The Couch Potato: The Food Group, Book 4
By Angela Zimmerman,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Lively tale encourages and celebrates screen-free time.
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What's the Story?
THE COUCH POTATO really, really loves his couch. He spends all of his free time slouched on the couch, and has everything he could possibly need or want just within arm's reach -- snacks, slippers, headphones, games, gadgets, remote controls, and especially screens. His "sea of shimmering screens, from wall to shining wall" is the best part of his setup. On his screens, he plays video games, live-streams with his best "spud," and watches his favorite shows, like "Fries" (Friends), "Mad Yam" (Mad Men), and "Mashed Potatoes" (M*A*S*H). All is just dandy on the couch for Potato, until one day the power goes out. With no screens to keep him occupied, he sets out for his first walk in quite a while, and soon realizes everything he's been missing outside in the real world.
Is It Any Good?
This delightful tale is packed full of wit and whimsy while also offering some good messages about screen time balance that kids as young as preschool can understand. Jory John's writing is full of puns that parents will get a kick out of, and Pete Oswald's illustrations are cheerful and buoyant. When Potato eventually peels himself off the couch and away from his endless amenities, he discovers a world brimming with beauty and possibility. He finally confronts the fact that he needs more out of life than slouching on the couch every day. He does, however, acknowledge the benefits of relaxing and taking it easy and enjoying what screen time has to offer, but now he spends most of his time outside, playing with friends, being active, and making real memories. And that's a message readers of all ages can get behind.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about screen time and how it's shown in The Couch Potato. What are some ways you monitor screen time in your household? What kinds of things do you do on screens? What are some of your favorite things to do when you're away from screens?
How much time do you spend on screens? Have you been spending more time on screens lately? Why or why not?
How do you think the story could have unfolded if the power outage hadn't forced Potato to finally go outside?
Book Details
- Author: Jory John
- Illustrator: Pete Oswald
- Genre: Picture Book
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers
- Publication date: November 3, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: November 29, 2023
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