Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for assembling a story, which then may be played for a user, such as a child. In particular, an embodiment of the invention is directed to an audio or audio-visual story-telling system with functionality for seamlessly creating an entertaining, “customized” audio (or audio-visual) story for a user, using a variety of subject matter chosen by the user. In some embodiments, the system, which may be embodied as a child's toy, allows the user, such as a child, to select the subjects, themes, or other attributes of a story by arranging visual cues with images (including video or animated images) thereon to make up the parts of the story. Once selected or arranged, the user pushes play and the toy reads or plays a custom story to the user that includes their selected subjects and themes, in an embodiment.