Little Robot – A girl with a messenger bag full of tools finds a misplaced robot
Little Robot
by Ben Hatke
First Second
2015, 144 pages, 7.3 x 9.2 x 0.6 inches
$12 Buy a copy on Amazon
I am a sucker for little girls that can hold their own. The nameless little girl in Ben Hatke’s latest book does just that. She is independent, resourceful, and not afraid to go it alone. This graphic novel for the younger set tells the story of an isolated little girl who finds a misplaced robot and the friendship that ensues. She teaches him about the world from the beautiful (“Its a flower, its alive too.”) to the simple joy in skipping stones. The story darkens slightly as the company who misplaced our robot sends out a pretty ominous creature of its own to track and retrieve the little guy. It’s a touch of Johnny Five and a bit of WALL-E. When the little robot wants to stretch his wings is where the story gets interesting. While this little girl makes a friend, she isn’t always a good one. The little robot enjoys her company, but longs to connect with others more like him. While they are navigating their friendship, they must face the machine that continues to hunt them down.
Little Robot bridges the gap between picture book and graphic novel with its detailed illustrations and sparse dialogue (however it features lots of great sounds - making it all the more fun to read aloud). It’s enjoyable for children regardless of reading level as toddlers can page through the emotive illustrations and older children can take their time with the plot.
Little Robot is timely in that it fits perfectly within the current STEM and Maker movement. The little girl carries a messenger bag of tools that are her lifeline throughout the story. Also, there are the robots - adorable robots. Little Robot is a great introduction to comics and my current go-to present for the children in my life in hopes of exposing them to something slightly off the shelf.
– Amy Lackpour
February 5, 2016
