Ollie Outside: Screen-Free Fun

Ollie Outside: Screen-Free Fun introduces us to a very realistic modern-day child. Ollie just wants to go outside and build a fort with his family. Unfortunately, his dad is too busy checking his email, his mom is too busy watching TV, his brother is too busy playing video games, and his sister is absorbed in texting on her phone. Finally, Ollie appeals to his grandparents. Even they are glued to a computer screen downloading photos. As Ollie works alone on his fort, something is missing. Will his family ever get off their electronics long enough to join him outside and make some great family memories?

This picture book does an excellent job of presenting the joys of screen-free activities and also speaks in an age-appropriate way of the sadness and isolation that technology addiction is wreaking on families.

The back of the book provides excellent information for parents and caregivers on how to spend screen-free time with their children. It also includes screen time guidelines and facts from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

This is a beautifully done book, with a fun story and good information that every family of young children should read.