Tek: The Modern Cave Boy

by Patrick McDonnell

Overview

Is it a book...or a digital tablet? From bestselling and award-winning author and creator of the MUTTS comic strip, Patrick McDonnell, comes a timely tale in a tablet-shaped package that’s the perfect antidote for those who always have a device in hand.

★ "Ever-cute creatures deliver the story's tech-addiction message with a grin, and clever references abound." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

Here is a hilarious (and heartfelt) reminder of how technology can take us backward...all the way to the times of prehistoric man! Tek is a cave boy in love with tech: his tablet, videogames, phone, and TV keep him deep in his cave, glued to his devices, day in and day out. He never sees his friends or family anymore—and his ability to communicate has devolved to just one word: "UGH!" Can anyone in the village convince Tek to unplug and come outside into the big, beautiful world?

A distinctive, digitally-inspired package and design cleverly evokes the experience of using an electronic device that eventually shuts down...and after a magic page turn, Tek reconnects with the real world.

Don't miss these other picture books by Patrick McDonnell:
Me…Jane
The Gift of Nothing
The Gift of Everything
Art
Hug Time
Tek
The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned His ABC's (the Hard Way)
A Perfectly Messed-Up Story
The Monsters’ Monster

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780316338059
Publisher:	Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	10/04/2016
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	7.10(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Patrick McDonnell’s beloved and award-winning comic strip, MUTTS, has appeared in over 700 newspapers across 20 countries for 30 years. Charles Schulz called it “One of the best comics strips of all time.” Patrick is the author of several New York Times bestselling picture books, including The Gift of Nothing, and the Caldecott Honor winning Me...Jane. Both have been adapted as musicals for the Kennedy Center stage. Other children’s books include Hug Time, A Perfectly Messed-Up Story, The Monsters’ Monster, and Thank You and Goodnight. Patrick was a member of the Board of Directors of The Humane Society of the United States for 18 years and currently serves on the boards of The Charles M. Schulz Museum and D&R Greenway Land Trust. He lives in New Jersey.

Editorial Reviews

[McDonnell's]…art here remains fun and lively.

The New York Times Book Review - Michael Ian Black

* "McDonnell (Thank You and Goodnight) plays fast and loose with the historical record in this playful cautionary tale...ever-cute creatures deliver the story's tech-addiction message with a grin, and clever references abound."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"McDonnell blends the prehistoric with the present to send a clever reminder to young readers that beyond their electronic realm there is a world waiting to be explored.... Good, snarky fun for parents and kids."
—Booklist

"A winning sendup of digital addiction."—BookPage

"The style and whimsy of the images are...charming."
—School Library Journal

"Fun and lively."
—The New York Times Book Review

"Helps kids see for themselves that digital is not enough."—The San Francisco Chronicle

From the Publisher

2016-07-20
McDonnell has a bone to pick with a young Stone Age gamer who won’t leave the family cave.The Caldecott Honor–winning cartoonist takes an uncharacteristically curmudgeonly tone in this tablet-shaped book. Depicted, in black-framed, rounded-cornered illustrations designed to look like screenshots, in front of the stone TV with tablet and game controller to hand “all day, all night, all the time,” Tek ignores the pleas of his huge dino best friend, Larry, and all others to come out. “You should never have invented the Internet,” his mom grunts to his dad. Having missed out on evolution and an entire Ice Age, Tek is finally disconnected by a helpful volcano’s eruption—and of course is completely reformed once he gets a gander at the warm sun, cool grass, and an “awesome Awesomesaurus.” “Sweet.” Afterward, in joyous full-bleed paintings, he frolics with Larry by day and reaches for the “glorious stars” by night. This screed is as subtle as a tap from a stone axe. James Proimos’ Todd’s TV (2010) and If You Give a Mouse an iPhone by “Ann Droyd” (2014) are funnier; Matthew Cordell’s buoyant Hello! Hello! (2012) is more likely to spark a bit of behavior change. Tek and his parents are reminiscent of the Flintstones, with pink skin and dark, frizzy hair. The outing may earn a few clicks from hand-wringing parents; young digerati will roll their eyes and go back to texting. (Picture book. 6-8)

Kirkus Reviews