The Wild Robot (Volume 1)

I've heard a lot about this book. And buzz can either be accurate or not. I'm thankful to report in this case, The Wild Robot was worth the read. This was such a cute little read, and now I'd like to see the movie to see if it's as good as they say! I picked this one up as part of my middle grade market research. Several booksellers said kids were eating this one up and they were flying off the shelves. After pulling it out and setting it on my nightstand, I figured I'd just see how many pages and chapters there were - give the book my standard once-over before I dive into it the next day. Lo and behold, I read the first chapter and then looked up and realized I was 50 pages in. Not only is the story engaging and the setting a fun mismash of nature and technology, but the short, focused chapters kept me turning pages. I think I read the book in three sittings - and honestly may have read it in one if I didn't really need to go to bed like an adult. This would be good for reluctant readers or bedtime stories for your kids. Each chapter is bite-sized and leaves you wanting more. There's a great sense of momentum as you read. And the illustrations are just as quaint as the story itself. I found myself incredibly invested in this little island of animals and delighted by a few twists and turns in the story, too. I am definitely really glad I read this one and now very curious about the second one. I would certainly recommend this one. It's a heartfelt, adventurous, quick and quirky little read. And its themes of understanding, compassion, survival, persistence, forgiveness, the cycle of nature, and service to others could foster some cool conversations with kiddos. This one's done right. Middle grade, so no swearing, no romance, a little bit of nature violence and a little bit of robot violence. I'd feel comfortable giving this to most kids. There are a few deaths as a natural part of the cycle of life, so if you have a kid very sensitive to that, it may be worth reading first to judge for yourself if your kid is ready for this (which should always be the default case anyway). But nothing here was near as traumatic as Charlotte's Web or Old Yellar, so I would consider it pretty mild personally.

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that blends adventure, nature, and technology in a way that appeals to readers of all ages. The story follows Roz, a robot who unexpectedly finds herself stranded on a remote island. As she navigates the challenges of survival and adapts to the natural world, she discovers the complexities of life, friendship, and what it truly means to be alive. What makes this book especially engaging is its thoughtful exploration of themes such as empathy, community, and the environment. Roz is a robot, but her journey is deeply human—her growth and learning reflect the importance of connection and understanding, even in the most unlikely circumstances. My 10-year-old daughter absolutely loved this novel. She was drawn to Roz’s transformation from a cold, programmed machine to a caring, sentient being who forms bonds with the island’s creatures. The mix of humor, adventure, and heart made it an easy read for her, while still offering depth that sparked some great conversations about nature, technology, and what it means to belong. The illustrations by Peter Brown, which complement the story, were a big hit with my daughter too. They added a rich visual element to the narrative and helped bring the world of the island and its inhabitants to life in a way that made the book even more engaging. Overall, The Wild Robot is a perfect choice for young readers, offering both entertainment and valuable lessons. It’s the kind of book that not only keeps kids hooked but also encourages them to think about the world in a deeper way. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a unique and heartfelt story that both children and adults can enjoy.

My preschooler and first grade homeschoolers are loving this read aloud! My first grader can read it independently, but we choose to read it as a family instead. It's very age appropriate and has a unique, imaginative storyline of a robot who becomes like a living animal when she is stranded on an island. I am charmed by the robots character as she wins over the forest and even adopts a gosling as her own! The chapters are very short, typically spanning 2 or 3 pages. There are just enough illustrations to occupy my preschooler too. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read the rest of the series.

The Wild Robot is a beautifully written and imaginative story that blends nature, technology, and emotional growth in a way that appeals to both children and adults. The short chapters make it easy to read in small sessions, and the language is accessible without feeling overly simplistic. The story encourages empathy, resilience, and adaptation, which makes it a great conversation starter for young readers. The illustrations are simple but effective, complementing the story rather than distracting from it. Roz, the robot, is a compelling character, and the themes of belonging and survival are handled in a gentle, age-appropriate way. That said, some parts of the story move a bit quickly, and readers who prefer more detailed world-building may find it slightly rushed. Additionally, sensitive readers may want guidance with a few emotional moments involving animals and survival. Overall, this is a meaningful and engaging book that works well for independent reading or read-alouds, especially for elementary-aged children.

A review from my 10 year old: This book is about a robot named Roz, short for Rozzum, a robot that was supposed to be transported to a factory but the ship was sadly sunken and she was washed up on a island. She had to learn to survive in a place that a robot would never be in. And she finds many different techniques to do so. The robot goes on many exciting adventures and gets lots of friends that you might not expect including her own adopted son who happens to be a duck named Brightbill whose family was crushed by an avalanche. She was living a happy life until her creators find out where she is and don't like that she is living in the forest. I think this book is about the interaction between nature and technology. On his blog Peter Brown wrote, “Back in 2008, while working on a picture book called The Curious Garden… I loved imagining scenes of nature living in surprising places. And that got me thinking about scenes of unnatural things living in surprising places” ([...]). The robot is a piece of technology but she can learn to live in the wild which makes me think that one of the meanings of this book is that people today can still stop pollution and destruction of the natural world. I also think that the author was trying to tell the readers that no matter who you are you can do anything. The robot was having trouble in the forest at first but she started to learn and get better by watching animals. I also think that the book is about not giving up. Even after all the animals were scared of her Roz kept trying to be friendly and finally became friends with all the animals. One amazing thing about this book is the artwork witch makes sense because Peter Brown was an artist before he was a writer. Another thing that I liked about this book is that it makes me feel sad but gave me hope that things will get better. The third thing that makes this book unique is that it has very creative ideas. In one of the scenes in the book Roz loses her foot to a bear and then cant walk. And then she asked the beavers to make her a new one out of wood. That is one of the many creative scenes in the book. This book was very good in my opinion. It was one of my favorite books I've ever read and i would very much recommend it. This book is creative, well written, and interesting. I think that it is a great book and think its definitely worth reading. I don't want to give away the ending but is very dramatic and emotional. Roz has to draw on all of her friendships and skills she has learned from them to survive.

Such a good book! Bought as a gift only to find out he’s obsessed with the movie! I had no idea there was a movie! He wants the other books now too!

This book is an amazing mix of adventure, emotion, and important life lessons. The story of Roz, the robot, is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. My child was completely hooked from the first chapter and couldn’t wait to see what happened next. It’s beautifully written and makes you reflect on nature, friendship, and what it means to be alive. A perfect read for kids and even adults who enjoy meaningful stories. Highly recommended!

The Wild Robot is a beautifully written and illustrated book that blends adventure, survival, and technology with heart. The story of Roz, a robot who unexpectedly finds herself stranded on an island, is touching and inspiring. As Roz learns to survive in the wild and connect with the animals, the book explores themes of identity, kindness, and what it means to belong. The illustrations are lovely and really bring the world to life. Perfect for young readers and adults alike, this is a book that makes you think about the intersection of nature and technology in a new light.