"Roz found an orphaned goose egg,
all alone, with nobody to care for it.
The robot made a nest and placed
the egg inside. Before long, a gosling
hatched. He was small and weak. He
needed a family.
Our robot decided to raise the gosling
as her son. She named his Brightbill."
For fans of The Wild Robot series, this picture book is designed to tell how Roz's story began. Peter Brown explains in an author's note that he wanted to simplify the first story in order to show island life with 'large, detailed, colorful illustrations'. It might then encourage younger readers to want to move on and learn more about Roz and her life with her animal friends and with her son, Brightbill. It seems just the right way to do exactly that.
An oil tanker, caught in stormy seas, on the front endpapers makes clear the reason for Roz's arrival. Life on the island is about to change forever. Luckily, her crate is damaged, allowing for Roz to break free and find her way to this new home. It gives her a sense of belonging and encourages her to learn as much as she can from its inhabitants. Roz is a quick study (at times humorous, and always eager to learn more). Friendships are quickly established with many; the most important being a tiny gosling who needs a mother.
Brightbill grows quickly and soon prepares for a winter migration, leaving Roz on the island to quietly wait through autumn and winter for his return in the spring. It is a lonely time; Roz spends much of it wondering about her son. She also creates a warm and cozy home for herself and others in need of shelter. Finally, winter turns to spring and Roz's world is right again with the return of her son.
If you know Peter Brown's other picture books, you will not be surprised to learn that his depiction of Roz's world is filled with light and serenity. It adds a wonderful inviting look to what is so aptly described in the first novel. Now, fans can see it more fully, and visually meet the creatures who mean so much to Roz in her new life.
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