Join Northern Beaches author Jamie McKeen for a fun and interactive session introducing Mr Online, a story that helps children develop a healthy relationship with technology while encouraging conversation, confidence and real-world play.

Mr Online: The Screen-Obsessed Friend is a modern children’s book designed to help young kids understand screen use, behaviour and balance in a way they can actually relate to.

Created by Northern Beaches dad Jamie McKeen, the story introduces a character that children instantly recognise - opening up conversations around habits, attention and everyday behaviour without feeling like a lecture. This relaxed author session will explore how storytelling can help children build self-awareness, and give parents a simple, practical way to start conversations that can sometimes be hard to have.

His books are now being used by schools, libraries and families across Australia.

Aimed at ages 4 - 8 years. Everyone is welcome.

Free, bookings required.

Books will be available to purchase at the event with cash payments.

Jamie McKeen is a Northern Beaches dad of two and the creator of the Mr Mandem children’s book series. Inspired by reading to his own kids each night, Jamie created Mr Online: The Screen-Obsessed Friend to help young children better understand screen use, behaviour and the world they’re growing up in. He is finalist in The Wishing Shelf Children's Book Awards 2025.

https://mrmandem.com/

Enquiries: 8495 5028 or libraryprograms@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Contact the host of Meet Local Children's Author: Jamie McKeen