Little Robot Alone

Little Robot has a head made from a toaster with a lightbulb stuck in it, a rotund body with riveted orange pants, and tractor treads for feet. He leads an idyllic life in a cottage by the pond, and he's developed satisfying little rituals to fill his days, such as singing a breakfast song: "Oats with oozy oil are yummy/ slipping slowly down my tummy." But he's lonely. Then one day, the lightbulb literally goes off: he can make himself a friend. The resulting robot pet dog is every bit as cute as Little Robot himself; when Little Robot presses the button on the dog's nose, it leans over and licks Little Robot "on his smooth metal cheek." And that's pretty much the entire narrative arc--MacLachlan and Charest (Cat Talk) don't take their characters on an adventure or portray a moment of missed emotional signals. It shouldn't be enough--and yet it is. Phelan's gauzy, sunny watercolor-and-pencil drawings set a cheery, energetic mood, and ingenious Little Robot is instantly winning--surprisingly expressive, sweet but never cloying, and in service to a higher and very relatable purpose. Ages 4-7. (June)

PreS-Gr 1--Little Robot is content enough in his cozy house. Every morning he puts on his tracks (think bulldozer "feet"), charges his battery, and sings his cheerful breakfast song. He goes outside and takes in the birds flying over, the squirrels racing, and the fish splashing. But there's just one problem: he's lonely. Inspired by a dream, he makes a friend for himself--Little Dog, a fellow robot who, after a few tweaks, is the perfect companion. This gentle tale is just right for the set who are interested in gadgets but still like a warm friendship story. Phelan's steampunk-tinged, soft watercolors beautifully depict Little Robot's country idyll as well as show details of the workshop where Little Dog comes to life. VERDICT A great bedtime read, and one to try along with Arnold Lobel's "Frog and Toad" tales for a storytime about friendship.--Henrietta Verma, Credo Reference, Jackson Heights, NY