The Couch Potato
The Food Group Series
What’s inside...
Mr. Russet is the first to spot it. It's right in the middle of the couch. A potato. It doesn't belong there, yet there it is. And he's had enough. 'Every day I pick up this, I pick up that, I pick up everything!' Mr. Russet exclaims. 'I will not pick up that potato!' And he doesn't. In fact, he decides to take a stand and not pick up anything else either! But as the days pass, Mrs. Russet and the two Russet children don't seem to mind the potato in the living room. Or the mess growing all around them. What's a potato protestor to do? In Kerry Lyn Sparrow's funny picture book story, readers are likely to see parallels to their own families and how they handle household chores. The short, simple text and quirky story make for a fun read-aloud. Yinfan Huang's lively, childlike, colorful art conveys the same droll humor as the text. This book offers a good lead-in to discussions about roles and responsibilities within a family and respecting one another's feelings, particularly in the way that people can look at the same thing and see it from different perspectives. It can also be used for character education lessons on adaptability and tolerance.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the Couch Potato felt when he was alone and watching TV?
What are some activities the Couch Potato could do instead of watching TV all the time?
Why is it important to balance screen time with other activities?
How did the characters in the story help the Couch Potato change his habits?
Can you think of a time when you did something fun without screens?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to highlight the emotions of the Couch Potato, helping your child connect with the character's feelings.
Pause after reading key moments in the story to ask your child how they would feel or react in similar situations.
Relate the story to your child’s daily life by discussing your family’s screen time habits and exploring new activities to enjoy together.
Encourage your child to come up with alternative activities to watching screens, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
After reading, spend some screen-free time together doing a fun activity, reinforcing the book’s message through action.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of staying active
Explanation: The story demonstrates the transformation of the main character from leading a sedentary lifestyle to discovering the joys of being active.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of physical activity and can be encouraged to participate in sports, play outside, or engage in other active pastimes instead of spending excessive time on sedentary activities.
Example Lesson: Balance between screen time and other activities
Explanation: The Couch Potato learns that too much time on screens can lead to missing out on other fun and meaningful experiences.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the need for balancing their time on electronic devices with other creative or social activities, promoting a healthier daily routine.
Example Lesson: Exploring new interests
Explanation: In the story, the protagonist finds enjoyment in activities beyond the couch, sparking curiosity and engagement.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore new hobbies and interests beyond their usual routines, which aids in their cognitive and social development.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: The character's journey shows that it's okay to realize you've made a mistake, as long as you take steps to correct it.
Real-World Application: This teaches children resilience and the ability to adapt, recognizing mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning.
Example Lesson: The joy of sharing activities with others
Explanation: As The Couch Potato engages with others, it highlights the fulfillment found in shared experiences.
Real-World Application: This reinforces the importance of interpersonal relationships and teamwork, encouraging children to participate in group activities and appreciate companionship.