Sonia's Digital World (Iste Young Innovators)

Most school-age children have an abundance of experience using technology for entertainment. They have watched videos and played games for many years.This book emphasizes the use of technology for bringing people together and increasing knowledge. The author defines collaboration in a kid-friendly way...."We can put our minds together."The book contains very diverse characters. There are children of different races and nationalities. There is a boy in a wheelchair and several children wearing glasses. There is also generational diversity with children, parents, and grandparents participating in the story.The story takes place in many different settings where technology is used. The color illustrations are excellent and add value to the story. If you take a close look at the pictures you will see examples of technology that are not mentioned in the text...cell phone tower, a drone, and an Internet dish on a building.The questions at the end of the story are excellent for discussion. There is also a chart that displays the ISTE Standards.I think this book provides a wonderful learning experience for young children. It combines learning and fun...a great combination!Thank you to Net Galley for an excellent reading experience.

I wanted to read this because I have been working with older toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary kids. With the widespread access to technology, mainly because of covid, teachers and parents have been trying to find good ways to teach kids about technology. I think this picture book was very creative and interactive in how kids can use technology positively and safely. I loved the illustrations, and they were very catchy and diverse, and I will be suggesting this book to parents and to be read in school.I wish the book had included safety while utilizing technology, but that's definitely something we, as teachers and caregivers, can have conversations with our kids about as we incorporate some of the questions provided at the end.