Mr Online – The Screen-Obsessed Friend

Mr Online

The Screen-Obsessed Friend

Finalist — The Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2025

Mr Online — The Screen-Obsessed Friend is a colourful, funny story about a mate who hasn’t yet discovered how good it feels to be in the moment. While his friends play and explore, he scrolls, swipes and watches — until he realises the fun he’s missing is right in front of him.

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Award-Recognised & Trusted by Schools

Finalist — The Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2025

Mr Online – The Screen-Obsessed Friend was selected as a Finalist in a UK-based book award judged by both children and educators.

⭐ 4-Star Rating

12 out of 15 readers would recommend it

14 out of 15 found it easy to follow

The Story

Mr Online loves likes, followers and funny videos. While his friends are laughing, playing and running around outside, he’s busy watching from behind a screen. But after a while, something begins to happen. His friends start to notice. And for the first time… so does he. Mr Online begins to realise that the best moments aren’t happening on a phone. They’re happening right in front of him. A gentle story about friendship, awareness and not missing the world around you.

Why Parents & Teachers Love It

Parents and educators often struggle to talk about screens without it turning into a battle. Mr Online creates a shared story that helps children reflect on their own habits naturally. Rather than lecturing children about technology, the story opens the door to conversations about: screen balance, friendship and social awareness, and being present in real-life moments.
Many teachers have also found it works well as a 10–15 minute classroom read-aloud, helping children think about the role screens play in their friendships and daily lives.

Real Talk for Parents & Teachers

Every Mr Mandem story ends with a Real Talk section — simple questions that turn storytime into conversation time. These prompts help children connect what they read to their own behaviour, friendships and choices. This transforms the book from just a story into a meaningful conversation starter.

“The goal isn’t to tell children that screens are bad — it’s to help them find a healthy balance and realise there’s a whole world of fun waiting beyond the screen.”

Inside the Book

A few pages from the story showing the moments where Mr Online begins to realise he might be missing out.

Trusted by Parents, Schools & Experts

“The book provides an excellent stimulus for discussion around online safety and wellbeing, helping children understand how their online experiences connect with their feelings, friendships and choices.”

Jo Jones

Headteacher Chairperson - Liverpool Primary Deputy & Assistant Headteachers Network

“By using narrative rather than instruction, the story gives children a child-friendly way to explore big feelings and tricky digital situations, helping teachers and parents open conversations that can be difficult to start.”

Bronwyn Wake

Head of Character & Wellbeing (K–12) - St. Andrew’s Cathedral School

“A well-written and timely book that helps children and parents start important conversations about screen time in a reassuring and age-appropriate way.”

Lee Castledine

Librarian - Children & Young People - Blacktown City Council

Featured Expert Endorsement

Sue Atkins

Parenting Expert & BBC Broadcaster,

President – Montessori International

“Mr Online offers a gentle way in — helping parents, carers and educators start conversations with children about screens, emotions and the digital world.”

Bring the Story Home

Hardback — $27.99

Product Details

Format: Hardback
Age Range: 4–8 years
Length: 38 pages
Size: 8.5 × 8.5 inches
Language: English
Publisher: Mr Mandem Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-7643226-0-7
Category: Children’s Picture Book