Title: Babbit and Joan, a Rabbit and a Phone
Author & Illustrator: Denise Turu
The Story:
Babbit the rabbit and Joan, his phone, are best friends. Babbit does everything with Joan, they even go to bed together. But Joan, like all the other phones, needs a recharge. What will Babbit do with his phone-free time? Does he dare go out on his own? How will he know what to do? What if he gets lost?
Favourite Spread:
If phones were alive, I think Denise is right – they would definitely go on strike!
Hands up how many people do actually sleep next to their phones?
This book had me in fits of laughter at how accurately it portrays how we can get too addicted to our phones. But this is only part of the book – there is also a story about what Babbit does without his phone. After meeting a Bear that has lost its phone, the twosome work together to find their way home and form an unexpected friendship.
The Verdict:
I was really intrigued by the concept of this book and I love Denise’s illustrations throughout. For me, this book has a different message depending on the age of the reader. For older readers, there is a message here about not being glued to your phone. For a young child, this story can show that stepping out of your comfort zone can help you enjoy new experiences and make new friends. That said, it probably is worth stressing to younger readers that you shouldn’t go wondering off into the woods on your own, with no way to get help! In fact, that probably applies to adults too!
Publisher: Flyaway Books
Publication date: 14 April 2020
ISBN: 978-1947888203
I am very grateful to the publisher for letting me read this book via Net Galley. This voluntary review contains my honest opinion.
Picture Book Perfect 
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