Unplugged

Blip loves her computer, using it to help her learn, play and see the world - all day long. One day, a power cut leads her to leave the house where she discovers the joy of being outside. Unplugged is a charming tale about the joy of disconnecting from technology and embracing the great outdoors. The story starts in shades of grey as Blip, a bright, happy little robot, is plugged into her computer. Whilst connected, Blip explores many things. She is not just gaming - she learns, exercises and plays - showing the computer has a positive side. Blip's sweet little face registers a whole range of expressions, showing the talent of the illustrator! When Blip becomes 'unplugged', the illustrations change from shades of grey to the soft pastel colours of a fresh spring day. Here the layouts and text mimic those of the previous pages, but the pictures show Blip engaging with others and exploring the world for real! Although she returns to her grey world, things are not the same for Blip - she keeps returning to the freedom and beauty of the world outside. We all probably spend far too much time connected to technology and Unplugged offers the perfect way of discussing this with children. Although acknowledging what the internet has to offer, it highlights the importance of connecting with others and leaving technology behind - at least for a while! The illustrations are gorgeous; Blip is adorable and I hope she features in more stories to come! Picture book / Ages 3+ / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher.

Suggested Reading Age 3+

Unplugged is one of my favourite books from this year. Steve Antony, the author behind The Queen's Hat and the Mr Panda series, has produced a story that offers many learning opportunities within school but also will deliver clear messages with parents at home. The story is all about Blip, a little robot who has spent her life plugged into the computer. Being plugged in is enjoyable for Blip as it allows her to learn new things, play games and visit far away places. She can do this all day, everyday. That is until there is a unexpected power cut, leading to Blip tripping over her own wire and falling down the stairs and out the house....becoming unplugged in the process! Before she knows it, Blip is outside and soon finds she can still do all the things she loved on the computer. She even makes new friends in the form of a duck, rabbit and deer. As the day ends, Blip decides its time to return home and back inside. Once plugged back in, Blip realises that although the computer can be fun, it is nothing like being unplugged. The message delivered by the book is one that is certainly applicable today with such emphasis on technology and I think it will strike a chord with many parents - that everyone (adults and children) need to take the time to unplug themselves and realise the beauty of nature. I'm certain children would enjoy replicating the activities Blip partakes in when outside during their own outside provision within school. Despite being a picture book, I think the same message could be delivered through this book to older children within the primary school setting. One of the things I also enjoyed about this book were the illustrations and how the use of colour is slowly introduced to show the difference between outside and inside. Parents and teachers will also enjoy images on the computer screens, some of which made me reminisce about games I used to play myself. I can't recommend this book highly enough! Picture book / Ages 4+ / Reviewed by Kyle Matravers, teacher.

Suggested Reading Age 5+