
Reach for this book when your child is deeply immersed in digital worlds and needs a bridge back to real-world responsibility. It is perfect for those moments when screen time boundaries are being tested or when a child needs to see that their actions, even in a game, have consequences. The story follows Kerry, who finds herself in a chaotic situation when a video game gorilla leaps into her living room. This short chapter book uses humor and fantasy to explore the concept of taking ownership of one's messes. It is ideally suited for the 7 to 10 age group as it balances the thrill of technology with the very physical reality of a giant animal in the house. It is a fantastic choice for reluctant readers who prefer gadgets to prose, offering a high-stakes adventure that validates their digital interests while gently encouraging them to look up from the screen.
None. The book is secular and lighthearted. The primary tension is situational and slapstick rather than emotional or traumatic.
An 8-year-old who loves their Nintendo or tablet and often gets 'lost' in the game, needing a story that speaks their language while providing a fast-paced, high-interest narrative.
This book is a very safe 'read cold' selection. No sensitive content requires pre-screening. It serves well as a bridge between gaming and independent reading. A parent might choose this after witnessing their child have a 'screen-time meltdown' or seeing their child neglect chores and responsibilities because they are too focused on a digital goal.
Younger readers (7) will focus on the 'cool' factor of a game coming to life and the physical humor of the gorilla. Older readers (9-10) will better appreciate the irony of Kerry's predicament and the pressure of the ticking clock.
Unlike many 'trapped in a game' tropes, this book brings the game into the domestic sphere. It uses the home environment as the 'level,' making the fantasy feel grounded and relatable.
Kerry is playing a video game when the impossible happens: the gorilla from the screen manifests in her physical living room. The story follows her frantic and humorous attempts to manage the wild animal and figure out how to reverse the glitch to get him back into the digital world before her parents return or the house is destroyed.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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