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Bruno hat 100 Freunde
Bruno ist überglücklich als er im Wald ein Mobiltelefon findet. Auf einmal hat er wahnsinnig viele Freunde – und das auf der ganzen Welt! Tag und Nacht verbringt er nun mit seiner „Magischen Box“ und hat gar keine Zeit für seine besten Freunde Renzo und Rico. Bis einges Tages die Batterie des Telefons leer ist...
Ein Buch über moderne Kommunikationsmittel und wahre Freundschaft.
Ein Buch über moderne Kommunikationsmittel und wahre Freundschaft.
28 pages, Hardcover
Published March 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 18, 2019
Bruno is on his way to spend time with his friends when he finds a curious object- a phone. Bruno quickly understands that the phone lets him do lots of new things and have experiences he has never had, but above all, it allows him to have many more friends. In fact, when his old friends, Renzo and Rico, ask him what this object is for, he doesn't hesitate: 'It's for making lots of friends all over the world'. Unfortunately, what happens next is a bit sad, because Bruno gets so absorbed in what is going on online, that he forgets to pay any attention to Renzo and Rico, who are trying very hard to involve him in 'real life' activities. Until one day the phone breaks and Bruno loses his virtual friends only to discover that Renzo and Rico are still there for him and will always be.
I am in two minds about this one. On one hand, it is important to make children think about the importance of real-life friendships and 'non-digital life'. Balance is essential, playing, running, climbing trees, cycling, discovering the world with your senses, chatting to real people you can look into eyes or give a hug is invaluable. On the other hand, there are benefits to using technology, not least of which is various online communities for people with similar interests, saying nothing of keeping in touch with real friends who happen to be far away. Again, it is up to the parent/ caregiver to talk with a child and discuss the implications and consequences of abandoning your older friends, when you could share your new discoveries and let your friends know how these enrich your life.
The artwork is sweet, with beautiful warm colours, and endearing pictures of the three bear friends.
Thank you to NetGalley and Clavis publishing for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
I am in two minds about this one. On one hand, it is important to make children think about the importance of real-life friendships and 'non-digital life'. Balance is essential, playing, running, climbing trees, cycling, discovering the world with your senses, chatting to real people you can look into eyes or give a hug is invaluable. On the other hand, there are benefits to using technology, not least of which is various online communities for people with similar interests, saying nothing of keeping in touch with real friends who happen to be far away. Again, it is up to the parent/ caregiver to talk with a child and discuss the implications and consequences of abandoning your older friends, when you could share your new discoveries and let your friends know how these enrich your life.
The artwork is sweet, with beautiful warm colours, and endearing pictures of the three bear friends.
Thank you to NetGalley and Clavis publishing for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
August 5, 2019
Oh boy. Yet another message from grown ups to children about why they shouldn't use technology or cell phones. Grown ups love to harp on kids for using their phones too much, though most of the grown ups I know are using their phones even more than kids are -- and we're also the ones who give them to kids.
This short picture book tells the story of a bear who finds a cell phone and starts ignoring his two friends (who live with and sleep with him, making them seem more like siblings or polyamorous partners than friends if we want to get technical) in order to play with it and connect with his "virtual friends" all day. He has fun until it stops working (presumably the battery died) and then his friends give him a hug and he realizes they're way better than virtual friends anyway.
As other reviewers have mentioned, Bruno doesn't come to the realization that he likes his "real life" friends better through any epiphany or major event. His phone dies and he magically realizes he is better off without it. My issues go past that, though.
For many kids, so-called virtual friends can be a real lifeline and can offer support and friendship from afar. Kids who live in rural areas, who are ill or who just don't fit in well with the kids they're around can all really benefit from using technology to connect with others. My youngest daughter chats with her best friend in Nebraska nearly daily. It's helped her reading and spelling, and it also helps her keep in touch with one of her favorite people. My teen daughters benefited greatly from some friendships they had with like-minded kids through social media and texting (try being an alternative homeschooled teenager in a conservative farming town of 700 without social media). Both of my sons also used technology to keep in touch with friends who moved away. None of those are "virtual" friendships. The people on the other side were just as real and supportive as ones they could walk over to see. Some of my best friends were people I first met online over the years and I know many people of all ages whose lives have been made better by online friendships, so I cringe to see the shaming of folks who use technology to connect with others. And also, until we grownups put down our cell phones it's time to stop complaining when our kids use them.
The art in this book is sweet, and I'm sure a lot of grown ups will like the message. Kids are likely to just feel preached at, though, and rightly so.
My rating system:
1 = hated it
2 = it was okay
3 = liked it
4 = really liked it
5 = love it, plan to purchase, and/or would buy it again if it was lost
I read a temporary digital ARC of the book for the purpose of review.
This short picture book tells the story of a bear who finds a cell phone and starts ignoring his two friends (who live with and sleep with him, making them seem more like siblings or polyamorous partners than friends if we want to get technical) in order to play with it and connect with his "virtual friends" all day. He has fun until it stops working (presumably the battery died) and then his friends give him a hug and he realizes they're way better than virtual friends anyway.
As other reviewers have mentioned, Bruno doesn't come to the realization that he likes his "real life" friends better through any epiphany or major event. His phone dies and he magically realizes he is better off without it. My issues go past that, though.
For many kids, so-called virtual friends can be a real lifeline and can offer support and friendship from afar. Kids who live in rural areas, who are ill or who just don't fit in well with the kids they're around can all really benefit from using technology to connect with others. My youngest daughter chats with her best friend in Nebraska nearly daily. It's helped her reading and spelling, and it also helps her keep in touch with one of her favorite people. My teen daughters benefited greatly from some friendships they had with like-minded kids through social media and texting (try being an alternative homeschooled teenager in a conservative farming town of 700 without social media). Both of my sons also used technology to keep in touch with friends who moved away. None of those are "virtual" friendships. The people on the other side were just as real and supportive as ones they could walk over to see. Some of my best friends were people I first met online over the years and I know many people of all ages whose lives have been made better by online friendships, so I cringe to see the shaming of folks who use technology to connect with others. And also, until we grownups put down our cell phones it's time to stop complaining when our kids use them.
The art in this book is sweet, and I'm sure a lot of grown ups will like the message. Kids are likely to just feel preached at, though, and rightly so.
My rating system:
1 = hated it
2 = it was okay
3 = liked it
4 = really liked it
5 = love it, plan to purchase, and/or would buy it again if it was lost
I read a temporary digital ARC of the book for the purpose of review.
July 26, 2019
Bruno Has One Hundred Friends is the story of a bear who finds a cell phone in the woods. He's soon obsessed with it, preferring to watch movies, listen to music, and collect virtual friends rather than spend time with Renzo and Rico, his flesh-and-blood pals.
I love the premise here, and the illustrations are adorable (I especially like the fox hiding in the outdoor scenes). But Bruno's teachable moment kind of comes out of the blue. His understanding comes so abruptly that I actually thought my copy had a page missing. One moment he's crying about his cell phone not working (and the loss of his virtual friends), and the next he's realizing that he's neglected his real friends. Other than a bear hug, there doesn't seem to be anything that acts as the catalyst for this change of heart. So that was a bit disappointing.
Other than that, though, the message of Bruno Has One Hundred Friends is a good one. I'm not sure if children are really the ones who need to hear this message, but perhaps some of the parents reading this with their kids will take Bruno's lesson to heart.
Thank you to NetGalley and Clavis for providing a digital ARC.
I love the premise here, and the illustrations are adorable (I especially like the fox hiding in the outdoor scenes). But Bruno's teachable moment kind of comes out of the blue. His understanding comes so abruptly that I actually thought my copy had a page missing. One moment he's crying about his cell phone not working (and the loss of his virtual friends), and the next he's realizing that he's neglected his real friends. Other than a bear hug, there doesn't seem to be anything that acts as the catalyst for this change of heart. So that was a bit disappointing.
Other than that, though, the message of Bruno Has One Hundred Friends is a good one. I'm not sure if children are really the ones who need to hear this message, but perhaps some of the parents reading this with their kids will take Bruno's lesson to heart.
Thank you to NetGalley and Clavis for providing a digital ARC.
September 5, 2019
This kid's book is about a bear finding a phone, ignoring his friends but then realizing his actual friends are the ones in his physical world.
I think this is a great book for this day in age with everyone being so consumed by their phones and the internet. When the main bear was ignoring his friends while playing/talking to his online friends, even as an adult you can't help but to relate. Although I think it's great to connect and communicate with people online but you can't neglect your family/friends on your immediate environment.
The book also subtly showed that having a presence of social media isn't always as viable and ultimately as important as the friends in your life.
4/5
I think this is a great book for this day in age with everyone being so consumed by their phones and the internet. When the main bear was ignoring his friends while playing/talking to his online friends, even as an adult you can't help but to relate. Although I think it's great to connect and communicate with people online but you can't neglect your family/friends on your immediate environment.
The book also subtly showed that having a presence of social media isn't always as viable and ultimately as important as the friends in your life.
4/5
July 27, 2019
Four stars for this fable about a bear who finds a human's phone and thinks the world revolves around the friends it allegedly gives him. I say 'friends' and 'allegedly', for he must find out that true friendship is something else. Pleasant, if not brilliant, artwork, an easy read and a moral we can all see from the start make this a commendable piece.
July 26, 2019
Funny think to present the problem and stupidity issue that a phone might provides. Funny for sure but not sure how well it fit the targeted reader of a picture book... that's why I lower its rating a bit!
August 23, 2019
I am buying this for my jr. high kids ASAP!
April 13, 2025
2 stars for the story and an extra one for the illustrations. The message is too on the nose.
November 1, 2020
This book is a good idea for all ages. It illustrates how the idea of social media friends is appealing, but in-person, real friends are even better.
September 17, 2019
It's scary to think that this book is even necessary for children, but alas, that is the case. Bruno finds a phone on his way to play with his friends. When asked what it was and what it was for, he quickly tells his friends, Renzo and Rico, that it is for making friends. Bruno gets so caught up with his phone and all it can do, that he stays in his house all day and ignores his "real" friends. Fortunately for Bruno, he does not know how to charge the phone when the battery dies, so he heads out for some comforting. Renzo and Rico don't hesitate to invite him to come along with them because they are still here and they are still his friends.
It amazes me when I see children as young as 4 or 5 with a cell phone. When I go out and about and see parents on their phones while their children sit there or go off to play, I am so sad. Our constant connectivity to others at the expense of those right beside us needs to be changed. This book has a very strong message about paying attention to the world right in front of us. I liked this story and think it will be more beneficial to the adults reading it to children than the child themself. I read this to my 6 year old grandson and was very attentive. He tends to be quite insular as he has autism, but he recognized right away that Bruno is going to lose his friends because he won't play with them. We talked about "virtual friends" vs "real friends" and because he doesn't have a cell or use things like facebook he didn't quite get it. He is very lucky, his parents are not attached to their phones, in fact, when I message them, they don't always respond because they don't see the message for a couple of hours. I wish more parents were like that. I definitely recommend this book to families and libraries, in fact, I would love to see it on a shelf that says, "Recommended". the publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
It amazes me when I see children as young as 4 or 5 with a cell phone. When I go out and about and see parents on their phones while their children sit there or go off to play, I am so sad. Our constant connectivity to others at the expense of those right beside us needs to be changed. This book has a very strong message about paying attention to the world right in front of us. I liked this story and think it will be more beneficial to the adults reading it to children than the child themself. I read this to my 6 year old grandson and was very attentive. He tends to be quite insular as he has autism, but he recognized right away that Bruno is going to lose his friends because he won't play with them. We talked about "virtual friends" vs "real friends" and because he doesn't have a cell or use things like facebook he didn't quite get it. He is very lucky, his parents are not attached to their phones, in fact, when I message them, they don't always respond because they don't see the message for a couple of hours. I wish more parents were like that. I definitely recommend this book to families and libraries, in fact, I would love to see it on a shelf that says, "Recommended". the publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
September 16, 2019
This book, translated from Dutch, is very relevant for today's kids ( and adults ). Bruno finds a mobile phone in the forest one day while he and his friends are going off to fish. Curious, he picks it up and as soon as he does it flashes bright. He is mesmerized by its beauty and all the things that he can explore in it.
"Inside, Bruno finds extraordinary things: pictures he's never seen, words he's never read, sounds he's never heard. And above all, so many friends."
From that moment on he is under the spell of this magical box but sometimes stage, fanasty magic can become dark, black magic.
Bruno becomes obsessed with his new found toy and over-the-moon happy with all the ability it offers for making lots and lots of friends. He competely shuts out his friends as he becomes more and more absorbed in the wonders of his phone. He is on it at the dinner table, on the toilet and even at bedtime... totally neglecting his real friends Renzo and Rico. Oh my! That is not right to exclude them and hang with his phone friends.
Bruno and Ricko are very worried and want Bruno back. They invite him to go collecting honey with them and have a lovely picnic in the forest together but once again Bruno declines. Then the unexpected happens. The magical box doesn't light up any more. Bruno freaks out because he has lost his digital friends but will that reality cause him to realize the value of his real friends? Mmmmmmm???
The message is important and positive for children to learn at a young age. There's no substitute for the friends around you who love, care and want to spend quality time with you, in real time of course. The story ends with a fun cliffhanger... which wraps the tale up perfectly. I highly recommend this book.
"Inside, Bruno finds extraordinary things: pictures he's never seen, words he's never read, sounds he's never heard. And above all, so many friends."
From that moment on he is under the spell of this magical box but sometimes stage, fanasty magic can become dark, black magic.
Bruno becomes obsessed with his new found toy and over-the-moon happy with all the ability it offers for making lots and lots of friends. He competely shuts out his friends as he becomes more and more absorbed in the wonders of his phone. He is on it at the dinner table, on the toilet and even at bedtime... totally neglecting his real friends Renzo and Rico. Oh my! That is not right to exclude them and hang with his phone friends.
Bruno and Ricko are very worried and want Bruno back. They invite him to go collecting honey with them and have a lovely picnic in the forest together but once again Bruno declines. Then the unexpected happens. The magical box doesn't light up any more. Bruno freaks out because he has lost his digital friends but will that reality cause him to realize the value of his real friends? Mmmmmmm???
The message is important and positive for children to learn at a young age. There's no substitute for the friends around you who love, care and want to spend quality time with you, in real time of course. The story ends with a fun cliffhanger... which wraps the tale up perfectly. I highly recommend this book.
September 14, 2019
He is too busy for anyone else.
Bruno the Bear finds a phone in the forest. Phone takes over Bruno's life. But Bruno did not find a charger with the phone! And how can anyone be so cruel? I mean, if you're dropping things anyway, why not drop the whole shebang? Then maybe make sure not to let some curious little fox take half of the loot? ^-^
On a more serious note, I really liked this story and the message it wishes to impart. A mobile phone in itself is not a bad thing. It has many advantages. But at the end of the day, it is really just a thing, a device cold and lifeless that should never take the place of the more tangible things in our lives.
Bruno has learned his lesson and reconnected with his true fiends. However, I can't help but wonder - if the phone had not lost power, would Bruno have even woken up from this trance?
Also, something tells me they're not gonna be seeing a certain little fox for days to come. Oh, that poor thing~! ^^
I received a digital review copy of this book from NetGalley.
December 18, 2019
This book completely misses the mark. The principle of encouraging children to spend more time with their friends in person isn't inherently bad. However, the angle this book takes is in no way based in the reality of modern childhood.
My two major gripes: First, this book assumes that the friends children spend time with online are a different group than those they spend time with in real life. This is patently false. Children use technology to connect with friends that they DO already spend time with in person. Second, children might spend more time online with friends than in person with friends is because of the way parents and school manage their life and schedule. This book seems to assume that children (picture book-age children at that) have agency over their free time, when the reality is that they have less agency over it than ever before. In sum, this book blames children for something they aren't even doing (spending copious time with virtual-only friends online) and is a consequence of aspects of their life they have zero control over.
The illustrations are lovely.
My two major gripes: First, this book assumes that the friends children spend time with online are a different group than those they spend time with in real life. This is patently false. Children use technology to connect with friends that they DO already spend time with in person. Second, children might spend more time online with friends than in person with friends is because of the way parents and school manage their life and schedule. This book seems to assume that children (picture book-age children at that) have agency over their free time, when the reality is that they have less agency over it than ever before. In sum, this book blames children for something they aren't even doing (spending copious time with virtual-only friends online) and is a consequence of aspects of their life they have zero control over.
The illustrations are lovely.
September 15, 2019
This is such a good book about the importance of real friends and the dangers of being obsessed with cell phones.
This is a good book for children to show that the friends you can play with are more important that hundreds of virtual friends. Bruno discovers a phone and uses it to the exclusion of all else. After it stops working, he realizes that the only important friends are the two he has with him.
Even young children are becoming obsessed with screen time – moving, games, instant favorite television, programs that can be watched over and over, etc. This book helps to see what is really important. Easy to read with nice illustrations.
I received an ARC from Clavis Publishing through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review.
This is a good book for children to show that the friends you can play with are more important that hundreds of virtual friends. Bruno discovers a phone and uses it to the exclusion of all else. After it stops working, he realizes that the only important friends are the two he has with him.
Even young children are becoming obsessed with screen time – moving, games, instant favorite television, programs that can be watched over and over, etc. This book helps to see what is really important. Easy to read with nice illustrations.
I received an ARC from Clavis Publishing through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review.
August 20, 2019
I have a subtitle for this brisk and entertaining children's book: "The Magical Box and the Three Bears." The story and images are cute, clever and funny.
I believe "Bruno Has One Hundred Friends" is recommended for ages 5 and up, but I know a 3-year-old who would get a get out of it.
The book seems to have a cliffhanger, leading me to wonder if there will be a sequel called "The Fox and the Phone."
Props to the brilliant Francesca Pirrone for this wonderful work in which she did the writing and the illustrating, and thanks to Clavis Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
I believe "Bruno Has One Hundred Friends" is recommended for ages 5 and up, but I know a 3-year-old who would get a get out of it.
The book seems to have a cliffhanger, leading me to wonder if there will be a sequel called "The Fox and the Phone."
Props to the brilliant Francesca Pirrone for this wonderful work in which she did the writing and the illustrating, and thanks to Clavis Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
January 13, 2020
A bear finds a phone and instantly becomes obsessed with the digital world (to the point of ignoring the real people he's around in his life. When his phone dies, he realizes that his real friends were around him the whole time. While I really like the message about not becoming constantly attached to our technology, I'm not entirely sold on the message that "digital friendships aren't real friendships." Although the book was well-intentioned and I think more meant to discourage getting sucked into screens, and it did that well.
July 28, 2019
A big thank you to NetGalley and Clavis Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is a kids book, but it's a good reminder for adults! Don't forget your real friends and spend all your time online a people u hardly.know! Bruno finds a phone and makes lots of new friends, but forgets about the 2 that are right there waiting on him. Cute graphics, and a great reminder get off your phone! 3.5 stars
August 20, 2019
I read this story to my three year old family friend and she started pointing out issues with the story and was bored while I read it. Before the story even ended she asked how the phone would be charged. Although the underlying message of the book being about real friends vs online friends I think is very important, the writing didn't really carry this through in an interesting way. I did however very much enjoy the artwork.
July 26, 2019
Is it better to have two great friends or 500 friends you never see? This book helps kids understand the meaning of friendship. A great lesson to be learned for us all! It is fun to think one can have lots of friends who like them, but the two friends right in front of you can be so much more valuable. Great flow and description of emotions.
August 8, 2019
Super cute and really timely. I know this caters to a younger crowd but I teach middle school and this could be a fun picture book as part of our #classroombookaday because I feel it is applicable to that age group as well. This book brings to light that phones bring you close to those you are far from and far from those right near you.
July 25, 2019
Yeah! My feelings exactly! This really is a good book for keeping cell phones, computers, in check! Better teach the littles while they are young that real friends are human! I love the illustrations! Bravo Francesca Pirrone!
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
August 9, 2019
A fun and unique look at how the cell phone cuts off your actual friend circle because you are so addicted to it. Bruno sends that message out loud and clear. When the cell phone screen went black. He suddenly realizes his real friends are the ones beside him, not the ones in the cell phone screen.
September 10, 2019
Francesca Pirrone has written a lovely book for children. The pictures are wonderful and the text is complex enough for young readers who are ready to take on dialogic, multiple character fiction. A gem of a book.
January 27, 2020
Bruno the bear's discovery of a cell phone gives him one hundered new online friends, but puts strain on his relationship with his IRL ones. This book shows that your real friends "will always be right here for you!"
October 30, 2019
So relevant.
Read
November 7, 2019I doubt school-age kids who have phones and electronic devices are going to read this picture book, so this book is really geared toward parents.
December 23, 2019
This is me sometimes with my phone
December 28, 2019
Yes, kids (and grownups) spend too much time on devices. But a virtual friend can still be a friend. Pen pals are not inherently sucky. And now Bruno is going to just stop talking to any of them?
January 7, 2020
Good idea but at the main point there is a big skip in message- how does he going from loving phone friends to realizing missing phone friends just like that. Thought I had skipped a page.
Want to Read
February 12, 2020Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews