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Tek: The Modern Cave Boy

by Patrick McDonnell

Subject
Computers & Digital Media
Age
3-5 years
Format
Hardcover
Pages
40
Publisher
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Size
18.3 cm × 23.9 cm
ISBN
9780316338059
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

Data provided by BiblioShare.

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What reviewers said

"Fun and lively."
The New York Times Book Review
"A winning sendup of digital addiction."
BookPage
"Helps kids see for themselves that digital is not enough."
The San Francisco Chronicle
"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
"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
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© 2026 Peekabooks Inc. All Rights Reserved.