Bossy Robots Aren’t Much Fun.
Seven-year-old Ben loves pretending to be a robot, but his best friend Jessy is tired of being ordered to oil his knee joints and check his batteries. She says the robot game is boring and runs off to play with someone else. So Ben decides to build a real robot instead. He’s built all kinds of things before: wind generators, solar-powered marble launchers, pinball machines. But none of his creations have ever really worked. Until now…
Reviews
“Robin Stevenson subtly weaves the elements of imagination, friendship and loneliness, along with a bit of mystery and magic. David Parkin’s fine illustrations are fun… His googly-eyed robot is a gem.” (Canadian Children’s booknews, winter 2011)
“Author Robin Stevenson, whose son inspired this story, certainly knows the heart of children like Ben and can communicate the fun and frustrations of learning. David Parkins, the illustrator, includes very detailed black and white illustrations. This delightful story, which tells the tale of an adventurous little boy, will keep young readers flipping the pages to see what will happen next. Highly recommended. ****/4.” (Canadian Materials, October 2010)
“A story which will be enjoyed by both male and female audiences, Ben’s Robot highlights the challenges of friendship, play, imagination, and sharing…This is a humourous, imaginative and creative story that will hook reader and imagination alike. Highly recommended.” (Resource Links, Oct. 2011)
Awards
- 2010 Resource Links “The Year’s Best”
- 2011 Canadian Children’s Book Centre “Best Books”
- 2011 Chocolate Lily award nominee