It is the year 2425. All digital technology is gone, and humankind is now only in the millions rather than billions. They weren’t wiped out by the rock that hit earth from space, but the germ that came with it stopped any more humans being born. Only those who were immune continued life on Earth.

Life for Ocean Mooney in 2425 is selling fish at the Newcastle (England) fish markets. She is finishing up one day when she notices a boy putting up posters for an act at the soon-to-be Fish Fair. This act boasts items from the Wonder Age of computers, TVs and microwaves and even has a movie on offer. Like anybody else reading these posters, she is intrigued. But this boy named Duke and his uncle have “other business” in the area too, which is even more intriguing. When Ocean learns what it is, she realises it makes their amazing Wonder Age show pale in comparison.

402 years before in 2023, Thomas is unhappy at his genius cousin Kylie coming to live from Australia. She is about to attend a prestigious school for bright brains like herself, but in the meantime has taken over the house with her annoying babble about time travel and its possibilities. She intends to showcase her idea, and the digital contraption she has built in her bedroom, in a television competition.

Thomas doesn’t believe it, let alone understand it, but agrees to go on tv with her. She might be a genius, but appearing on tv by herself is just too daunting.

The day at the studios before the show that night is fantastic. At least it would be if Thomas wasn’t feeling guilty about something he has done. The flow on effects are clear soon enough when both he and Kylie vanish, and a strange looking girl and a monkey take their place.

Was it a trick? A stunt for the tv show’s ratings? Or is the girl telling the truth? Time is ticking for the world to find out.

Ross Welford is a wonderful storyteller, and The Monkey who fell from the Future is another great tale full of likeable characters, easily imagined settings and a race to the finish conclusion.

There are two time zones in this novel, beginning with 2425, then flicking back to 2023 and back again. These times are well indicated at the beginning of the alternating chapters along with the point of view character’s name. Tension rises steadily and authentically as the action escalates to a nail biting ending.

Staying in one area, but 402 years apart helps the character and the reader picture the two settings. One neat, tidy and now, and one filled with crumbling buildings, ivy covered homes and broken roads. Not to mention the strange birds and animals wandering the bush between.

The time travel itself is via distinct conditions and although confusing to all but one of the characters, it is easy for the reader to understand, putting the specifics aside to be wrapped up entirely by the story.

Another fabulous read by Ross Welford. 

Author – Ross Welford

Age – 9+

Ross Welford talks about The Monkey who fell From The Future here

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(2023, Harper Collins, Blended Family, Cousin, Future, Action, Animals, Monkey, Courage, Adventure, Bullies, Time Travel, 2425, Laptop, Computers, TV Show, Travelling showman, Fish Fair, Star Wars, Meteorite, Science)