Heartwarming Stories That Celebrate Creativity, Nature, and Time Away from Screens
In a world filled with screens and digital distractions, it’s more important than ever to help kids rediscover the joys of unplugging. Books about going “unplugged” inspire children to step away from technology and reconnect with creativity, imagination, and the beauty of real-world experiences.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite unplugged books for kids, organized by age group. I’ve also included screen-free activity ideas and thoughtful conversation starters to help kids explore the magic of mindfulness, play, and connection. Let me know which story helps your child pause, explore, and imagine more!
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Table of Content
- Why Read Books About Unplugging?
- The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Unplugging
- 11 Unplugged Books For Children
- What Unplugged Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Why Read Books About Unplugging?
Unplugged books help children understand the value of balance—between screen time and real time.
These stories gently encourage kids to look up, reach out, and rediscover the joy of creating, building, exploring, and playing with others. They don’t shame technology—instead, they celebrate the possibilities that come alive when the screens go dark.
Reading about unplugging inspires children to use their hands, hearts, and minds in new and meaningful ways.
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Unplugging
Books about unplugging support creativity, social skills, and mental wellness.
Characters often struggle with boredom at first, then discover how fun it is to build forts, make art, read outside, or connect with family and friends. These stories encourage open-ended play, curiosity, and mindfulness while helping kids reflect on how they spend their time.
Unplugged books also promote imagination—a skill just as important as any tech tool.
How to Use Books about Unplugging with Children
Here are some thoughtful and fun ways to extend the unplugged message:
- 🌳 Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask: What did the character do when they unplugged? or What could you do today that doesn’t involve a screen? In a classroom, try Turn and Talk to share unplugged ideas.
- 🎨 Engage in Screen-Free Activities: Build something with recycled materials, have a family read-aloud picnic, create a “no screens” scavenger hunt, or design a “Unplugged Day” poster with your top 10 activities.
- 📚 Refer Back to the Books: When screen time ends or boredom strikes, remind kids of the characters’ adventures. Say: Remember how the robot discovered how fun it was to paint and garden? What would you try first?
- 👨‍👩‍👧 Involve Other Caregivers: Share unplugged stories along with easy at-home activity ideas like board games, baking, storytelling circles, or flashlight reading. Encourage tech-free family time with small, joyful routines.
11 Unplugged Books For Children
Younger Children (Ages 3-6)
#1 Unplugged by Steve Antony
đź”— View on Amazon
Blip the robot loves being plugged in—until an accidental unplug leads to outdoor discovery. A sweet, simple story about the joys of offline play.
Discussion Questions:
- What did Blip discover outside?
- How do you feel when you take a break from screens?
- What’s one unplugged activity you love?
#2 Screen Time Is Not Forever by Elizabeth Verdick
đź”— View on Amazon
This board book helps young children learn that screens are fun—but so are breaks, play, and people!
Activity Idea: Make a “screen break” jar with fun offline ideas.
Discussion Questions:
- What’s your favorite non-screen game?
- How do screen breaks help us?
#3 Goodnight iPad by Ann Droyd
đź”— View on Amazon
A hilarious tech-age parody of Goodnight Moon, this bedtime story says goodnight to all our digital devices.
Discussion Questions:
- What do you do before bedtime?
- Why is it important to rest our eyes and brains?
Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
#4 But It’s Just a Game by Julia Cook
đź”— View on Amazon
Kids will relate to Jasper, who’s hooked on video games—until he learns about moderation and responsibility.
Discussion Questions:
- What happens when Jasper plays too long?
- How can you balance screen time with other fun?
#5 Screens Away, Time to Play by Kailan Carr
đź”— View on Amazon
A rhyming picture book that encourages families to set screens aside and enjoy each other.
Discussion Questions:
- What do you enjoy doing with your family?
- What’s one screen-free thing you’d love to do today?
#6 If You Give a Mouse an iPhone by Ann Droyd
đź”— View on Amazon
A techy twist on a classic, Mouse misses all the fun around him because he’s glued to a screen.
Discussion Questions:
- What adventures did Mouse miss?
- How can paying attention help you enjoy life more?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
#7 Bye-Bye Wi-Fi by Mari Meyers
đź”— View on Amazon
This rhyming book follows kids who discover a whole new world when the Wi-Fi goes out.
Discussion Questions:
- How would you feel if your Wi-Fi disappeared for a day?
- What would you do instead?
Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
#8 Unplugged Ninja by Mary Nhin
đź”— View on Amazon
Part of the Ninja Life Hacks series, this book teaches kids how to unplug and recharge themselves.
Discussion Questions:
- How does Unplugged Ninja feel after screen breaks?
- What’s your power-up activity when you’re offline?
#9 Polly and the Screen Time Overload by Betsy Childs Howard
đź”— View on Amazon
Polly learns that too much screen time makes her cranky—and that joy comes from balance and real-world play.
Discussion Questions:
- How did Polly feel after too much screen time?
- What helped her feel better?
#10 When Charlie McButton Lost Power by Suzanne Collins
đź”— View on Amazon
Charlie’s electronic world crashes—and he’s forced to rediscover imagination, family, and fun.
Discussion Questions:
- What did Charlie do when the power went out?
- What do you like to do when the lights go off?
#11 Y Is for Yet: A Growth Mindset Alphabet by Shannon Anderson
đź”— View on Amazon
Tek is glued to his gadgets… until a volcano shakes things up. A clever story about finding joy in nature and friendship.
Discussion Questions:
- How did Tek change during the story?
- What outside adventure would you go on today?
Grab these free resources to make your teaching life easier!
What Unplugged Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Unplugged books for kids remind us that creativity, connection, and curiosity often bloom best when screens are set aside. These stories help children find joy in the simple and wonder in the real.
Which unplugged story will inspire your next tech-free adventure? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and share your favorite books, off-screen activities, or unplugged family moments!
Happy reading!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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