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Parents' Guide to

Rolie Polie Olie

By Sharon Asta, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Kids love this wacky story told in rhyme.

Book William Joyce Picture Book 1999
Rolie Polie Olie Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

Rolie Polie Olie isn't your typical robot kid; he recharges his head and mops the house. He's a bundle of energy as he bounces through his day and is then too wired to go to bed. Kids will love Olie's mischief-making, which lands him in a bunch of trouble. Olie apologizes, and everyone comes together for a happy ending.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

William Joyce's love of robots comes through in this delightful day-in-the-life story of a busy little robot boy. Who could resist a robot family that not only cares about one another but also does a wacky "Rolie Polie Rumba Dance, always done in underpants!" Entirely computer-generated, the illustrations glow with an art deco polish and candy-bright color.

Kids will empathize with the rambunctious Olie, who's having way too much fun to go to bed. But he contemplates his behavior and apologizes to all, and, just before bed, everyone hugs and makes up. Children will see their own excesses in Olie's antics and learn that it's good to takes responsibility for one's behavior.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about appropriate behavior. Do you ever feel like Olie? How do you calm down before bedtime? Families can also talk about computer-generated art.

Book Details

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