An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for sensing the presence of a person and directing an audible message to the person. The apparatus, in one embodiment, is configured to provide an interactive lamp that includes a housing, one or more sensors disposed within the housing, one or more speakers connected with the sensor, a light source for emitting light that functions independently of the sensor, and a microcontroller disposed within the housing for initiating communication of the audible message in response to a sensor event detected by the sensor. The audible message of the sensor-activated story lamp may comprise one or more messages that may be used for multiple purposes.