When a foul-mouthed, philosophizing monkey falls out of a circus truck and into Bobby Smith’s ordinary life, everything changes.

Juan Pedro deMaria da Silva Junior isn’t your typical talking animal. This vest-wearing, curse-spewing former research assistant to the legendary High Mountain Story Uncle has strong opinions about soul-traps (aka junk food), the mind-numbing effects of suburban living, and why Bobby needs way more names than just “Bobby Smith.”

What starts as an unlikely friendship becomes a journey of awakening as Bobby transforms into Roberto Pedro Smith Vásquez — discovering his Mexican heritage, learning to eat mindfully, and understanding that consciousness flows through everything from philosophical fish to judgmental goats. With help from his new friend Kiki and her wise grandmother, Roberto learns that growing up isn’t about fitting in — it’s about becoming authentically yourself.

Part spiritual adventure, part coming-of-age tale, and wholly entertaining, this first book in the Connected to the Universe series proves that the best teachers sometimes arrive in the most unexpected packages. Fair warning: Juan Pedro’s vocabulary would make sailors blush, but his wisdom will make your heart soar.

Ages 8 and 7 months to 88. Perfect for families ready to question everything and laugh while doing it.

About the Connected to the Universe Series

What happens when a foul-mouthed philosophical monkey falls into your suburban Florida life and turns everything upside down? Welcome to the Connected to the Universe series, where young readers discover that growing up isn’t just about getting older — it’s about waking up to who you really are, and standing your ground.

Follow Roberto Pedro Smith from age ten through his teenage years as he transforms from “just Bobby” into a young philosopher navigating the beautiful chaos of adolescence with wisdom, humor, and unshakeable authenticity. Guided by the irreverent Juan Pedro deMaria da Silva Junior — a talking monkey with a sailor’s vocabulary and a sage’s insight — Roberto and Kiki learn the most profound truths wrapped in unexpected packages.

The stories weave ancient consciousness traditions with contemporary challenges kids actually face: standing up to institutional pressure, navigating social media culture, honoring cultural heritage while finding personal truth, and maintaining mental sovereignty in a world that wants to script your identity. Through adventures between suburban Florida and the mystical dimension of Nihnuta, readers explore what it means to live with purpose, consciousness, and helpful loving-kindness.

The Evolution:

  • Book 1 (Age 10): Roberto and Kiki discover consciousness, learn to see beyond surface reality, and meet the philosophical creatures who become lifelong teachers
  • Book 2 (Age 12): They face institutional forces trying to reshape their identities, learning to flow their authentic truth under pressure
  • Book 3 (Age 14): The stakes rise as teenage life intensifies — romantic pressure, social media performance, college anxiety, and cultural forces all trying to cast them in predetermined roles rather than honoring who they authentically are

“Sometimes growing up means learning to see the world — and yourself — with completely new eyes. And sometimes a chain-smoking monkey with a philosophy degree is exactly what you need.”

Browse the full Connected to the Universe series on Amazon →

179 pages. Also available as an ebook and audiobook from Spotify, Kobo, Walmart, and other major retailers.

Continue the series with Weavers of Reality — Book 2.