Get Unplugged
Children’s Books Highlight the Joys of Low-Tech Learning My Pet Book By Bob Staake Best for: Ages 3-7
The next time your child wants a pet, read My Pet Book to them. It might just save you from pet food, litter boxes, pet baths and more. When the lead boy in this tale wants a pet, he ends up with a book—albeit one that is leash-trained and has a “frisky red cover.” He takes it for walks, and the book takes him on adventures from under the sea to outer space. Then one day the maid makes a mistake. She gives the book to charity. So the boy rushes down to the thrift shop. But you’ll have to read it yourself to discover what happens next.
The silly rhyming text combines with the whimsical illustrations and the ridiculous plot to make for one fun story time that will give you an entirely new view of books.
What’s good: Staake’s digital illustrations add fun and diversity to every page. What’s bad: A few of the stanzas are merely taking up space rather than progressing the story. Doug Unplugs on the Farm By Dan Yaccarino Best for: Ages 5-9
Doug is a robot boy. In this, his second adventure, he and his family are headed to visit the grandbots. Everyone plugs in as they begin the journey. Doug downloads information about farm animals until the car breaks down and he has a chance to learn about the animals on a real farm. He milks cows, gathers eggs and gets their car back on the road—with a little help from a horse.
Yaccarino brings his vibrant illustrative style to the pages with a retro pizazz that kids will find very pleasing. Although subtle, Yaccarino’s comment about the need to play outside and limit screen time for kids comes through loud, clear and without any preachiness.
What’s good: Yaccarino’s illustrations add personality and energy. Switched at Birthday By Natalie Standiford Best for: Ages 8-12
Body switching is not a new idea. It’s been used many times, probably most famously in Freaky Friday. But Standiford puts the switch to good use in this quick-paced tale about two very different girls. Lavender and Scarlet are as different as two girls can be, except that they share the same birthday. One rules the school, while the other sees herself as a loser. When they wake up in each other’s bodies, the story takes off. Shock, confusion, humor and a lot of opportunity to learn and grow all happen with authenticity and make this book worth reading.
What’s good: Alternating first-person narrative helps the reader connect with both girls. What’s bad: Body switching—been there and done that.