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Patrick McDonnell
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Tek: The Modern Cave Boy Kindle Edition

by Patrick McDonnell (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.8 out of 5 stars 192
Editors' pick Best Books Ages 6-8
See all formats and editions
Is it a book...or an electronic tablet? From bestselling author and Caldecott honoree Patrick McDonnell comes a timely tale in a tablet-shaped package that's perfect for today's legions of device-obsessed, digital-savvy children.

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.
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    4 - 7 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    40 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 3
  5. Publisher
    Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
  6. Publication date
    October 4, 2016
  7. Page Flip
    Not Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Not Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Not Enabled
  10. Sticky notes
    Not Enabled
  11. ISBN-13
    978-0316338059
  12. See all details
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From the Publisher

A Perfectly Messed-Up Story Me…Jane Shine! The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned His ABC's (the Hard Way) Thank You and Good Night The Little Gift of Nothing
A Perfectly Messed-Up Story Me…Jane Shine! The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned His ABC's (the Hard Way) Thank You and Good Night The Little Gift of Nothing
Customer Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
561
4.8 out of 5 stars
576
4.9 out of 5 stars
38
4.8 out of 5 stars
72
4.6 out of 5 stars
157
4.7 out of 5 stars
97
Price $11.49 $10.99 $16.14 $15.40 $7.86 $7.89
More from award-winning author-illustrator Patrick McDonnell, creator of the comic strip MUTTS A perfect story about imperfections, this engaging read-aloud illustrates that everything is fine, even when it's a little messed-up. The inspiring story of legendary conservationist Jane Goodall, made accessbile for all ages with heartwarming illustrations. With stunning art from Naoko Stoop, SHINE teaches readers about the beauty in the world around them, and within themselves. Get ready for an absolutely awesome alphabetical adventure, full of energy from A to Z! A delightful bedtime book that pays tribute to classic stories, all while recognizing the small pleasures we have to be thankful for. This gift is everything and nothing, all wrapped up in a board book package—the perfect present!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2—Tek, a so-called "modern" cave boy, lives among dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. He spends all his time engaging with technology, and neither his parents, his friends, nor his tribe's leaders can get him to do anything outside the cave. Only when Big Poppa volcano erupts and destroys Tek's tech does the cave boy interact with the world. The book is cleverly designed to appear as though readers are viewing it on a tablet screen for most of the story; once Tek's devices are destroyed, the tablet-style borders on the pages disappear and the illustrations become full bleed. While the style and whimsy of the images are as charming as expected from this Caldecott honoree, the tone is less so; this offering feels more like a nagging finger wag about using technology than a fun Stone Age tale. McDonnell has overshot the satirical tone he appears to have been aiming for and instead comes off as another adult lamenting kids these days and their technology. VERDICT Though it's lovely to look at, this picture book misses the mark with its story.—Amy Koester, Skokie Public Library, IL

Review

Praise for Tek:
*"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

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

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

Praise for Thank You and Good Night:

A Publishers Weekly Best Picture Book of 2015

A BCCB Best Children's Book of 2015




*"This picture book's satisfyingly soft illustrations...feel just right for its plush language and darling characters and content....Small listeners will nestle deep under their covers feeling thankful for tender books that make bedtime a pleasure."


―Kirkus Reviews, starred review

*"The book's simplicity, gentle rhythms, and easy patterns make it perfect for bedtime reading....Youngsters who love their stuffed animals will particularly latch onto this, and parents who want to promote nocturnal tranquility (or those with their own fond memories of Pooh Bear) will appreciate this little gem as well."―BCCB, starred review

*"A book that readers of all ages will be thankful for."―Publishers Weekly, starred review

*"This delightful bedtime story extols the virtues of friendship and of being grateful for simple pleasures."―School Library Journal, starred review

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01BKSLGQW
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; Illustrated edition (October 4, 2016)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 4, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 26980 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 192

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Patrick McDonnell

Patrick McDonnell

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Patrick McDonnell’s beloved comic strip, MUTTS, has appeared in over 700 newspapers across 20 countries for nearly 30 years. Charles Schulz called it “One of the best comics strips of all time.” MUTTS has received numerous awards both for its artistic excellence and for its animal and environmental protection themes.

McDonnell is the author of New York Times bestselling picture books, including The Gift of Nothing and the Caldecott Honor winning Me...Jane (a childhood biography of Jane Goodall). Both have been adapted as musicals for the Kennedy Center stage.

His latest book, which will be released late September, is The Super Hero’s Journey in which Marvel super heroes go on the ultimate journey: to find the love within. McDonnell has collaborated with spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle on Guardians of Being and with Rumi translator-poet Daniel Ladinsky on Darling I Love You. Heart To Heart, a collaboration with His Holiness the Dalia Lama having an environmental theme, was released in early 2023.

McDonnell 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 Fund for Animals, The Charles M. Schulz Museum and D&R Greenway Land Trust.

You can sign up to receive the daily MUTTS comic strip at MUTTS.com.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
192 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

M. FINLEY
5.0 out of 5 stars My students love this book!
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2023
Verified Purchase
I use this book for my second graders to teach digital citizenship. They love Tek!
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Serenity...
5.0 out of 5 stars ~~'UGH' finally turns into 'Sweet'~~
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2016
Verified Purchase
When I read the editorial reviews I noticed 'snarky fun' in one of them. And, this one fits that description perfectly. The book is suggested for ages 6 to 8. And, I readily admit I am way beyond the 8 years. If I can have several 'LOL' moments, am wondering what the younger ones will do when reading this one.

The drawings are bright and colorful and one is able to see Tek to the upper left. And, of course, the dinosaurs are in the background. It should be mentioned that Tek is so involved with his phone, tablet and game boxes that he never learns the correct name for the dinos. Imagine calling one a 'Flying Idontgiveadactyl'! AHA...another laugh for me. And, one of many that I had while reading this book.

Tek spends his life in his little cave and does not want to leave it. And, I mean not even to play with his best friend, Larry. And, speaking of Larry, he is a dinosaur. Pretty sure that is Larry on the right side of the cover above. Despite the world evolving, Tek absolutely does not care. About the only word that comes out of his mouth is 'UGH'. His mom and dad are beside themselves trying to divert Tek's interest elsewhere. (This might sound familiar to a parent if you are reading this review).

His dad is also quite the inventor, it seems. Or perhaps he is a wannabe inventor! Big Poppa comes to the rescue and no, that is not Tek's dad. And, no I will not put a spoiler in my review. Suffice it to say that one day Tek finally comes to his senses through an intervention of sorts. He realizes how beautiful the world truly is outside his cave. Imagine seeing trees and grass and other hairy people. And, Tek finally says another word 'Sweet'.

AH, the magic of breathing fresh air, picking an apple off the tree, enjoying all that nature has to offer and reaching for the stars at night. For Tek it doesn't get any better than finally realizing how wonderful the world is outside his little cave.

Well done to the author for a wonderful book that is entertaining and 'snarky' at just the right moments.

Most highly recommended.
16 people found this helpful
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IAB
5.0 out of 5 stars Shows how much we can miss
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2016
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I think this is one of the cutest kids books I've ever read. My 8 year old grandson is one of those kids who ALWAYS wants to be on his tablet. I hope this book will show him, in a funny way, that sometimes you can miss some really great stuff if you are always plug into some electronic device. although I don't object to the use of the tablets I never want him to forget there is more out there in the real world. Also this, although written on a younger readers level, is still reading and that can never be a bad thing. I really enjoyed reading this and I know he will to. And maybe it will help him to look at his electronics a little differently. If you have a child who thinks electronically is the only way to go get this book for them. You'll both like it.
One person found this helpful
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Mary Kearney
5.0 out of 5 stars Replacement for school library
Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2022
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Book was perfect replacement for school library book that was lost
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Stephanie H.
5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging format and story
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2017
Verified Purchase
Charming! I read/showed this to my 4 and 5 year old grandchildren and they were fascinated by the format and story. My grandson laughed at some of the concepts, as my granddaughter giggled. They were both full of questions and comments. They wanted to reread it , go back to several pages (especially the log-in!), and were curious about so much of this little book. I could see the wonder in their expressions. Also the text is just right for my 5-year old grandson who is learning to read and identify some words. I'm very satisfied with purchase and recommend.
One person found this helpful
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Snapper Carr
5.0 out of 5 stars Adorable Tale about Life in the Modern World!
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2017
Verified Purchase
Stupid husband looked at Tek and thought it might not be the same level of book Patrick McDonnell produced in the past. Smart wife says buy it and take a look. We were so touched and amused by this clever and insightful story that comments on the meaning of life in the modern era that we bought 50 copies to give as gifts. You think stupid husband would have learned not to judge by cover after all this time.
3 people found this helpful
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Kaceyok
4.0 out of 5 stars Clever Marketing
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2017
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I ordered this for my six year old nephew. Don't know if he liked it, but I thought it was cute and clever. The book looks like an iPad tablet, and the story is cute. Easy reading.
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irene
5.0 out of 5 stars my kid loved this so much
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2017
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my kid loved this so much, she had to take it to school to show off. The book looks just like an IPad from afar. The story is simple and is perfect for a 6-7 year old kid, either to be read to or to read on their own. This is not something you would read over and over again, but it is a fun book to share with friends
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Lillian
5.0 out of 5 stars Tek is funny and engaging for kids and adults
Reviewed in Canada on April 15, 2018
Verified Purchase
This book is very relevant to todays society and the way technology can take over. Tek is funny and engaging for kids and adults.
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paulbrad
5.0 out of 5 stars There's more to life than a digital screen!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 27, 2017
Verified Purchase
Fabulous story - makes children think that there is more to life than endlessly looking at a digital screen.Love the style of the book, presented like an iPad screen, especially the "faux" battery indicator on the top right of each page, which diminishes as the story is told. I love this book
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Swite
5.0 out of 5 stars Appealing
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 25, 2018
Verified Purchase
Great presentation. Appealing to children because of its clever theme. Makes the point?
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