Books can be great conversation starters about topics relating to daily life. Children’s books can be a fun and engaging way to improve digital literacy. Here are some children’s books to facilitate discussions about online safety, social media, digital footprint, and screen time.
Chicken Clicking by Jeanne Willis delightfully illustrates a chicken discovering the online world through descriptive language and colorful imagery. After the chicken has done quite a bit of online shopping, she starts looking for friends online. She comes across another chicken who seems friendly. But is her new friend who they claim they are? Chicken Clicking highlights the importance of online safety and provides a good reminder of how things are not always what they appear to be online. Here is a link for more details: Chicken Clicking – Andersen Press.
Another terrific book by Jeanne Willis is #Goldilocks (A Hashtag Cautionary Tale). Willis depicts Goldilock’s adventure with social media. The melodic rhythm and expressive metaphors showcase Goldilock’s social media journey in an enticing way as she looks for new ways to gain likes. A wonderful spin to a classic story. This book is a fantastic option when discussing online safety and social media. Here is a link for more information: Goldilocks (A Hashtag Cautionary Tale) – Andersen Press.
The Technology Tail: A Digital Footprint Story by Julia Cook showcases the digital footprint of a girl by the tail she wears. Over the course of the story, she learns how to keep her digital footprint healthy by the Screen through strong visual examples with how her tail changes based on her digital choices. The personification of a computer screen and vivid imagery draws readers to the overall message in a creative way. The book seems best suited for ages 9 and up, based on language level and amount of content found in the story. However, there is a possibility that the tale could be divided into a series of lessons for younger readers to enjoy. Here is a link if curious to learn more about the book : The Technology Tail | Julia Cook | Boys Town Press.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff evokes a sense of nostalgia, then If You Give a Mouse an iPhone by Ann Droyd is a highly recommended read. Regardless, If You Give a Mouse an iPhone effectively highlights how a mouse named Applesauce is obsessed with the iPhone. Descriptive language and illustrative visuals showcase what Applesauce is missing while being occupied on the iPhone. It is not until there is no phone charger available that Applesauce realizes the benefits of enjoying their surroundings. This book is great for discussions about screentime and can be found through this link : If You Give a Mouse an iPhone by Ann Droyd: 9780399169267 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books.
Another book that is great when talking about screentime is Unplugged by Steve Antony. Unplugged shows the journey of a robot that detaches from its computer and ends up exploring the outdoors. Evocative graphics, color, and symbolism exhibit how the robot interacts between the two seemingly different worlds of online and reality. Here is Steve’s Antony’s website link to learn more about Unplugged and his other works: Unplugged — Steve Antony.
These children’s books are wonderful for story time in the classroom or place of choice. The themes found in these books can help promote conversations about online safety, social media, digital footprint and screen time. Young readers will most likely find these books to be engaging as they improve their digital literacy skills.
Northwest Alliance for Media Literacy 