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