Author: Jory John
Illustrator: Pete Oswald Target Ages: 4 and up
Genre: Fiction Picture Book
Summary: The Couch Potato has everything he needs within arm’s reach. With a myriad of screens, gadgets, and snacks, he never has to leave his seat. However, when a sudden power outage forces him outside, he discovers that life is much more vibrant when you aren't plugged in.
First Lines: “I am a potato. Not a fingerling potato. Not a Russet potato. Not a Yukon Gold potato. I am a couch potato.”
Memorable Moment: “I noticed the stillness. I noticed the birds. I noticed the clouds. I even noticed... myself.”
Evaluation: We often use the term “couch potato” to describe someone who is lazy or sedentary. In this brilliantly relatable story, Jory John takes this literal root vegetable and uses him to explore our modern obsession with technology, the loss of connection to nature, and the importance of balance.
The Couch Potato is a standout addition to the "Food Group" series. Much like The Bad Seed and The Good Egg, John takes a common idiom and gives it a soul. Initially, the Couch Potato is the king of comfort. He has a wall of screens and "plugs for my plugs." His life is defined by ease and entertainment, but he is completely disconnected from the world beyond his living room.
Little does the Couch Potato realize, but his "perfect" setup is actually limiting his growth. It takes a literal blackout to force him out of his comfort zone. When the power goes out and his screens go dark, he is forced to step outside. This transition is something many of us—children and adults alike—can relate to. We often don't realize how much the digital world consumes us until we are forced to put the devices down.
Once outside, the Couch Potato’s perspective shifts. He doesn't just see the world; he experiences it. He breathes the fresh air, notices the colors of the sunset, and plays in the grass. The text highlights this internal change: “I felt... relaxed. I felt... happy. I felt... like a new potato.” The story provides a concrete and humorous example of how unplugging can lead to a more "well-rounded" life.
When the power eventually comes back on, the Couch Potato doesn't go back to his old ways. He finds a middle ground. He still enjoys his shows, but he also makes time for his friends and the great outdoors. This story is a perfect springboard for discussing balance, the benefits of nature, and mindful living.
Illustrator Pete Oswald once again works magic with his watercolor style. From the glow of the television screens to the lush greens of the park, the art perfectly mirrors the Potato's emotional journey from high-tech isolation to natural connection.
This story is incredibly timely. While it’s marketed as a picture book, its message about the "digital trap" is something that will resonate deeply with older students and parents. I highly recommend The Couch Potato.
Now, Prove It! — Theme with Evidence
Students analyze key ideas, gather supporting quotes, and use structured sentence starters to explain how the evidence proves a theme. This resource helps readers practice moving from what happens in the story to what it means. Get your copy of Now, Prove It: The Couch Potato.
Summary: The Couch Potato has everything he needs within arm’s reach. With a myriad of screens, gadgets, and snacks, he never has to leave his seat. However, when a sudden power outage forces him outside, he discovers that life is much more vibrant when you aren't plugged in.
First Lines: “I am a potato. Not a fingerling potato. Not a Russet potato. Not a Yukon Gold potato. I am a couch potato.”
Memorable Moment: “I noticed the stillness. I noticed the birds. I noticed the clouds. I even noticed... myself.”
Evaluation: We often use the term “couch potato” to describe someone who is lazy or sedentary. In this brilliantly relatable story, Jory John takes this literal root vegetable and uses him to explore our modern obsession with technology, the loss of connection to nature, and the importance of balance.
The Couch Potato is a standout addition to the "Food Group" series. Much like The Bad Seed and The Good Egg, John takes a common idiom and gives it a soul. Initially, the Couch Potato is the king of comfort. He has a wall of screens and "plugs for my plugs." His life is defined by ease and entertainment, but he is completely disconnected from the world beyond his living room.
Little does the Couch Potato realize, but his "perfect" setup is actually limiting his growth. It takes a literal blackout to force him out of his comfort zone. When the power goes out and his screens go dark, he is forced to step outside. This transition is something many of us—children and adults alike—can relate to. We often don't realize how much the digital world consumes us until we are forced to put the devices down.
Once outside, the Couch Potato’s perspective shifts. He doesn't just see the world; he experiences it. He breathes the fresh air, notices the colors of the sunset, and plays in the grass. The text highlights this internal change: “I felt... relaxed. I felt... happy. I felt... like a new potato.” The story provides a concrete and humorous example of how unplugging can lead to a more "well-rounded" life.
When the power eventually comes back on, the Couch Potato doesn't go back to his old ways. He finds a middle ground. He still enjoys his shows, but he also makes time for his friends and the great outdoors. This story is a perfect springboard for discussing balance, the benefits of nature, and mindful living.
Illustrator Pete Oswald once again works magic with his watercolor style. From the glow of the television screens to the lush greens of the park, the art perfectly mirrors the Potato's emotional journey from high-tech isolation to natural connection.
This story is incredibly timely. While it’s marketed as a picture book, its message about the "digital trap" is something that will resonate deeply with older students and parents. I highly recommend The Couch Potato.
Now, Prove It! — Theme with Evidence
Students analyze key ideas, gather supporting quotes, and use structured sentence starters to explain how the evidence proves a theme. This resource helps readers practice moving from what happens in the story to what it means. Get your copy of Now, Prove It: The Couch Potato.
Other Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:
- Art: Use a potato shape template and have students draw their "Best Self" potato—what do they look like when they are outside and active?
- Character Education: Discuss the concept of "Balance." Have students create a daily schedule that balances screen time with "green time" (outdoor time).
- Comparison: Compare the Couch Potato’s living room at the beginning of the book to the park scene in the middle. How do the colors and the character’s expressions change?
- Creative Writing: Teach the plot diagram using this story. Then, have students choose a common idiom (like "Tough Cookie" or "Cool as a Cucumber") and write a story where the character learns a lesson.
- Science: Use the book to launch a lesson on what plants (and people!) need to grow—specifically sunlight and fresh air.
- Symbolism: This book is ideal to use when teaching symbolism for all ages. Grab my Teaching Symbolism with Picture Book Activity.
- Technology Audit: Have students track their screen time for one evening and then brainstorm five things they could do instead that don't require a plug.
- Theme: Teach theme with this picture book: The Couch Potato.
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