Hyperactive Monkey

Happy Earth Day! 🌎 💚 She’s the only one we’ve got…so let’s treat her like it. 🌱 ✨

New art from honorary band member @jromonkey (Jerome Lu) of @hyperactivemonkey ! 🎨 Created in celebration of our upcoming appearance at #KQEDFest 2026, this piece reflects the vibrant, playful visual world Jerome has helped shape since 2024. Join us at KQED Fest 2026 for a joyful set filled with music and stories at one of SF’s best family-friendly street festivals. 🎟️ Free—RSVP via the link in our bio 🗓️ Saturday, May 9 ⏰ 11AM–6PM 📍 KQED Headquarters (2601 Mariposa St., San Francisco) Make a day of it—come for our set and stay to explore the full festival: music, food, art, and fun for all ages. Come sing, dance, and celebrate with us! History of the Band What began in 2013 as a small musical story time at Berkeley’s Claremont Branch Library has grown into one of the East Bay’s most beloved family traditions. Founded by children’s librarian Michael Kwende (“Mr. Michael”) and retired librarian and guitarist Tim DeWolf, The Story Time Band is now a dynamic ensemble featuring library specialists and musicians Juan Castille and Donovan Russell, and longtime Berkeley resident and keyboardist Tienne Lee. Blending live music, storytelling, movement, and audience participation, the group transforms books into vibrant, interactive experiences. Children and caregivers don’t just listen—they sing, dance, laugh, and become part of the story. Since its early days in the library, The Story Time Band has expanded to parks, theaters, festivals, and community spaces across the Bay Area. Regularly drawing packed crowds, the ensemble has appeared at The Freight, the Bay Area Book Festival, Oakland’s Fairyland, and San Quentin’s Family Day, bringing joy and connection to hundreds of families. With infectious energy, a deep sense of community, and a distinctive fusion of music and storytelling, The Story Time Band is redefining family entertainment—creating joyful shared experiences and inspiring a lifelong love of books.

“And you never saw me coming.” Here’s WONDER-ful project I got to be a part of (see what I did there). In the Marvel and @DisneyPlus new hit series, Wonder Man, some of my artwork and toys can be seen in the background. Swipe to see my art like my Kung Fu Monkey and Ninja Monkey prints hanging in the background. No spoilers, but in one scene a bunch of my sofubi and resin figures (all sculpted by the amazing macsorro) can be seen on the shelf. Even my Zom Monkey collab patch with @theartofskinner makes a guest appearance. I never would believed my toys and art would be the in same room as @yahya and Sir Ben Kingsley. SO WONDERFUL! Thank you @MarvelStudios for making a such a wonderful show (no pun intended). It truly is one of the best MCU shows ever made. And mega “WONDER” thanks to @mightyvant and @cindyandmichele for always connecting me to such amazing projects and creating such awesome production and set design. I showed the kids and told them this pretty much means I’m an Avenger now. Ok?!!!! Byeeeeeee!!!! 💪🏿🕶️❤️🖤 #wonderman #mcu

See ya later 2025! Not gonna lie you were a bit of a rough year but the positives outweighed the negatives. I’m ready for all the new adventures that await for 2026!

Vroom! Vroom! Beep! Beep! 🚗💨
As the wise philosopher Dominic Toretto once said, “I don’t have friends. I got family.” Huge thanks to my family @patrickballesteros and @titoricks for inviting me to be part of their art show REV-ember. Introducing my piece Drift Queens—inspired by the two little ladies in my life who drive me crazy (in the best way 😄💖). You can catch it in person starting today at @titoricks Garage! 🏁✨

My VANS custom shoes for Designer Con’s 20th Anniversary official gallery show “GEEKED.” They’ll be on display live at DCon, Nov 14–16! I call them “Hyperactive Monkey Sweets,” inspired by my go-to sugar fix. :) Huge thanks to @rickkitagawa and @thexbakery for curating—honored to be among so many talented artists. #designercon #vans #hyperactivemonkey #customshoes #thexbakery

Kapow! Here’s my custom “Kung Fu Kairos” for @designercon . He’s a fun loving and creative owl that embodies the creative spirit that may take a beating but continues to persevere even in the roughest of times! Thank you so much @kaleidoscreative  for inviting me to be a part of the Custom Kairos Campaign in support of @PositivelyArts . #customkairos #hyperactivemonkey #kaleidoscreative #positivelyarts

✨ Happy Mid-Autumn Festival ✨ 🍁 🥮 Save me all your moon cake egg yolks! 😝

We are over the moon about the new animation by the extraordinary @jromonkey of @hyperactivemonkey ! Thank you so much, Jerome! We also would like to thank the @friendsbpl for their undying support of The Story Time Band Experience. Thank you for believing in what we do and for your support of our efforts to reach children and families throughout Berkeley and beyond! History of The Story Time Band What began in 2013 as a small Musical Story Time at Berkeley’s Claremont Branch Library has grown into a beloved citywide phenomenon. Founded by children’s librarian Michael Kwende (aka Mr. Michael) and retired librarian/guitarist Tim DeWolf, and joined by library specialists/musicians Juan Castille, Donovan Russell, and, most recently, long-time Berkeley resident and keyboardist, Tienne Lee. The Story Time Band brings stories to life through music, movement, and fun. From packed weekly shows at Bateman Mall Park to performances at The Freight, the Bay Area Book Festival, Fairyland, and even San Quentin’s Family Day, the band delights hundreds of children and caregivers across Berkeley and beyond. With a vibrant mix of storytelling, live music, and community connection, The Story Time Band is redefining family entertainment—one joyful jam at a time. Since 2024, the band’s colorful visual identity has been brought to life by artist Jerome Lu, whose artwork captures the spirit of their performances. As an honorary member of The Story Time Band, Jerome’s creative contributions have become an integral part of the band’s storytelling magic. #thestorytimebandexperience #thestorytimeband #berkeley #berkeleypubliclibrary #friendsofberkeleypubliclibrary #storytime #musicalstorytime #musicforlife #musicforchildren #childrensmusic #beholdthepicturebook #librarylove #libraryjoy

Stop on by @capecowlcomics con at @factionbrewing for all your @hyperactivemonkey goodies. There’s so many great artists here too! Come check it out!

Behold!!! 🦸‍♂️✨ This Sunday (August 24th) I’ll be at Cape & Cowl Con (@capecowlcomics ) at @factionbrewing in Alameda! 🍻 Swing by for all your @hyperactivemonkey sofubi, books, comics, prints, stickers, patches, and goodies galore! 🎉 Plus, there’ll be a whole league of amazing artists—don’t miss it! 💥 KAPOW!

See you all tomorrow (Saturday August 2nd) at @indietoy.la Con inside @gallerynucleus !!! I’ll have some extremely limited exclusives remaining from SDCC and lots more goodies! Stop on by! It’s gonna be so rad!