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Prolonged Screen Time
Put the Phone Down, Mary Lou follows a young girl who spends her days glued to her phone while her persistent friend tries to coax her into exploring the world beyond the screen. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to write a simple story with a memorable, repetitive phrase to help children and parents talk about it at home. Many families are facing withdrawal symptoms in children from prolonged screen time. Symptoms include irritability, sleep disturbances, change in mood, depression, and anxiety. Studies have shown a direct correlation between poor grades and screen time length. The book reviews mention that they use the phrase “Put the phone down, Mary Lou” at home. I love that!
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Adeline Thompson?
I truly loved working with Adeline Thompson, particularly because she is my eldest daughter. Adeline received a BFA in Graphic design at Kent State University and designed the cover herself based on the story. Adeline did capture the expressions just as I envisioned.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scene where Jake gets fed up with Mary Lou not listening and shouts, dropping the book he was reading.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m glad you asked this question. Kendra’s New Shoes: A Recycling Adventure with a Giving Heart will be published on November 19, 2024.
Kendra’s New Shoes is a heartwarming children’s story about kindness and giving back to the community. When Kendra receives a new pair of shoes, she and her best friend, Kate, walk down the street and encounter a young girl wearing worn, tattered shoes. Moved by this encounter, Kendra and Kate return home to get Kendra’s old shoes and gift them to the little girl. Through this simple yet powerful act of generosity, the story encourages children to think of others and consider how they can make a difference. The book also includes a helpful section on donating clothes, toys, and more and a fact-filled glossary for older readers. It’s a wonderful way to inspire compassion in children and teach them about the importance of giving back.
A dinosaur counting book is due to be published in February 2025. It will be a fun, rhyming, hidden-object bedtime story, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Does your child use a tablet, phone, or gaming system?
This book will illustrate to your child the effects of prolonged screen time in a fun dramatic way.
This delightful tale centers on Mary Lou, a girl constantly glued to her phone.
Her friend Jake uses his wit to figure out a way for her to see the world around her. This allows Mary Lou to discover the benefits of engaging her mind with reading and using her imagination.
The book features catchy rhymes and repetitive phrases that engage readers in understanding the risks of excessive phone use, with dramatic symptoms to drive the lesson home for young readers.
At its heart, the story promotes friendship and the importance of perseverance in helping others.
Put The Phone Down, Mary Lou
Put the Phone Down, Mary Lou by Bonnie Kostan is a charming children’s book that tells the story of Mary Lou, a young girl who spends her days glued to her phone, and Jake, her persistent friend who tries to coax her into exploring the world beyond the screen. The book is impactful, using vibrant illustrations and straightforward language to deliver a message about the importance of real-world experiences, imagination, and the joy of reading. Throughout the story, Jake encourages Mary Lou to put down her phone, but she remains stubbornly attached to it until a magical moment helps her reconnect with the wonders of life around her.
I loved how the story’s main message was gently unfolded. It was clear from the start when Jake tells Mary Lou, “Put the phone down, there are better things to do,” that this book is about getting kids (and maybe even adults) to look up and see the world. The way Mary Lou’s behavior escalated, dark circles and pale skin, felt exaggerated, but it worked. It made the problem obvious to young readers who might not notice subtle changes in themselves when they’re on their screens for too long. The repeated phrase, “Put the phone down, Mary Lou,” echoes like a gentle reminder, and for kids, repetition can really help drive a message home.
The illustrations by Adeline Thompson deserve a special shoutout. They complement the story perfectly, with Jake’s expressions ranging from hopeful to concerned, and Mary Lou’s transformation from zombie-like to joyful was just heartwarming. One of my favorite parts was when Jake decides to stop nagging Mary Lou and just starts reading his island adventure book out loud. It’s almost like a ‘lead by example’ moment, and seeing Mary Lou’s slow but sure change was satisfying. Plus, the images Jake conjures while reading the island book to himself are vibrant and inviting and shows how powerful and exciting imagination can be.
The picture book Put the Phone Down, Mary Lou is an excellent pick for parents who want to encourage their kids to balance screen time with more active and imaginative play. It’s a short and sweet read with a clear message about the joys of looking up from the screen and finding beauty, fun, and connection in the real world.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0CZBFMFC8
LITERARY TITAN 