It is with pleasure that I write this review of special children’s book written by our Green Options colleague and Eco Child’s Play contributing writer Joe Mohr, aka Mean Joe Green!  Not only is Joe a great political cartoonist, he’s a children’s author too.  His new book Go Out!  Go Out! is unique not only because it comes from Joe, but it is also a short book (14 “pages”) designed for your iPhone using istorytime.

From kite-flying to corndog buying, Go Out! Go Out! is a rhyming story that shares a small sample of the wonderful experiences that are waiting for us just outside our own front door.

Joe believes it is important kids get outside, no matter where they live!  I couldn’t agree more, and my family spends most of their days in the great outdoors.

Go out! Go out!

There are people to talk to,
Forests to walk through,
Sidewalks to chalk, too.

Go out! Go out!

There are things you should see.
Like the flight of a bee
To its home in a tree.

Go out! Go out!

There are smells you should try.
Like a fresh apple pie
In a window near by.

Go out! Go out!

Joe is inspired by great children’s authors, many of which we have reviewed on Eco Child’s Play!

My motivation for wanting to be a children’s book author and illustrator is that I want to try and recreate for kids the same wonderful feeling I had while reading Shel Silverstien, Dr Seuss, Bill Peet, and Roald Dahl as a child–I want to make them smile with the illustrations, excite them with the message, and entertain them with the words. I think all three of those things (smiles, excitement/motivation, and entertainment) are important for kids now more than ever. Kids today are seemingly less active, less social, and less happy. I hope to change that–atleast a little bit…

I think publishing e-books on iPhones is a great idea (now if I only had one).  This format would be great for entertaining kids in the car, on an airplane, etc. hopefully traveling to some great spot where they can be outside!  I can’t wait to read more of Joe’s books for children!