The Wild Robot on the Island

Starred review from April 15, 2025
What happens when a robot washes up alone on an island? "Everything was just right on the island." Brown beautifully re-creates the first days of Roz, the protagonist of his Wild Robot novels, as she adapts to living in the natural world. A storm-tossed ship, seen in the opening just before the title page, and a packing crate are the only other human-made objects to appear in this close-up look at the robot and her new home. Roz emerges from the crate, and her first thought as she sets off up a grassy hill--"This must be where I belong"--is sweetly glorious, a note of recognition rather than conquest. Roz learns to move, hide, and communicate like the creatures she meets. When she discovers an orphaned egg--and the gosling Brightbill, who eventually hatches--her decision to be his mother seems a natural extension of her adaptation. Once he flies south for the winter, her quiet wait across seasons for his return is a poignant portrayal of separation and change. Brown's clean, precise lines and deep, light-filled colors offer a sense of what Roz might be seeing, suggesting a place that is alive yet deeply serene and radiant. Though the book stands alone, it adds an immensely appealing dimension to Roz's world. Round thumbnails offer charming peeks into the island world, depicting Roz's animal neighbors and Brightbill's maturation. A hymn to the intrinsic loveliness of the wild and the possibility of sharing it. (author's note)(Picture book. 3-6)

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Starred review from May 1, 2025

K-Gr 2-Brown's The Wild Robot receives a much appreciated picture book adaptation in this richly illustrated story. As in the original, the story follows Roz, a robot who unexpectedly lands on a remote island. Though unfamiliar with the wild territory she now inhabits, she learns to adapt-moving, hiding, and communicating like the animals around her. When she discovers an abandoned goose egg, Roz experiences the power of family, adding an entirely new element to her journey of survival. Brown's ink-on-paper illustrations with digital finishes bring vibrant life to Roz and her surroundings, maintaining the tone and charm of the original. The simplified text and visual storytelling make this version accessible to younger readers, serving as a great introduction to the "Wild Robot" series, especially with the popular movie adaptation. Even though the brevity of the picture book means some emotional depth and character development are lost compared to the novel, this adaptation successfully distills the heart of Roz's story, making it a wonderful gateway for young readers eager to explore her world further. VERDICT An essential purchase for all libraries.-Louie Lauer

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