The Magic Tablet

A charming, timely picture book from the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General that shows children—and their parents—that the most magical adventures begin when we put down our screens and use our imaginations.

Eleanor desperately wants a tablet so she can become a famous content creator—but when her parents say no, she decides to make one herself. Armed with paper, crayons, markers, and a big imagination, Eleanor and her little brother create their own “apps” and discover a world of possibilities beyond a screen: making videos through pretend play, exploring outdoors, playing with friends, tending the garden, having tea, and learning about rockets and space.

Inspired by the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the harms of screen use, The Magic Tablet turns an urgent public-health concern into an upbeat, child-friendly celebration of creativity, physical activity, family connection, and real-world play. Rather than simply telling children that screens are bad, the book shows them how much fun is waiting when they look up from a device and engage with the world around them. As Eleanor’s mother tells her at bedtime, the magic came from Eleanor herself—not from a tablet.