Will you be unplugging your kids for screen free week? Or maybe your kids already know the joys of doing without televisions, computers and mobile devices? There’s nothing wrong with mixing kids and technology, but a week off can inspire your kids to discover new ways of keeping themselves entertained.
Celebrate Unplugged Life with Picture Books
Unplug with books! Guess what? There are actually picture books that show your kids the joys of interacting with the unplugged world! If your kids are balking at the idea of giving up television, computers, and mobile apps for an entire week (a whole week!) pick up one of these picture books which tout the miracles which will happen when they do. You’ve still got plenty of time to steel yourself up for screen-free week and build up your book reserves! (Note: book covers and titles are affiliate links)
More: After you’re done reading try out these –> check out the index of all our book lists.
Doug Unplugged
hello! hello!
Chloe
Blackout
Press Here
I’m Bored
A Few Blocks
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links through. I always choose books based on my and my kids personal opinions.
Done with the books? Check out some super easy screen free indoor activities:
Jackie@My Little Bookcase says
April 8, 2013 at 6:55 amErica- this list is brilliant. I can’t describe the excitement I felt as I read through your descriptions. Every single one of them sounds fantastic.
Now to see if I can locate them in Australia,.
Can I suggest another book to add to this list- Ten Tiny Things by Meg McKinlay I can’t access my blog at the moment to share a link. though.
P.S. I love your new header/button.
Erica MomandKiddo says
April 8, 2013 at 9:31 amThanks Jackie. I haven’t been able to get a copy of Ten Tiny Things. I remember your review and thought it sounded wonderful.
Jen says
April 11, 2013 at 8:30 pmMy kids liked Ten Tiny Things too – another one I thought of was It’s a Book by Lane Smith, they thought that was a hoot!
Erica MomandKiddo says
April 12, 2013 at 6:23 amOh, yes! I can’t believe I forgot about that one, I actually reviewed that once, too. D’oh!
Barbara Mojica says
April 29, 2013 at 7:27 pmLove the Blackout book choice, I remember that blackout well because if affected my life so much more than all the others,
The Cath in the Hat says
April 8, 2013 at 1:55 pmWhat a great idea! And how timely! I’m a freelance journalist wondering if any parents reading this have TV-free households. If so, what do your kids think about growing up without TV? Do they recommend it or not? I’m currently writing an article for Press4Kids, a daily newspaper for kids, and I’d like to feature your 6- to 12-year-old’s opinion.
If interested, please respond ASAP and I will get back to you.
Thanks!
Paula B says
April 8, 2013 at 11:11 pmGreat list! Another good one is When Charlie McButton Lost Power by Suzanne Collins.
Erica MomandKiddo says
April 9, 2013 at 12:43 pmThanks, Paula! I hadn’t heard of that one. Adding it to my to-read list.
Story Snug says
April 9, 2013 at 2:00 pmI bought Press Here for my four year old but haven’t shown it to her yet as I wasn’t too sure if she would be too young. Reading your post I guess I should show it to her 🙂
Erica MomandKiddo says
April 9, 2013 at 2:23 pmYes, for sure a four year old will LOVE it.
PragmaticMom says
April 9, 2013 at 10:15 pmLove this list! I really want to read I’m Bored and Doug Unplugged. I’ll have to get Doug Unplugged as an ebook just for the irony!
Erica MomandKiddo says
April 10, 2013 at 6:13 amI know, that cracked me up. A book that’s all about unplugging but you have to plug in to read it. Does seem a bit odd.
thepicturebookreview says
April 16, 2013 at 7:16 pmAll of these books are so good! hello! hello! is a favorite of ours.
We just read a new one called Return of the Library Dragon. A school library has had all of their books taken away to create a children’s cybrary. The library and children revolt and the books are returned. It’s good!
Ella Unplugged is another one we like about a little girl who wants her family back from all of their devices. I received it for review and months later my son still enjoys reading it.
Moderation is so difficult with all this new technology.
Thanks for a great list!
Jennifer says
May 12, 2013 at 10:15 pmVisiting from Montessori Monday. I’d love for you to share your family-friendly crafts and ideas at Monday Kid Corner at thejennyevolution.com. See you at the party!
Jennifer
Amy says
February 27, 2014 at 7:44 pmFantastic post! I’ve added a few of these titles to my wish list. My son and I participated in screen-free week last year and got a lot out of the experience. We actually purchased Doug Unplugged specifically for that reason and really enjoyed it. This year my son is in kindergarten and I’m speaking to the local library, kindergarten and a few other groups to try to spread the word about screen-free week. Will you be participating again this year?
Erica MomandKiddo says
February 28, 2014 at 9:36 amYes, we will be joining in again! We don’t have much screen time except for a few movies here and there. The boys play the iPad at their grandparents’ on Sundays but that’s it.
Jane Herriott says
June 1, 2014 at 2:49 pmI know this is an older post but it isn’t complete without The Wretched Stone by Chris Van Allsburg! http://www.chrisvanallsburg.com/wretchedstone.html. Even though it pre-dates the iPad (it was published in 1991) it is still amazingly relevant, perhaps even more so today than when it was originally published.
Erin says
August 6, 2014 at 7:44 amWe also love the book Mouse TV. It was one of just a few books my sister liked as a kid, and now my kids have her old copy and my 4-year-old daughter loves it. The family has a lot of fun actually doing all of the things they normally watch shows about.