Review - Robobaby

Robobaby
by David Wiesner
Date: 2020
Publisher: Clarion Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Robots are much more than machines in the emotionally resonant world of Robobaby, where the arrival of a new baby in a robot family is a festive occasion. Iconic picture book creator David Wiesner captures the excitement as Lugnut (father), Diode (mother), and big sister Cathode (Cathy) welcome the newcomer. Cathy, with her handy toolbox and advanced knowledge of robotics and IT, is ignored while the adults bungle the process of assembling baby Flange, with near catastrophic results. As the frantic, distracted adults rush about aimlessly, Cathy, unobserved, calmly clears up the technical difficulties and bonds with her new baby brother. Robobaby is a shout‑out for girl scientists and makers, and a treat for all young robot enthusiasts.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I think I expected more from David Wiesner. This is chaotic, messy, and somehow boring. A whole bunch of characters are dumped onto the page, and we're expected to care. I'm afraid I don't.

Basically, a family of robots is welcoming a new addition. In their haste to assemble their new baby, they neglect to install the updates. The thing goes haywire and the family has to call in the experts. The daughter, Cathode (Cathy), saves the day with her tinkering skills.

The illustrations are skillfully done. But the text almost seems like an afterthought. And there was so much going on in some of the pictures that I was a bit overwhelmed.

I might recommend this to fans of robots, but that's about it. The story isn't anything special.

Premise: 2/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 2/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.33 out of 5