Independent Reading Level: Grades k-3
Awards: Arkansas Diamond Primary Award

This was our first book we read in the Food Group series and Dexter LOVES it. It's such a great little story about the Couch Potato and how comfortable it is to be on the couch with all of his things at hand. But when the electricity is blown, and Couch Potato is forced to experience real life outside his home, he realizes all of the great connections he's missing out on! Relationships with people, connections with nature...he still likes the comfortability of the couch, but he learns how important it is to have interpersonal relationships with people and environments. This teaches such a great lesson all while making it fun. Great book, and wonderful series! ( )

I feel called out as someone who is chronically online.

All joking aside, I love the message of this book. Go outside! It doesn't demonize sitting on the couch and watching TV, but it does make it clear that there is more to life than our gadgets. I love that the potato focused on finding a balance instead of chucking all of his gadgets. He has a more fulfilling life, but still has his favorite convenience items. Great book! ( )

A potato does not go outside and then suddenly the electricity goes off. He has to go out and realizes how nice it is.

Located in Lessons bin

Okay, so I compare all of these Jory John books to my favorite one (which is the Good Egg). While they are starting to get redundant and slightly unoriginal, I want to read this one during "Unplug and Be Outside" week. Because that is the premise of this one--getting off the couch, getting away from the screens, and then discovering the world around them.

Funny illustrations included "Mad Yam" "M*A*S*H*E*D Potatoes" "The Catcher in the Fry"....kids won't get the references but adults will. ( )