"We're a strange family. But I kind of like it that way." ~Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Five boxes of robots
crash into an island after a terrible storm. Only one remains intact. The
robot, Roz, emerges. Roz does not know
where she is or what she should do, but she begins trying to communicate with
the animals. Unfortunately they think she's a monster and they're scared or try to attack her. Roz pays attention and learns the language of the
animals. She tries to make friends with them. When an accident leaves her with
a gosling that is about to hatch she knows she must do everything in her power
to protect the little life. This is how Roz becomes a mother. In her quest to
do what she can to give her new son, Brightbill, the best life- she begins to work with the other animals. Still, the rumors of her being a
monster follow her. Roz
watches Brightbill as he grows up and she connects with other mothers who are
raising kids. After her son flies south for the winter Roz and the other
animals experience the worst winter on record. It's a time of change
in the forest, including the lodges Roz builds for the animals to keep them
alive and warm. The island animals grow
closer. Spring comes and the birds fly back. The celebration is cut short by robots that have come to reclaim Roz and take her back to the factory
where she came from. She does not want
to go and the other animals will need to decide if they let her go or if they
protect her. Will Roz have to leave the only life she has ever known? Is there a way to stop the “recon” robots who are trying to capture her? You’ll find
the answers in this book about a world both different and similar to the one we
live in.
Wild Robot by Peter Brown was a very unique book. I really
had no idea what to expect when I picked it up, and I was pleasantly surprised
by the story. I instantly liked Roz, and my heart went out to her as she tried
to make friends with the animals on the island. She is so kind and only wants to help others,
but the animals resist her because she is different. The way Roz was treated makes
you think about how ridiculous it is to judge anyone because of the way they
look. Instead, actions speak louder than words or looks! One of my favorite
parts about the story is the relationship between Roz and her son. When others
judge their family for being different, they have a wonderful discussion about
what family means. I think anyone from 3rd grade and up should read
this book. It is a reminder to be kind and to give people a chance. If we all
decided to help others, the world would be a kinder place. I have recently
learned this is the first in a series- so I will be on the lookout for the next
one soon.
Has anyone else
read Wild Robot? Or have you read another book by Peter Brown?
I would love to hear your thoughts on this one.
Happy Reading!
~L
