Book Review of Penny Pangolin and the Tablet Turmoil
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The Children’s Book Review
Penny Pangolin and the Tablet Turmoil
Written by Wayne D. Kramer
Illustrated by Jade Zivanovic
Ages: 4-6 | 43 Pages
Publisher: Heroes of Time Productions (2025) | ISBN: 978-1955997249
What to Expect: Technology, screen time, being present, friends, family, nature, pangolins.
Screen addiction is a real and growing problem for the US. One 2024 report indicates that children today spend up to 8 hours each day in screen-based activities. However, with so many adults required to spend time on their devices for work and to complete basic housekeeping tasks, it can be challenging to explain to children why their screen time should be limited. In this timely picture book, children will learn what they miss when they get addicted to screens—and how easily it can happen—by observing a relatable animal character’s first experience with a tablet device.
Penny thinks it’s strange how much time the people around her spend on their phones and tablets. Whether they are at the park, eating in a restaurant, or even visiting the restroom, their eyes seem to be constantly glued to their screens—and Penny notices they are missing out on all the wonderful things happening in the real world around them. But when Penny is given a tablet of her own, it doesn’t take long for her to become addicted to it.
Soon, she’s spending as much time staring at her screen as everyone else is—and she doesn’t even notice the things she’s missing out on. Then, Penny’s tablet goes missing. Is this the tragedy it feels like, or is it really the perfect opportunity for her to get control of her life again?
Penny is intelligent but also technologically inexperienced, making her the perfect model for young readers to learn from. With its focus on the alternative ways readers can get the benefits screens seem to offer (for example, through observing rather than Googling, or chatting rather than watching videos), the story makes a compelling case to young readers that they won’t be missing out when they are not on their devices. The colorful digital illustrations help readers recognize the vibrant real world around Penny that is neglected when she is glued to her screen, while a helpful guide at the end of the book provides additional guidance on managing screen time, as well as some fun facts about Pangolins.
Informative without being preachy, Penny Pangolin and the Tablet Turmoil is a great resource for teaching young readers screen control.
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About the Author
Wayne D. Kramer is a children’s book author, dad of five, smoothie enthusiast, and professional daydreamer based in the countryside of southern Indiana. With a background in business and international travel—and the wisdom that comes from years of bedtime stories with five imaginative daughters—Wayne turned a family conversation into something special: the Penny Pangolin book series.
It all started over a round of smoothies at the coffee shop. Wayne and his daughters were tossing around ideas for fun, meaningful stories when the topic of pangolins came up—those strange, lovable creatures that look like a mix between an anteater and an armadillo. The kids were hooked. So was Wayne. And from there, Penny was born.
Wayne believes storytelling is a powerful tool to teach kids about friendship, responsibility, forgiveness, and even endangered animals—all while having fun. The Penny Pangolin books reflect that heart, with vibrant illustrations, laugh-out-loud moments, and simple but impactful life lessons.
Wayne graduated from the University of Louisville in 2005 with a Bachelor of Business Science degree. He’s also the author of the Heroes of Time fantasy novel series and the owner of W7 Global, a business that sells medical imaging equipment around the world. He’s visited nearly 40 countries and especially loved exploring Hobbiton in New Zealand.
When he’s not writing, Wayne is usually chasing inspiration—or chickens—around the yard, or dreaming up new Penny stories with his kids.
For more information, visit heroesoftime.com.
About the Illustrator
Jade Zivanovic lives in rural Victoria, Australia, with her husband and pets. Jade has always enjoyed creating pictures that help to tell a story and has studied under prominent artists, also gaining a diploma in concept art and visual storytelling.
Her works hang in private collections across Australia, the US, and Europe. She has also been awarded placings in art shows, her favorite being a People’s Choice Award, as she always considered herself an artist for the people.
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