Hello dear friends. I hope I am not confusing everyone in the middle of the #50PreciousWordsforKids Writing Challenge by posting a review for Perfect Picture Book Friday. But when I found out about this story, I knew it was one I had to share with all of you!
Picture this: you walk into a restaurant and notice a family already seated. Mother. Father. And a couple of kids. But something is odd. They are not talking with each other. Oh no. Each one is holding an electronic device. Tablet. iPhone. Video game player.
I’ve seen this scenario many times. Have you? Believe me, as a parent of three children, I do understand the desire to have a peaceful meal. We used to bring crayons and paper…some restaurants even provided these supplies. I’m not sure if they do that now…maybe they just supply WiFi because they assume that even the youngest kids will be connecting electronically.
And yes…I agree…our kids need to be tech savvy…but screen-time is addictive and with this comes the inevitable disconnect with real people. And that is too, too sad. So, when I read Richa Jha’s fabulous THE MANIC PANIC, I realized she had found a way to put a humorous spin on this and perhaps, help everyone put down their devices and reconnect with life. PLUS…thanks to the generosity of Richa and Creston Books, we have a GIVEAWAY! Please leave a comment to be entered.
MANIC PANIC
Written by Richa Jha
Illustrated by Mithila Anath
Published by Creston Books (2018)
Ages: 5-8
Themes: Family interaction, limiting screen time
Synopsis: From Amazon:
Some grown-ups have so much screen time that they just can’t cope when the wifi goes out. Luckily the grown-ups in Manic Panic live with a smart kid who loves to read and an adventurous grandma who knows how to have fun without the internet. Manic Panic is a wry look at the value of unplugged family time, even when someone is resistant to the real world. The illustrations add depth to the story, helping us to see all the small things we can miss when we’re glued to our phones.
Why I like this book:
- Hilarious text that just about every modern parent and child will be able to relate to as the parents and child in the story switch roles.
- Great illustrations that really help show the child’s frustration with her WiFi addicted parents.
- This is the perfect story to start a discussion on the importance of limiting screen time and increasing together time.
RELATED ACTIVITIES
- Visit CAMPAIGN FOR A COMMERICAL-FREE CHILDHOOD: http://www.commercialfreechildhood.org/blog/who-needs-screens-70-ideas-family-fun
- Make a list of things your family can do instead of screentime and then do them!
- Set screen-time rules and stick to them.
Don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway of a copy of MANIC PANIC thanks to author Richa Jha and her publisher, Creston Books! And remember that there are several things we can all do to help our favorite authors:
1. If we can, buy a copy of their books.
2. Write a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and other book reveiw sites.
3. Ask our local library to purchase a copy for their collection.
4. Tell friends about the book.
There is still time to send in stories for #50PreciousWordsforKids International Writing Challenge – please email your child’s precious words by Monday, May 7 at 11:59pm. I will be posting all of the stories next Friday, May 11.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I truly appreciate you spending your time here. And if you want to read more picture book reviews, please hop over to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday link up.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
Wow!! Love, love, love this book idea!!!!
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This book hit the nail on the head. As I read your post, I took a look at myself and my family. I am currently on the computer and my little one is on her tablet. Aye Yi Yi. I would love to read this book to share it with my family so we can minimize screen time and maximize quality time together.
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This sounds great fun with a solid message. Adults who don’t know what to do with young children should use your book, Show Me How, Vivian!
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This sounds hysterical…and so timely!
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Dear Vivian,
A BIG thank you for hosting The Manic Panic! Grateful for your love and support. It gives me utmost joy to see this book getting featured as part of the PPBF as this is where I connected with so many kidlit friends, including you. Warmest hugs,
Richa
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Sweet Vivian,
This is such a fun book. I love the twist of the child “unplugging” the parents! Congrats Richa on a wonderful book!
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Thank you, Maria! I hope you enjoy reading the book!
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Soundslike a great premise! Can’t wait to read!
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Very silly! I love that the daughter has to remind her parents about using their imaginations and connecting in real time! I know just the person to give this book to!
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Dear Vivian,
Another great find! Thank you!
All the best,
Lily
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This book sounds so-so-so perfect! It raises an important point about modeling behavior wee want to see in our children, too. But that insidious screen always beckons. This would be a good pairing for Nerdy Bird Tweets, a book I reviewed for PPBF awhile ago. Thanks for interrupting your contest to give us the scoop on this book! I’m sure you’ll get lots and lots of fantastic entries!
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Humor is definitely the way to get across this positive message. And I like Jilanne’s pairing. The cover conveys so much too.
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What a great looking book. I’d love to win a copy, thanks for the chance.
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Thanks Vivian, what a timely subject!
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I would never let kids have phones at the table, no matter where.
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Brilliant as usual Vivian! Thanks for sharing this- an important issue.
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What a brilliant concept for a book! We work hard to avoid this at our house, but I’m certain we can do better. Thanks for sharing, Vivian! Richa, thanks for telling a story that we all need to hear!
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Thank you, Jennifer!
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Such a clever idea and role switching makes this a hilarious read. Love it!
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There is a good lesson here on learning to live without the internet. We could all read it!
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What a perfect book for the times we live in, and how nice that the author has found a humorous way for us to hold a mirror up to ourselves. Can’t wait to check it out!
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The Pakistanian taxi cab driver who took me to the airport and I got into a discussion about how we all are too glued to our technological devices, as he said his wife and he are even sitting next to each other in bed, and still are using their phones to connect on something, instead of looking at each other and speaking. I agreed. This problem has gotten way out of control, so it’s very good a PB is now out on this subject. Can’t wait to read it.
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Oooh – does this one look good – and one we need here at THIS house! Can’t wait to get my hands on it! Thanks!
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What a great concept for a PB. . .and so needed. Thanks for sharing it Vivian!
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This sounds like the PERFECT book for our modern super-connected society! Love the idea of this and can’t wait to read it! Thanks for sharing!
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This looks fun! Reminds me of when we’d turn off the TV for a week – after the initial grousing, kids found plenty to do.
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