QUILL TOWN BOOKS
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Put the Phone Down, Mary Lou: A Children’s Book About Screen Time
Put the Phone Down, Mary Lou is a rhyming children’s book about screen time, friendship, reading, and imagination. Mary Lou is constantly glued to her phone, but her clever friend Jake is determined to help her look up from her screen and discover the world around her.
Through humor, catchy rhymes, and a memorable repeating phrase, Jake encourages Mary Lou to put down her phone and try reading. Before long, Mary Lou discovers just how much fun books and imagination can be.
Along with sparking conversations about healthy screen-time habits, the story celebrates friendship, perseverance, and the difference one caring friend can make. It’s a fun way for parents and educators to encourage children to balance screen time with reading, creativity, and exploring the world around them.
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An Award-Winning Children's Book About Screen Time and Friendship
Literary Titan Gold Review of Put the Phone Down, Mary Lou
"I loved how the story’s main message was gently unfolded. It was clear from the start when Jake tells Mary Lou, “Put the phone down, there are better things to do,” that this book is about getting kids (and maybe even adults) to look up and see the world. The way Mary Lou’s behavior escalated, dark circles and pale skin, felt exaggerated, but it worked. It made the problem obvious to young readers who might not notice subtle changes in themselves when they’re on their screens for too long. The repeated phrase, “Put the phone down, Mary Lou,” echoes like a gentle reminder, and for kids, repetition can really help drive a message home." Read the full Literary Titan review here.
Author Interview by Literary Titan
Free K–2nd Lesson Plan
Extend the story beyond the book with a free printable K–2nd lesson plan for Put the Phone Down, Mary Lou. Designed for teachers, homeschool families, and parents, the lesson plan includes discussion prompts, a materials list, hands-on activities, a simple craft or game, and printable worksheets.
Children can explore screen time balance, friendship, reading, and imagination while practicing reading, speaking, writing, and social-emotional learning skills.
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