Babbit & Joan, a Rabbit and a Phone is a simple story about a rabbit who takes a break from his phone and explores nature. He is surprised by all the things he has never seen before. The obvious message is to put electronics away and explore the world. This is a positive message, but I feel the story could have been stronger. The story begins with other phones on strike from being overworked. I think the story could have benefited from showing how the phones were overworked. Then the contrast with the outside world would have been more distinct. Babbit also joins friends along his journey who are lost without their phones. Somehow it seemed weird to have a bird and bear who couldn't find their way in the woods without a phone. If the premise was that going into nature is rejuvenating, then nature (the bird and bear) should be left to their natural instincts. Still, a timely book for this generation of readers.

I received this copy in an Early Reviewers Giveaway in LibraryThing. ( )

What would happen if we went out for a walk and left our phones at home? This is the basis for Babbit & Joan. Babbit leaves her tired phone ,Joan, at home when she goes for a walk. She discovers things she has never seen and heard before. ( )

A very cute story about what happens when we can't use our cell phones. Babbit struggles when he has to find his way through the forest without the GPS and when he can't call anyone for help, but he also discovers how much he was missing while keeping his eyes all the time on his phone. The nature around, the sounds, new friends.

I received this copy in an Early Reviewers Giveaway in LibraryThing. ( )

Babbit the Rabbit has never left Joan at home before. Does he dare go out without her? How will he know what to do? What if he gets lost?
Well first off, you need to know this... Joan is Babbit’s cell phone.

This book has a good message overall. It’s a picture book intended I assume for children, but my hope is that young children who enjoy picture books aren’t plugged into a cell phone.

Here’s the story...

One day, the phones are feeling overworked so they go on strike. Babbit decides to let his friend, Joan have a break, so he puts her to bed for a nap and heads out into the world. Without Joan’s help, he quickly becomes lost. As he is wandering around, he meets other creatures who are also lost because their phones have been misplaced or broken. As they make their way back to civilization, they see all sorts of things they hadn’t noticed when they had their noses buried in their devices. After a pleasant and meaningful time together, the new friends part ways and make plans to meet again.

When Babbitt gets home he notices his neighbors haven’t moved since he left hours ago. They are in the same position holding their cell phones to their ears. He realizes that no one has even missed him. The pictures of the neighbors as an elephant, a giraffe, pigs and ground hogs are quite cute.

The moral of he “fable” is... put down your phone and go outside to explore and see wha you are missing in life.

But, would a picture book make one abandon the cell phone? I don’t know, but it makes you think.

Thank you to NetGalley and Flyaway Books for providing me this cute and relevant book. ( )

I'm reviewing an uncorrected proof of Babbit & Joan, a Rabbit and a Phone. This paperback copy is written and illustrated by Denise Tutu. Babbit the Rabbit is really frustrated with his friend Joan, the phone. She wanted to take a break in their relationship and he was not liking that...at all! Eventually, he goes out and learns how to have real friends, fun, and adventure. This book is a great way to consider breaking away from phone/screen habits and the importance of real interactions. The story is only a bit didactic and a great way for all to consider taking breaks and remembering what really matters. The artwork is wonderful with incredible palette, imaginative drawing, and adventure directly correlating to the beauty of nature. I will watch for more by Turu, particularly because of the color! ( )