Unplugged Hardcover – Picture Book, 27 Feb. 2018

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!

Fantastic story for children with a clear and powerful message about screen time and playing in the 'real world'. Superb illustrations.

This is the only book my grandson has ever sat still and read with me or his mum over and over again.

Brilliant. Used as a great picture book for English as an additional language.

A lovely little story with beautiful illustrations.

Lovely story for promoting thinking about getting away from electronics and enjoying the outside world

It came without the paper cover (this is my second copy so I know that it has one) and a scratch on the front. Should have been marked used. I would return it, but it will be too late then to give to my daughter’s School.

Blip does everything on her computer, she loves being plugged in all day long. When there is a power cut Blip finds herself tumbling into the outside world. And Blip finds that she can experience all the same things outside as when she is plugged in inside…Unplugged is an entertaining read that highlights the need for us all to be more unplugged. Blip is addicted to her screen and nothing will pry her away from it. Being forced outside is a wake-up moment for Blip as she experiences the joy of being outside, surrounded by nature and playing with friends. I love that Blip takes a souvenir from her day out back with her, something to remind her not to stay plugged in for too long and to go back outside.There is a lovely contrast in the illustrations in this book. The plugged in world of Blip is illustrated in black and white whilst the outside unplugged world is in full colour. I understand the thoughts behind doing this but the plugged in world that children live in is full colour and more.I love this book - so relevant for today’s society. In a world where we are glued to our screens, this is a reminder about all the fun we can have when we are unplugged.Recommended for 4+.