Robobaby
by David Wiesner
5 out of 5 stars

Cathode (Cathy for short) is about to become a big sister when her parents order a new baby robot. The baby arrives in the mail, but requires some assembly. Mother tries to put the baby together, and Father tries to read the instructions, but they can’t get the gears to attach to the clockwork innards of the child. They call for help! What can Cathy do to help save the baby?

The cuteness level in this book is through the roof! The story is so clever and original, and I adore all the funny characters. There’s Uncle Manny who tries to help assemble the baby. The neighbor brings her little twins to meet the baby. And of course, Sprocket the dog will help big sister Cathy to save the day!

The world-building is brilliant and fun! It’s interesting to see what sort of food a robot would bring to welcome a new baby (sludge cake and rust soup with toasted zinc). The robots call for tech support during a crisis, or call a robot doctor with a toolbox and screwdriver. It’s so imaginative!

I love Cathy’s character, and how she cuts through the chaos of the adults, and trusts herself and her own abilities and know-how. She goes on a mission to save that baby, and with her trusty dog Sprocket at her side, they defy the adults and Cathy becomes the hero of the hour.

I find it very interesting how the emotions of the robots are expressed in the illustrations. The emotion is in the expressions on their metal faces and the way they hold their robot arms and how they stand with sassy robot posture. You can feel the action and energy on each page!

I just adore the colorful artwork and the way the book is organized in panels that lead the reader through the story. There are so many cool details in the background of each scene that really bring the story to life.

I am completely enchanted with everything in this sweet picture book! What a treasure!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.