The couch potato by Jory John and Pete Oswald

There is nothing that Couch Potato likes more that slouching on the couch. In fact it spends all its free time in the exact spot on its comfy cosy couch, and really, there is no reason to move. With a range of gadgets - even one that fetches its snacks - and a wall of shimmering screens in front of it, it can control its entire life all the time with a few taps and a couple of clicks.

Life is perfect until there is a power outage! Suddenly everything goes dark and Couch Potato is forced to open the curtains to let some light in where it sees the outdoors for the first time in a long time and it is tempted outside.

This is a new addition to Jory John's collection of modern cautionary tales for young readers joining The Good Egg, The Bad Seed and The Cool Bean. Encouraging those who prefer to live their lives vicariously through the screen to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, fresh air and being actively involved with friends, it opens up investigations into a healthy lifestyle and the need for balance.

Barbara Braxton