"For months, Roz had feared the poison tide, and
now she was going to march straight into it. She
stood on the northern slopes and gazed out at the
ocean. Clouds of gently shimmering dust were
billowing through the water. The robot's eyes
drifted skyward to a winged shape, high above.
Brightbill was up there, scanning the seas. After
a few minutes, he dove down and landed on his
mother's shoulder."
Fans who were waiting to reading this third (and final, I'm told) book in The Wild Robot series were certainly not disappointed with its release late last year. It is an apt conclusion. Meeting and getting to know Roz, her island, her friends and family who live there has been a treat. From the first meeting in 2016, to the second in 2018, I have followed and enjoyed her adventures and the community she has built.
In this book, Roz again puts others ahead of herself when she sets out on an unconventional journey to help and protect those she loves. A poison tide in the ocean has arrived at their doorstep, threatening their lives and the island they love. Roz works with her community to do their best to move everyone beyond its reach, but realizes something else must be done.
Because she is now waterproof, Roz is the only one not affected by the spreading poison. It is up to Roz to stop the spread; she is advised to travel far north to meet the Ancient Shark, the only creature likely to have a solution for the threat. Her trek is filled with fascinating and informative conversations with creatures along the way, who share their worry about the threat of the tide. She also learns much about the deep-sea mineral mining that is causing the poison that is spreading across ocean waters.
The Ancient Shark knows about the mining station that sits in the northern ocean and the robot that constantly forces the poison from its drilling into the ocean waters. She also knows all about Roz and her journey to help and protect. She is fully ready to take on the problem, with force if needed. Ocean mammals, fish, seabirds, and zooplankton are all part of the fight that ends in the destruction of the station and new problems for the gentle and accommodating Roz to solve.
Peter Brown does an exceptional job of blending the real concerns of climate change and pollution caused by humans with humor and compassion, as he brings Roz to full life once more. Roz is a consummate learner and a selfless giver, and a character readers will not soon forget.
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