reel and an activation code for the story. Enter the activation code in your (free) Moonlite app and the book will be added to your library. The app will walk you through all the next steps! In short, you'll insert the reel into the projector, attach the projector to your phone, and choose the story you want to read.

Once you choose a story, the app plays relaxing background music while displaying the text of the story for the parent to read. There are also certain words highlighted in the text that make sound effects when pressed. For example, in "Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site," crickets chirp when you tap on "the sun has set."

According to Moonlite, the projector works with around 90% of mobile devices; it works perfectly with my iPhone XR. It also works with most phone cases (it works with mine), but it does not work with the popular Otter Box cases.

There are over 50 stories available in all, including classics like "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," "Goodnight Moon," and my personal favorite "Love You Forever;" my daughter's favorite is "Not Quite Narwhal." Moonlite allows you to share your stories with up to three other people.

When you buy your first story, don't make the mistake I did — I bought a story but not a projector. You'll find projectors included in any of their gift packs or starter packs.

How to get a great picture

The room needs to be very dark for the projector to work well, which is why it's good for bedtime. I've found that it works either close or far away. We can shine it on the floor a few feet away from where we're sitting, but our favorite place is on the ceiling. I lie down next to my daughter and we can snuggle in bed while reading the book.

Moonlite is great for travel, too

Books are a major part of most kids' nighttime routines, but when you're traveling, it's not practical to bring a lot of books. When you travel with Moonlite, you can bring enough books to have a new bedtime book each night without adding pounds to your suitcase.

Moonlite is great, but it's not perfect

You're not paying for a top-of-the-line projector with Moonlite, so you shouldn't be expecting one. I have to play around with the placement of the projector and the focus knob to get it just right, and sometimes it's still a little fuzzy.

It's also worth noting that reading the story, turning the pages, pressing the special sound effect words, and turning the reel to the next picture (without knocking the projector off your flashlight) can be cumbersome. My daughter is too young to help with any of this, but older kids can make this easier by helping out, which will help them be engaged in the reading as well.

The bottom line

Getting — and keeping — kids interested in reading takes work, especially when books are competing with technology for their attention. Moonlite gives kids a unique storytime experience and it even allows them to get their technology fix without actually staring at a screen.

I wouldn't use Moonlite as a replacement for physical books because as a former teacher with additional training in literacy, I know it's important for kids to hold and interact with physical books. However, I also know that kids aren't going to be motivated to read if it's not fun and interesting, and Moonlite is an excellent way to make reading exciting for kids.

Pros: Many books available including best sellers, works with most smartphones, encourages reading, great for travel

Cons: Using all features at once can be difficult