Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Imagination fuels confidence on first day of school.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE INVISIBLE STRING BACKPACK, Young Mila is worried about her first day at a new school. Her mother tells her: "There's an Invisible String of love that connects us all day long. When you miss us, just tug on it and we'll tug it right back!" But Mila's still worried. On the bus, her brother, Jordan, reminds her that she has her Invisible Backpack full of "tools that give you superpowers!" Mila can smile in her Invisible Mirror to remind herself that she's Jordan's amazing little sister and that "she can do anything!" The Invisible Flashlight will light her way through a crowd. Jordan says if she gets scared, to look at the Invisible Photo of "me telling you about the tools inside your Invisible Backpack." Mila does use her tools throughout school to tackle challenges and enjoy the adventure. After school, her parents tell her that she can use the Invisible Backpack "your whole life long." On the last page, the text asks the reader, "What's in your Invisible Backpack?"
Is It Any Good?
This imaginative, reassuring story encourages kids to muster their internal forces to get through challenges at school and in life. The Invisible String Backpack is a bit heavy-handed in hammering home the concept, but the idea could be truly empowering for kids facing stressful situations like the first day at a new school or speaking up in class. It's an elaborate way of saying "You got this," while emphasizing the importance of strong support you can rely on. Illustrations show Mila using her tools, depicted in glowing white outlines, emphasizing how imagination can help young kids access inner resources. Joanne Lew-Vriethoff's digital art gets more magical as the story progresses, sweeping readers along in the book's expansive fantasy elements.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the invisible tools in The Invisible String Backpack. Which ones would you want in your own pack? Which ones do you think you already have?
Why do we sometimes need encouragement to speak up or take action? Does it take courage? Support? Confidence? What helps you stand up and act?
Have you ever imagined having a shield and sword to defeat dragons or monsters? Would imagining those help you feel fearless in real life?
How does Jordan show Mila empathy? Mila shares her worries openly. How does the family's honest communication help Mila persevere and have a good day?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : July 11, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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