Parents' Guide to

The Wild Robot Escapes

By Jan Carr, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Animals aid robot journey in sequel tinged with human love.

The Wild Robot Escapes Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

age 7+

Based on 3 parent reviews

age 5+
age 7+

Loving, Thrill Filling Storyline

I was in for a treat when I read this to my 7 1/2 year old son. He was not enjoying "book basket" time and that's when I stopped going by my list and pick up the first Wild Robot book. Recommended by Sarah Mackenzie from Read Aloud Revival Podcast. My son was so engaged and begged for me to keep reading. It was a touching story and for the first time I saw my son's heart strings being pulled and even shed a tear, in a good way. It is such a good book for a mother to read to her son. It does describe robot parts and how can be taken away. It is descriptive and we just focused on the fact that it was a machine.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (12):

Roz the robot has an intriguing blend of mechanical, just-the-facts computer brain, with feelings that are tenderly emotional, and the measured tone of this sensitive story mirrors that mix. Readers are lucky that Peter Brown, the author of The Wild Robot Escapes, has worked extensively as an illustrator, and the black-and-white illustrations he sprinkles throughout help provide an immersive experience. Brown sometimes addresses the reader directly ("Reader, can you guess…?"), drawing readers in with his conversational tone, and adding to the classic feel. Short chapters, sometimes only one page, ensure that the book is friendly to young readers.

Brown inflects the story with soft humor -- when Roz arrives at the dairy farm, she slips on a cow patty -- and also with frequent philosophical asides, as Roz muses on how she's different, and whether or not that makes her defective. When Roz leaves the farm, embarking on her long journey, there are danger and chase scenes, but also friendly animals who come to Roz's aid, as they might in a fairy tale. The story will prompt readers to think about larger issues of mechanization, the future, human ties and values, and nonviolence.

Book Details

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