If You Like The Wild Robot
A big thanks to sixth-grader Josie B. who recommended The Wild Robot by Peter Brown (2016) to me. What a charming story with great illustrations. The Wild Robot is about a robot, Roz, who is stranded on an island after a shipwreck. She learns to survive on the island and thrives through the friendships with the animals who already lived there. It’s a delightful mix of sci-fi and nature. The frequent illustrations let us picture Roz and her animal community.
Below are a few suggestions for folks who have enjoyed Brown’s series and want a next read. Some are more robot focused and others double down on nature. All are great books.
Hoot by Carl Hiaasen (2002)
Roy is the new kid at middle school in Coconut Grove, Florida. A confluence of events involving a bully, a mysterious barefoot running kid, and a forest in which owls live lead Roy on a mission to protect the forest and owls from a new development. The developers want to clear the land for a pancake chain restaurant. Can Roy and his new allies stop big business and save the owls?
Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (2007)
Selznick’s illustrated novel will involve a lot more reading than The Wild Robot, but fans of Brown’s book will enjoy the lush drawings and engaging story. Plus automatons — a kind of early robot — play a key part in the plot. Hugo lives a hidden life in a Paris train station, carrying on the job his deceased father had of keeping the clocks in working order. When he meets a shopkeeper who turns out to be filmmaker and inventor George Méliès, he begins searching for the truth of all of their pasts.
Ungifted and Supergifted by Gordon Korman (2012 and 2018)
These funny and clever books by the prolific Korman look at what happens when the “wrong” kid ends up at a school for the gifted. Excellent exploration of intelligence, friendship, value, and loyalty. Protagonist Donovan joins the robotics club and helps the team build a robot named Tin Man.
Little Robot by Ben Hatke (2015)
Much like The Wild Robot, Hatke’s graphic novel involves a robot lost during transport. In this case the robot is found on the side of a road by a little girl who switches him on. They become friends. When his absence is noted by his manufacturers, the girl and the robot race to stay safe and free.
Greenwild series by Pari Thomson (started 2023)
Daisy and her journalist mother never stay any one place for long, but that’s okay as long as they are together. When her mother disappears on a dangerous assignment, Daisy is determined to find her. The search leads her to a secret world of botanical magic, one Daisy apparently belongs to. Thomson creates charming characters, wicked villains, and fun plant magic. The Wild Robot readers will love all the references to nature and plants that the magic relies upon.