FICTION

Babbit and Joan, a Rabbit and a Phone

by Denise Turu (text) & illus. by Denise Turu
Flyaway Bks. Apr. 2020. 40p. Tr $17. ISBN 9781947888203.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2–Joan the phone joins her comrades who are on strike, seeking relief from endless texts and pictures. Joan’s owner, Babbit, tucks her into bed, then goes outside alone. While hiking, Babbit encounters a bird bemoaning the loss of his phone battery and a bear who’s lost her phone entirely. The three eventually relish their tech-less journey together, sleep under the stars, and take a boat back to the city. Back in the old neighborhood, phone-obsessed animal neighbors don’t even realize Babbit’s been gone. He shares his exciting story with Joan and promises to recharge her batteries and give her more breaks while he continues to explore the world. Turu uses jewel tones for her cartoons with rounded figures.
VERDICT Part of a social issues series, the message is heavy-handed and likely more pertinent to parents than children.
Reviewed by Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA , Feb 01, 2020

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