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Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Robobaby, written and illustrated by David Wiesner. Clarion, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Raincoast, 2020. $23.99 ages 4 and up





"Diode, babies have 
gotten a lot more
complicated since
we built Cathode. 

Oh, Lugnut, how 
hard can it be?"

Cathode's new baby brother comes in a box, with instructions and updates for assembly. His name is Flange, and Cathode is at the ready to help assemble him with her own tools. Her mother, Mother Lugnut, takes it upon herself to do the building. When Flange is completed, there is a major problem. The family needs help, and calls for it. 

Uncle Manifold is quick to arrive. Once again, Cathy is left on the sidelines with her tools. Manny assumes the role of 'expert'. Hmm - it seems Cathy is the only robot observing that there are directions to be followed. Maybe the others should have listened. Not installing updates leads to bedlam when Flange becomes uncontrollable. 

"He needs a complete overhaul." 

It's Sprocket, the family dog, to the rescue. Sprocket catches up with Flange and brings him back. Finally, Cathy is able to prove to the family what she has known all along. Flange is settled thanks to her ministrations. Love, love, love the surprise ending! 

As he constantly does, David Wiesner wows with his visual storytelling. He packs every spread with fascinating detail, visual puzzles, a winning cast of characters, polished speech bubbles, clean lines, and a most engaging story. All the llight in the artwork comes from the floor, and provides a wonderful warm feeling throughout the telling. Goofy, yet perfect. 
                                                                         

                                                                           

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