A fun library program to encourage making time for reading involves using some of the following books on reducing the time families spend in front of the television. These books are not overly preachy – we are not advocating for “No TV,” just balancing family time with some games and reading, before switching on the television.
For a craft project, make paper bag puppets of their favorite book-based TV characters, such as “Arthur” or “Curious George”. Here are some more.
Berenstain, Stan. BERENSTAIN BEARS AND THE BIG PICTURE. Mama Bear turns off the TV and makes the cubs play outside.
Brown, Marc. ARTHUR’S TV TROUBLE. Arthur sees a TV commercial and soon learns not to believe everything he sees on TV.
Carlson, Nancy. GET UP AND GO! A little pig learns to get up and be active instead of being a coach potato.
Lovell, Patty. HAVE FUN, MOLLY LOU MELON. Gertie moves in next door with fancy toys and a big TV, but Molly Lou shows her how much home-made fun can be.
Nickle, John. TV REX. Rex watches too much TV and soon imagines he is the star of his own show.
Novak, Matt. MOUSE TV. Everyone in the mouse family fights over which channel to watch, until the TV breaks.
McCarty, Peter. CHLOE. Chloe is sad when a new TV distracts everyone from “family fun time,” so she takes the empty box and bubble wrap to lure them away from the screen.
McPhail, David. FIX-IT. Emma wails for someone to fix the TV, but soon finds another hobby while she is waiting.
Michalak, Jamie. JOE AND SPARKY, SUPERSTARS! Joe the giraffe and Sparky the turtle join forces to be on a TV talent show.
Priomos, James. TODD’S TV. With busy parents, Todd’s TV takes over parenting duties.