I Never Fib

I found this among my mother's ... belongings.
I don't know what to make of it, or what it is supposed to represent.

The dials seem to have a mind of their own.
Different configurations result in varied audio playing from the speaker.
I would guess it's a book of some kind.
I'm afraid to just cut it open. I suppose it will reveal itself in due time.

Has anyone else seen anything like this?