If You Give a Mouse an iPhone: A Cautionary Tail

A fun way to transmit guidance to kids on cell phone usage. This is an amusing story about a mouse who is allowed to borrow his friend's iPhone, starts playing games on it, and promptly loses track of the real world. He won't put the phone down and misses out on fun activities, inadvertently lets all the caged zoo animals out, and finally ends up on a distant island. All the while, he's still on the phone. Then the battery dies. With no charger and no electricity... he learns to live without it. The guidance is couched in enough humorous situations it doesn't seem like a lesson, and that's what makes this picture book successful. That said, it could have been better. There are a number of pages in the beginning where the dialogue between the boy and mouse overlaps with the narrative, making it a little difficult to know which parts to read first. Still, this is a fun book and one that kids will be able to "read" back to adults. It's hard to know what ages this is for. The content, pictures, and language are for the younger, K-3 grades, but, unless there is a safety concern, many parents don't give their kids phones until they're just a little older. So, for the younger grades, you may end up starting a discussion on good phone habits - or not - and simply enjoying the humor. The same humor means it can still be enjoyed by 3-5 graders and parents may want/need to follow up with an age-appropriate discussion. Finally, author/illustrator Ann Droyd (just say the name out loud), is actually David Milgrim.

Well written and makes the point with on-the-mark humor!

I can not wait to send this off to my brother and sis in law for my little niece. This book is hilarious and cute, without being too preachy it definitely helps shape the idea to little ones in a fun way that perhaps having your nose in your phone all the time isn't as cool as it seems. These days with everyone handing off their phone to their babies and toddlers, forget the kids, it's easy to forget their brains aren't developed and they do need to have time to be bored and look at the world around them and think about things. I took a picture of the part that made me laugh out loud. I highly encourage parents to read this to their kids if they also want them to have less phone time... aside from actually not giving them a phone to begin with, I suppose. I even liked it as a reminder to myself that I don't need to have my phone on me all the time. Sometimes I even leave it - gasp- in the other room.

If you are a fan of children's books or absolutely hate them, this book is for you. There is a certain sarcastic tone and quality to this book that will not be lost on anyone with a sense of humor. Still, it's perfectly fine to read this to children.When a mouse starts bothering his friend, the boy gives him his phone to play with while he finishes getting ready for the day. Once he has the phone, the mouse ignores everything that is going on around him, including the wonderful journey he inadvertently takes. Only when the battery dies does he even realize he's on a deserted island.It is a satirical take on today's plugged in society. Be ready to laugh at the folly of others, or maybe even something you are guilty of doing.

A fun, very modern take on a book that I remember reading to my younger siblings. It’s bright and colorful, and hints at the harm that cell phones can bring by ignoring the world around them, but I feel as though it focuses so much on the “ignoring” part that it loses the benefits of not being on your cell phone. I think the original cookie version is much more playful and fun, but maybe I’m being nostalgic.

I thought this book was going to be corny. I like the other Give A Mouse books, but honestly my daughter could take them or leave them. I bought this particular book knowing how much she hated parting with her iPad and oh my goodness, this is her favorite book now. She wants me to read it every night. She laughs non stop from beginning to end. Of course like most parents, I do the voices and and antics while I am reading it, but it really works for this book. Sometimes I even use my iPhone pretending that I am the mouse and she thinks that is hilarious too. I think this is the first book ever that has made her really laugh. I still think it's a little silly, but to hear a multitude of giggles coming from my little sweetheart - I would buy it and read it 1000+ times over.

If you have read if a moose, and if a mouse by Ln you will know this is a parody of her books. Excellent story for kids though. Buy it and your children should love it.

What a cute cautionary tale, and oh soooo true🤪 a good bed time read now the phone has gone to bed😜

My kids are big fans of the “If you give a mouse a cookie” books so this seemed like a fun one and it did not disappoint! This is a great book for young kids that love technology as they can see that mouse is missing out on everything around him. I highly recommend this to anyone with young kids!

Kids loved this.Cute and funny.

Great book. Modern

Loved it! What a special story!

My kids laugh at this book as they can totally relate!