Children's Stories in a Digital Age: Latest guest, Ed Polansky

Prior to filming our latest interview with Ed Polansky---former CPA, Chairman of the Board at RBFCU, and author of the children's book series Oscar the Osprey---we had a number of discussions and meetings regarding his vision while creating his books. His core idea, which came about on a rickety suspension bridge that can only be described as an acrophobe's worst nightmare, is truly a novel one in terms of children's literature, and it has offered much opportunity for Polansky's personal values to shine through.

One of these foundational values appears in the desaturated ink illustrations by the talented Jean Rosow (who has a number of pieces commissioned by the city of San Antonio as well as Trinity University and is the creator of the 1992 annual San Antonio, TX Fiesta poster), and the natural, appropriately paced narrative throughout the series---both of which are intended to give children reprieve from the hustle and bustle of contemporary entertainment. In speaking with Ed about his personal background and his hopes for the future, we found that his careful consideration of modern children's media, as well as his critical attention to books currently available to young minds, make him a unique and leading voice in literature.

Book 1 of the Oscar the Osprey series by Ed Polansky, illustrated by Jean Rosow

Today, we collectively balance on the sharp edge of a proverbial blade, especially when it comes to the stories meant to inspire the next generation. Tools such as generative AI and increasingly advanced technology can create jobs, improve society, and problem solve in ways that save time and leave room for further innovation. However, these progressions also mean that, as children grow older, they will now more than ever need to be exceptional critical thinkers and have excellent executive function if they are to compete and become valuable contributors to society at large.

Despite this, there seems to be a growing trend among younger parents in raising the sort of children social media has termed iPad babies, or iPad kids. While this is meant to be a comedic stereotyping of modern day, Gen Alpha children, the root issue behind the internet joke is very real. But what is an iPad kid? According to a 2024 editorial from The Science Survey, the slang term refers to "a child that always has a device with them, no matter the setting" (Leka). At first, this might seem like a simple parenting misstep and not a fundamental problem. In reality, these constantly stimulated children go on to have developmental, behavioral, and social issues that follow them long after the screen goes dark.

Oscar pictured flying in watercolor and ink by Jean Rosow

So, what does constant screentime actually do to the young minds of our future? In a phrase, we can point to prolonged overstimulation. This "overstimulation happens when a child is exposed to constant high-intensity visuals, sounds, and fast pacing without enough time to process what they're seeing," and it essentially primes children to expect constant gratification without room for boredom, independent entertainment, or real-life playtime (Sunny Sitters). The dangers go beyond a simply shortened attention span, however.

Blog writer Arlyn Parker at Rubie Rubie, a former educator, points to a number of side effects from overstimulation including reduced imagination, struggles with face-to-face communication, mood swings or technology withdrawals, disrupted sleep and hyperactivity, anxiety, and developmental delays in learning. Overall, children who rely on devices have a hard time concentrating and skill-building, and they lack the tools necessary for real-life interaction. In a 2011 study noted by The Science Survey, it was found by researchers that a mere nine minutes of high-intensity TV (as opposed to an educational program or drawing) severely inhibited "the attention span and level of self-control of the children" involved in the experiment (Leka).

Book 6 of the Oscar the Osprey series by Ed Polansky, illustrated by Jean Rosow

To combat this concerning trend, DE-stimulation is typically the answer. With kid's shows like Bluey where we see a slower narrative and realistic, family-friendly storylines without overwhelming color and audio, it seems there is some pushback against the iPad kid style of entertainment. As children get older, however, there is still a world of blaring sound and imagery to worry about in the form of Reels, Shorts, and TikToks. However, with calming, lesson-forward, meaningful books meant for slightly bigger kids by authors such as Ed Polansky, we can continue to fight against the outside noise for our children and their futures.

Watch our latest interview with Ed, learn about his philosophies, his executive background, his community service, and how it all culminated into the six-part series about some of the cutest birds of prey you'll ever meet.

To learn more about the beloved Oscar and his quirky family, check out Ed Polansky's official website here, and order your copy to foster healthy, informative entertainment for a child in your life today.

Works cited:

Leka, Albiona. “The Problems of Overconsumption with Modern-Day Cartoons.” The Science Survey, 7 July 2024, thesciencesurvey.com/editorial/2024/07/07/the-problems-of-overconsumption-with-modern-day-cartoons/.

Parker, Arlyn. “Stop Overstimulating Your Kids: 7 Hidden Dangers Every Parent Should Know.” Rubie Rubie, 12 July 2025, www.rubierubie.com/post/stop-overstimulating-your-kids-7-hidden-dangers-every-parent-should-know.

Sunny Sitters. “Too Much Flash, Too Little Focus: The Hidden Dangers of Overstimulating Kids’ Shows - Sunny Sitters.” Sunny Sitters, 19 Aug. 2025, sunnysitters.com/2025/08/19/too-much-flash-too-little-focus-the-hidden-dangers-of-overstimulating-kids-shows/.