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Dot.
*NOW A HIT TV SERIES* Meet Dot in this debut picture book by CEO and founder of Zuckerberg Media, editor-in-chief of Dot Complicated, and former Marketing Director of Facebook, Randi Zuckerberg! Dot's a spunky little girl well versed in electronic devices—she’s a technophile. She knows how to tap . . . to swipe . . . to share . . . and she pays little attention to anything else. Dot's tech-savvy expertise, mingled with her resourceful imagination, proves Dot knows lots and lots. But will she be able to unplug for one second to tap…swipe…and share with her real-life friends? Find out in this wonderful story about the day when Dot sets off on an interactive adventure with the world surrounding her.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published November 5, 2013
About the author
Randi Zuckerberg
4 books29 followersRandi Zuckerberg is the founder and CEO of Zuckerberg Media, a digital and traditional media and production company, and Editor-in-Chief of Dot Complicated, an online community helping us navigate and “untangle” our wired, wonderful lives.
In November of 2013, Randi released her first books with HarperCollins, an adult non-fiction book also titled Dot Complicated, which addresses the multifaceted complications of our socially transparent world, and a children’s picture book, titled Dot.
As an early marketing executive at Facebook, Randi created and ran the social media pioneer’s marketing programs. She led the company’s U.S. election and international politics strategy and created Facebook’s live streaming initiatives during the 2008 Presidential Inauguration. Randi was nominated for an Emmy Award in 2011 for her innovative coverage of the 2010 mid-term elections that integrated online and TV coverage in unique formats.
Since starting Zuckerberg Media, Randi has produced shows and digital content for BeachMint, the Clinton Global Initiative, Cirque du Soleil, the United Nations, Bravo and Conde Nast, with many other projects in the works.
Randi has appeared on CNN, Good Morning America, the Today show, Bloomberg News, and ABC’s World News. She was also a correspondent for the 2011 Golden Globe Awards and the World Economic Forum in Davos. Randi was recently appointed to the United Nations Global Entrepreneurs Council and the World Economic Forum’s Global Council on Social Media.
Randi holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Harvard University and resides in Palo Alto with her husband Brent Tworetzky and their son Asher.
In November of 2013, Randi released her first books with HarperCollins, an adult non-fiction book also titled Dot Complicated, which addresses the multifaceted complications of our socially transparent world, and a children’s picture book, titled Dot.
As an early marketing executive at Facebook, Randi created and ran the social media pioneer’s marketing programs. She led the company’s U.S. election and international politics strategy and created Facebook’s live streaming initiatives during the 2008 Presidential Inauguration. Randi was nominated for an Emmy Award in 2011 for her innovative coverage of the 2010 mid-term elections that integrated online and TV coverage in unique formats.
Since starting Zuckerberg Media, Randi has produced shows and digital content for BeachMint, the Clinton Global Initiative, Cirque du Soleil, the United Nations, Bravo and Conde Nast, with many other projects in the works.
Randi has appeared on CNN, Good Morning America, the Today show, Bloomberg News, and ABC’s World News. She was also a correspondent for the 2011 Golden Globe Awards and the World Economic Forum in Davos. Randi was recently appointed to the United Nations Global Entrepreneurs Council and the World Economic Forum’s Global Council on Social Media.
Randi holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Harvard University and resides in Palo Alto with her husband Brent Tworetzky and their son Asher.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
July 6, 2013
I like the clever turn around in this book using the same verbs for high-tech and no-tech activities.
A good title for Screen Free Week.
Use with Doug Unplugged or hello! hello!.
A good title for Screen Free Week.
Use with Doug Unplugged or hello! hello!.
July 21, 2016
This was a very cute hard backed book about Dot, who loves to surf the Internet, tweet and share things online. She soon realises she can have just as much fun outside!
I think my five month old son is a bit too young to appreciate the message of the book, but I'm sure older children will understand!
I think my five month old son is a bit too young to appreciate the message of the book, but I'm sure older children will understand!
July 3, 2013
Dot loves her electronic devices, but a trip outside to play reminds Dot that she enjoys other activities, too. I loved the parallels between the verbs describing Dot's online and offline activities like "tapping" and "tweeting".
March 20, 2014
It seems this book has been reviewed by a lot of adults who haven't actually read it to children. There are a lot of "this book is a good reminder for children and adults" or "kids today . . ." This review is for someone who is looking to read this book to their child, not just as a novelty.
The best thing about this book are the illustrations. They are lovely and whimsical.
The second best thing about this book is the intention behind it. The message Ms. Zuckerberg wants to share is a good one.
The thing that doesn't even place is the execution.
I think at some point many people who love books and children daydream about writing a picture book . . . "It would be so easy. All I need is a cute idea and a good illustrator." I have read well over 1,000 picture books in the last two years, and I read dozens more every week to my son. As we shared books by Mo Willems, Karen Beaumont, Audrey Wood and Don Wood , Holly Hobbie and other amazing creators, I have realized there is much more to writing a children's book than a cute idea. Magic is involved. Magic and cleverness and an understanding of the way children think. It is a rare quality. When I finished reading Dot. to my son I wondered how in the world this book got published (for reasons I will explain in a moment). Then I saw who the author was and understood. Connections. Money talks and names sell books.
The main problem with this book is that it doesn't have a real audience. The vocabulary is simple with an average of four words per page, perfect for a preschooler, in theory. I read it to a four and a half year old and he understood it, but he didn't get it. The topic doesn't work with preschoolers. They like screens, but they like playing with people and toys and outside too. He thought it was nice. But, it didn't make him laugh or wonder. It's not suited for elementary age children either for the reasons it was good as a preschool book. The vocabulary is so simple and there are so few words, a second read would be boring. The last purpose for a children's book, if it's not for a specific age, is to read it aloud to a story time group. I spent a year as a library story lady and this one is not good for that either. There isn't anything funny or surprising for the children to react to. It says on the author bio that Ms. Zuckerberg has a two-year-old which means she probably isn't yet aware of what works and is appropriate for different age groups.
If this book doesn't work well for children, that makes it one of those lovely books with messages for adults hidden in the pages of a picture book. But unlike Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You'll Go! or Walk On!: A Guide for Babies of All Ages by Marla Frazee, it's boring.
Finally, this book is not a classic and was not designed to be. The technology and companies like Facebook and Twitter, that are vaguely referenced, will be outdated in fifty years. This book was published to make money. I suggest you save yours.
This book has it's charms, but it doesn't have a place. A cute idea does not a picture book make.
However, if Dot inspires one parent to turn away from their screen and play with their child (and I hope it does for hundreds of people) then it is worth it's weight in gold and jewels.
If you're looking for a book about technology vs real life, I recommend Doug Unplugged.
The best thing about this book are the illustrations. They are lovely and whimsical.
The second best thing about this book is the intention behind it. The message Ms. Zuckerberg wants to share is a good one.
The thing that doesn't even place is the execution.
I think at some point many people who love books and children daydream about writing a picture book . . . "It would be so easy. All I need is a cute idea and a good illustrator." I have read well over 1,000 picture books in the last two years, and I read dozens more every week to my son. As we shared books by Mo Willems, Karen Beaumont, Audrey Wood and Don Wood , Holly Hobbie and other amazing creators, I have realized there is much more to writing a children's book than a cute idea. Magic is involved. Magic and cleverness and an understanding of the way children think. It is a rare quality. When I finished reading Dot. to my son I wondered how in the world this book got published (for reasons I will explain in a moment). Then I saw who the author was and understood. Connections. Money talks and names sell books.
The main problem with this book is that it doesn't have a real audience. The vocabulary is simple with an average of four words per page, perfect for a preschooler, in theory. I read it to a four and a half year old and he understood it, but he didn't get it. The topic doesn't work with preschoolers. They like screens, but they like playing with people and toys and outside too. He thought it was nice. But, it didn't make him laugh or wonder. It's not suited for elementary age children either for the reasons it was good as a preschool book. The vocabulary is so simple and there are so few words, a second read would be boring. The last purpose for a children's book, if it's not for a specific age, is to read it aloud to a story time group. I spent a year as a library story lady and this one is not good for that either. There isn't anything funny or surprising for the children to react to. It says on the author bio that Ms. Zuckerberg has a two-year-old which means she probably isn't yet aware of what works and is appropriate for different age groups.
If this book doesn't work well for children, that makes it one of those lovely books with messages for adults hidden in the pages of a picture book. But unlike Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You'll Go! or Walk On!: A Guide for Babies of All Ages by Marla Frazee, it's boring.
Finally, this book is not a classic and was not designed to be. The technology and companies like Facebook and Twitter, that are vaguely referenced, will be outdated in fifty years. This book was published to make money. I suggest you save yours.
This book has it's charms, but it doesn't have a place. A cute idea does not a picture book make.
However, if Dot inspires one parent to turn away from their screen and play with their child (and I hope it does for hundreds of people) then it is worth it's weight in gold and jewels.
If you're looking for a book about technology vs real life, I recommend Doug Unplugged.
January 11, 2014
Rating: ★★★½ (4 stars). Review posted on granitemedia.org: http://www.granitemedia.org/2014/01/dot/
Dot knows a lot.
She knows how to tap…
to touch…
to tweet…
to search…
and to talk.
A very simple and easy-to-read text tells the story of a young 21st Century digital native enthusiastically finding her way through both the digital and physical worlds. The illustrations bring the rich multiple meanings of these simple words to life, and show the value not only in being digitally connected and curious, but also the importance of “rebooting” and connecting to the physical world through outdoor play, face-to-face interactions, etc. A great reminder of the importance of balance, exploration, and experience in life, this story should speak to pretty much everyone trying to negotiate our postmodern technological culture, whether 5 or 50 years old.
Dot knows a lot.
She knows how to tap…
to touch…
to tweet…
to search…
and to talk.
A very simple and easy-to-read text tells the story of a young 21st Century digital native enthusiastically finding her way through both the digital and physical worlds. The illustrations bring the rich multiple meanings of these simple words to life, and show the value not only in being digitally connected and curious, but also the importance of “rebooting” and connecting to the physical world through outdoor play, face-to-face interactions, etc. A great reminder of the importance of balance, exploration, and experience in life, this story should speak to pretty much everyone trying to negotiate our postmodern technological culture, whether 5 or 50 years old.
November 7, 2014
Perfect! What a perfect way to capture today's child, and to also encourage playing the way we did when we were small. I would read this book over and over to any technologically savvy child just to remind them of the 'other' ways of doing things. Perfect illustrations and text form a thoroughly modern story.
November 21, 2017
This is so cuuuute!
July 21, 2018
Very cute book to share with children and discuss the benefits of stepping away from your screen sometimes.
November 26, 2013
I had the opportunity to get my hands on an Art Not Final Advanced copy of Dot. and then later a real deal hardcover by social media expert Randi Zuckerberg and I am intrigued and overall delighted. AT first I was hesitant reading it as we do not really allow our littles into technology - no matter how cute or easily they pick it up. However, this book is adorably cute and the message is sound. Yes, learn and play with the tech, but then go unplug! Very modern and appropriate for this generation.
Edit to add: After posting my review I went and read some other reviews and feel like I need to add more to my thoughts to share. In my experience with this book I do not find it to be Dot abandoned and left alone with only technology for entertainment. I see it as her imagination running wild imitating what she sees from the world around her as in her world (with a social media guru parent!) technology is definitely around and available. But the overall message of the book is not "oh look what this young child can do" it's the fact that even with technology getting outside, playing classic games, and with friends is even more important and fun is to be found.
It is my opinion reading the overall negative reviews, that the idea of technology with a child has hit a nerve and I'm not sure those reviewers got even past the first half of the book. The "overall" message is definitely sound. Go play!
I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.
posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
Edit to add: After posting my review I went and read some other reviews and feel like I need to add more to my thoughts to share. In my experience with this book I do not find it to be Dot abandoned and left alone with only technology for entertainment. I see it as her imagination running wild imitating what she sees from the world around her as in her world (with a social media guru parent!) technology is definitely around and available. But the overall message of the book is not "oh look what this young child can do" it's the fact that even with technology getting outside, playing classic games, and with friends is even more important and fun is to be found.
It is my opinion reading the overall negative reviews, that the idea of technology with a child has hit a nerve and I'm not sure those reviewers got even past the first half of the book. The "overall" message is definitely sound. Go play!
I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.
posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
February 15, 2014
Dot. by Randi Zuckerbert, illustrated by Joe Berger - like so many books that remind children that there’s more to life away from the screen, Dot does have this message. I thought it was special in an additional way, use of text and repetition in a really cute way. I know my students will enjoy talking about context and interpretation of words and additionally will compare this with numerous other beautiful books!
July 19, 2016
Perfection! Dot knows how to use electronic devices. Dot knows how to "reboot" by going outside. Dot is well-rounded. Wonderful! The same verbs are used when discussing Dot's use of electronic devices as the verbs used when describing Dot being in nature. I love this PARTICULARLY in light of our summer reading overall health theme, ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, READ!
November 5, 2013
Absolutely fabulous picture book on the balance between technology and real world experiences. Nicely done. I think most little ones out there are like DOT and need to be told to Reboot and Recharge outside.
December 30, 2013
I just don't get it. I mean, I guess it's about not letting your tech overrun your life? But other than the illustrations (which are lovely) I didn't see much of a point of this book.
However, I also don't see why someone would let a toddler play with their tablet, so....
However, I also don't see why someone would let a toddler play with their tablet, so....
July 27, 2014
A great little story about how one can be connected to the Net but still have fun going outside. Verbs are interchanged with each activity. This is a great book to make connections for younger students.
July 19, 2016
Fun juxtaposition of Dot learning to touch, swipe, tap, tweet in relation to technology and then kids playing outside, choosing to touch, swipe, tap, tweet, etc. Good read aloud. Good springboard for screens discussion.
October 4, 2013
A fun fable about unplugging and getting connected to the real world. (no Jackass to complicate things this time)
October 7, 2013
Fun contrast between technology verbs and the use of the same verbs but without technology.
November 6, 2013
There's a lot of kids and adults who can learn much from Dot's self-discovery. A great message wonderfully delivered in an appealing fable.
November 20, 2013
simple vocabulary but a cute story with wordplay and bright illustrations that translate well to read aloud crowds. *might* be good for talking theme.
November 12, 2017
Dot. / by Randi Zuckerberg; illustrated by Joe Berger -- New York : Harper, c2013. (32 pages) RANGE 3 -- PICTURE BOOKS
SUMMARY: Meet Dot! She's a spunky little girl obsessed with electronic devices. Dot knows a lot. She knows how to tap...to swipe...to share...and she pays little attention to anything else, until one day Dot sets off on an interactive adventure with the world surrounding her. (bookjacket)
REVIEW: I like to see a smart girl that is very smart. And this title is very timely as I see more and more children younger and younger interacting more and more with technology and less with each other. So Dot's whole day is surrounded by computers, and smart phones with tweeting and sharing until her mother sends her outside to Reboot! Recharge! and Restart! (all techie words). And then Dot remembers that she used to like the outdoors and she finds ways to use her techie skills to play in the real world with her friends.
FORMAT: It is interesting that the illustrator used very simple backgrounds when talking about technology but the background at the last part of the book with nature and friends burst with color and life. It is nice to have a balance with both.
FAVORITE PART: When she "swipes" the paint into a wonderful rainbow.
NOTE: I like that Dot -- is an expert at everything .com and that she loves to wear dots (nice details).
SUMMARY: Meet Dot! She's a spunky little girl obsessed with electronic devices. Dot knows a lot. She knows how to tap...to swipe...to share...and she pays little attention to anything else, until one day Dot sets off on an interactive adventure with the world surrounding her. (bookjacket)
REVIEW: I like to see a smart girl that is very smart. And this title is very timely as I see more and more children younger and younger interacting more and more with technology and less with each other. So Dot's whole day is surrounded by computers, and smart phones with tweeting and sharing until her mother sends her outside to Reboot! Recharge! and Restart! (all techie words). And then Dot remembers that she used to like the outdoors and she finds ways to use her techie skills to play in the real world with her friends.
FORMAT: It is interesting that the illustrator used very simple backgrounds when talking about technology but the background at the last part of the book with nature and friends burst with color and life. It is nice to have a balance with both.
FAVORITE PART: When she "swipes" the paint into a wonderful rainbow.
NOTE: I like that Dot -- is an expert at everything .com and that she loves to wear dots (nice details).
May 9, 2017
What a great idea! A book about a tech-savvy kid who still appreciates what goes on when she isn't using her many varied tech tools, but doesn't have to spurn the goodness of those tech devices to show her appreciation of the non-tech world. That's the message that books about over-saturation of technology should spread. Too often, books about tech and kids make tech seem like an all-consuming evil that makes kids bad citizens. This shows that there is a right amount of involvement in tech that needs to be balanced with involvement in everything else. Basically, this is the book that encourages the "everything in moderation" approach. Well presented. Well worth the few minutes it takes to read and enjoy.
October 31, 2017
I think the idea of the book and the message it tries to transmit is very nice! I was trying to see if children will actually enjoy it and I am not very sure. I will have to try it with actual kids and see what their reactions would be. I do think it is nice how the books combines technology with the outside as entertainment for kids. The reality is there are many kids who are left with tablets as babysitters and these kids may get the message.
November 28, 2017
I loved this story! It shows the type of world that children today are so fluent in, and connects it to a wonderful world of childhood fun outside of all of the electronic experiences. It made me remember so many amazing things about how I played as a child. I hope it is a story that will encourage children to seek fun outdoors, but the lure of electronics is so great. It would make a wonderful family time story.
August 7, 2021
Dot spends a lot of time on her electronic devices. Eventually, she is burned out so her mother encourages her to go outside to recharge where she remembers how much she appreciates the outside world. This has a good message about unplugging, but it will also resonate for young readers who had limited contact with the outside world due to covid restrictions.
January 5, 2018
Dot knows a great deal about technology and its various tools. She is an expert at searching, surfing, and swiping. After a gentle reminder (push) from her mom, to pause and get outside, Dot soon remembers how her expertise of searching, surfing, and swiping extend far beyond the tech world.
March 30, 2018
Dot is an expert with a device. She can swipe, surf, tweet and tag. Funny thing is, she can do those things outside, too, just without the device.
Another good addition to the digital citizenship library.
Another good addition to the digital citizenship library.
May 6, 2019
A clever book that will help children understand that there is a time for tech and online chatting and a time to be outdoors with others face-to-face. The book does not look down on technology but instead invites us to make time for other things as well.
January 25, 2020
Dot spends SO much time on technology devices that she just gets wiped out. Mom has her “recharge” by going outside and getting fresh air, playing, and enjoying the company of friends. This book is geared toward younger children. It is great to launch discussions.
December 26, 2020
Another contender for a Pop Culture Studies addition, but I didn't like this one as much as Steve Antony's Unplugged. Similar theme of online fatigue and how the outdoors can "reboot" life a little bit, and the parallel language of what Dot can do online AND outside was clever.
June 17, 2017
A great parallel for our young digital natives...you can tap, tweet, share on a device and out in the world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews