The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

Science Fiction

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Evaluation of Book

This story set in the future hints at climate change causing a storm that causes a shipment of robots to wash ashore on an island. While playing with the packaging a group of otters accidentally activates one particular robot, Roz, and then adventure begins. The Wild Robot is a story about how Roz learns to survive on an island filled with different animals.

Themes presented by Brown in this book include motherhood, human nature, climate change, man versus nature, the future, and the importance of kindness. Through Roz’s eyes we see her connection and responsibility to Brightbill. We see how as part of the larger animal community she helps the animals survive.

The black and white illustrations created by Brown are appropriate for the text. They continue to remind the reader that Roz is a robot and not a human. Their simplistic nature complements the story and is a nice surprise for a chapter book.

Response

I’m not typically a fan of science fiction but I really enjoyed this book. The author’s portrayal of Roz as a mother connected with me personally. I could definitely relate to Roz when she was sending Brightbill south for the winter. My oldest graduated from high school this year and will be headed up north to Michigan for school at the end of August. Letting her go will be difficult just as it was for Roz.

Also, when Roz was trying to fit in with the animals of the island it reminded me of living overseas and trying to find where and how I belonged. I liked the how the author said that, “She (Roz) discovered that all the different animals shared one common language; they just spoke the language in different ways.” It’s true of humans too. Although we have differences there are many things that we all share no matter where we live.

Conclusion

This book with a robot and talking animals is a delight to read. Set in the future it will intrigue even the most reluctant reader. I highly recommend it.

Citation

Brown, P. (2018). The wild robot. London: Picadilly Press.