Review Detail

Technology has spread to the jungles, and all of the animals are using the latest gadgets...all the time. When everyone has no time to say hello to neighbors or find food, Monkey seizes the opportunity to start a food delivery service. It's a huge success, but Monkey misses having time to relax and see his friends. Can this Monkey escape from the work cycle that's go-go-go?

This quirky, fun story illustrates the downsides of the modern obsession with screens and the pressure to be all work and no play. What starts out as Monkey's service to friends balloons from a side hustle into non-stop work, and he has to decide if the money he makes is worth sacrificing time he could be spending with friends or doing activities just for the fun of them, without seeking a reward. The message is clear and to the point, and I appreciated that the epidemic of screentime among the jungle animals included a variety of ages and activities, rather than targeting only teens playing video games, for example. Everyone is surrounded by devices, and how our society interacts with them is an important consideration for children and adults alike.

Pick this up for a colorful animal tale that will get readers thinking about problem solving and what it's worth to be able to hang out with friends face to face.