Your Pal Fred
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Your Pal Fred is a sci-fi graphic novel featuring a very polite robot. Written and illustrated by Michael Rex, the book follows Fred across an apocalyptic wasteland as he encourages various warlords to chill out and be nice. Tons of cartoon violence, but no one gets injured. Many get covered in slime or are punched by a robot.
What's the Story?
As YOUR PAL FRED opens, the life-size toy robot is activated and sets out to be cheerful to everyone to meets. Pretty much everyone laughs at him, living as they do in a postapocalyptic wasteland. Fred perserveres and shows the local warlords how to live in harmony.
Is It Any Good?
Robots are staples of sci-fi, but this graphic novel offers a unique, positive twist. Writer and illustrator Michael Rex creates a cheerful hero for the ages in Your Pal Fred. So what if his adventures are somewhat repetitive? They teach lessons that never go out of style -- and are hilarious every time!
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Your Pal Fred addresses violence. How do you know when violence is supposed to be funny?
What are some good strategies for making new friends?
Can having a positive attitude make real changes in your life?
Book Details
- Author: Michael Rex
- Genre: Graphic Novel
- Topics: Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Robots
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Courage, Empathy
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: May 31, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 7 - 10
- Number of pages: 272
- Available on: Paperback, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: December 16, 2022
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