Abstract: A software implemented system is disclosed for displaying scrolling text together with associated graphical images on the display of an electronic device, such as a portable electronic device. The text is displayed preferably in a horizontally scrolling fashion, either above or below the images, and the images are preferably displayed in color. In preferred embodiments, a user can control the scrolling speed, font size, font color, and/or font style, as well as starting, pausing, stopping, backing up, searching for desired text, highlighting text, and setting bookmarks. Some embodiments enable communication with other devices for downloading and/or uploading of reading materials. Preferred embodiments can present music or an audible presentation of the text. These features can enhance the use of the invention as a teaching aid for helping both children and adults to learn to read more quickly, and to aid users in learning a foreign language.