It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday.
Here’s my PPBF selection:
Dot.
Written By Randi Zuckerberg
Illustrated by Joe Berger
Harper, 2013
Fiction
Suitable for: Ages 4-8
Themes/Topics: Technology, Family, Unplugging
Opening Line: Â This is Dot. Dot knows a lot.
Synopsis (from jacket):Â Meet Dot! She’s a spunky little girl obsessed with electronic devices. Dot knows a lot. She knows how to tap … to swipe … to share … And she pays little attention to anything else, until one day Dot sets off on an interactive adventure with the world surrounding her. Dot’s tech-savvy expertise, mingled with her resourceful imagination, proves Dot really does know lots and lots.
The first line of the Amazon synopsis twists the first line from the jacket: Meet Dot in this debut picture book by Randi Zuckerberg! (The exclamation point is all Amazon.)
Link to Resources: Here’s a link to an article about Zuckerberg’s two books released in 2013 Dot. the picture book and Dot Complicated by Randi Zuckerberg the website has a variety of family activities. As a family, you can do what Dot does in the book — unplug, go outside, and see what happens.
Why I like this book: I found this book during a discussion among picture book writers about Dot. by Randi Zuckerberg and hello! hello! by Matthew Cordell (2012). Zuckerberg is the sister of Facebook’s founder and used to work for the company. Now, she talks about ways to unplug and reconnect. When I read the book, I liked the simplicity of the text (just like last week’s pick) and the fun illustrations by Joe Berger. I enjoyed hello! hello!, but it didn’t seem as fun. Both have similar messages — families/children are too connected to technology and need to reconnect. As a frequent technology user, I get the message loud and clear. The main character does seem too young to be “tweeting” — as in using Twitter. Of course, it makes sense when she’s unplugged.
One interesting (if not odd) item I discovered while typing up this review is the illustrator is not listed as the copyright holder. “Text and illustrations copyright ©2013 by Zuckerberg Media Inc.” Typically, I see a copyright for the author and one for the illustrator.
This book falls into the “celebrity” picture book category, but I liked it. If celebrity kids books are not your thing, check out H.A.C.K.S. at Mike Allegra’s blog.
For more PPBF selections, visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog.
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Teresa Robeson
When I saw you post notification in my email, I thought this was going to be The Dot (Peter Reynolds) but I’m glad you’ve introduced me to a book I’ve not familiar with instead. I think I need the unplug message myself. 🙂
stacy
Yes. It’s a great reminder about titles too. I’m always shocked when I search a title on Amazon or the library and discover a dozen similar or same titled book.
Sue Heavenrich
thanks! need to remember to unplug every now & then!
stacy
We all do. I did that a little yesterday. So, I’m making up my “plugged in time” on Saturday morning.
Cathy Ballou Mealey
I read this at B&N last week. I admit that I approached it skeptically, but like you Stacy I was won over. It was a more charming take on the theme first raised by “hello, hello.” Will be curious what others think!
stacy
Yes I’m interested too.
Mike Allegra
I love the old school illustrations. But hmmm….celebrity story, you say? I’ll scrutinize and get back to you. Jamie Lee Curtis won me over, why not Zuckerberg?
stacy
Yes. Take a look. I enjoyed this one more than the comp title.
Sue Wang
I think of the sister in the Animaniacs, Dot. (Dot. Wacko. and ?). Then I think of Angry Birds, which I’ve never played but popular for little ones even. I think my kid who lived for a PDA in early 2000s at age 4 and now he is gamer. Yes, unplugging is good.
stacy
Anticipating the gaming years to come …
Rhythm
Sounds like a good message to spread around. And the cover is pretty cute. I’ll be looking for it! Thanks!
stacy
The illustrations are very cute.
Beverly Snedecor
This is great! I think Jamie Curtis is great too, by the way, a very smart woman. But unplugging is an important concept to introduce to younger children who just see technology as a regular part of their lives. Nice pick!
stacy
Yes important concept. We are both plugged and unplugged in my house, so it’s a good reminder.
Wendy Greenley
I like the message in this book–but wasn’t won over by the story arc. I didn’t see the impetus for Dot’s transformation (maybe I just missed it?).
stacy
I may have missed that their wasn’t one Wendy. 🙂 I have a link I’m sharing with you on FB about another celebrity picture book.
Patricia Tilton
I think with the theme “unplugging from devices” in this book, I am even more intrigued knowing that it is written by Zucherberg’s sister. If it is an excellent story, I don’t care if it is written by a celebrity. It’s an important message about reconnecting with family and life. Kids and families need that balance.
stacy
I’m sure being Zuckerberg’s sister helped get buzz for the book. I think that’s how it got on my radar due to discussions about the celebrity aspect. Still a cute story and a good message.
Julie Rowan-Zoch
JUST picked this up – I’ll be back after I read it!
stacy
I’ll be interested to know what you think.
Vivian Kirkfield
Love the idea of unplugging, Stacy! It looks like a clever book…I’ll see if I can get a copy…the library here does not seem to be able to get as wide a selection of books as Colorado Springs. Thanks for pointing this one out to us!
stacy
I shared this with Christine at the last SCBWI schmooze. If you notice the girl on the cover, she loves familiar.
Kirsten Larson
What a clever concept for today’s tech-obsessed kids.
stacy
Yes. I anticipate more books on this topic.
Erik - This Kid Reviews Books
I loved this book! I read it a while ago. it was great. I like the dog. 🙂
Susanna Leonard Hill
I love the cover! And I have to say, I approve of the message of unplugging on so many levels. For starters, it gives everyone time to READ MORE BOOKS! 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing this one, Stacy, and for your comparison to Hello Hello – interesting!
Stacy S. Jensen
Yes. Unplugging is good.