David Griswold

With a hint of scifi-tech and a little modern jargon, the power of an emotional meltdown hits in a fun and meaningful way.

Robots have a great life. So calm. So calculated. So punctual and exact...until something makes their circuits spark and wires smolder. When a meltdown hits, chaos threatens to break through the control, but there are solutions to dampen even these impending explosions.

This book starts out with cute robots, their family, and the calm, organized way they go through life. It's impressive to watch how little situations of frustration just fly by with ease. After all, robots aren't emotional. They're logical. When something happens, which doesn't compute (a situation which irritates to the extreme), it's funny to watch the inner circuitry go haywire. The reasons behind these meltdowns are understandable. Situations aren't always nice and fair, and this is something young readers will have no problem recognizing and sympathizing with. The solutions come smoothly and teach readers how to calm down and work through problems with other means.

I recommend this read for the lower end of the suggested age group. While some of the terminology will push some readers/listeners in this age group, the general story flow is well suited for their level. The situations are clear and familiar, and it's obvious what message each moment carries with it. Older readers will catch on right away and the preachiness glistens through. Younger ones will enjoy the robots' antics, though, and be able to see themselves in more than one of the circumstances.

The illustrations are bright and bring across each scene with a touch of humor and lightness, making sure the messages come over with lightness and fun. It's a cute read for more than just robot fans. I received a DRC through Netgalley and found it to be a clever read.… (more)

This book is a really great metaphor. We’re looking at a robot world where they never do anything bad because they’re programed not to. However, robots occasionally have a meltdown. It doesn’t matter the reason, maybe it’s not enough food, maybe it’s not enough sleep, maybe the robot had to wash behind it’s ears. Every once in a while, malfunctions happen, but the best part is a reset button. While this story is a metaphor, I do think kids will understand it and see themselves as the robot and would take the idea “I need my reset. I need a break. I need something because things are happening.” This book is well done. The illustrations are fantastic, and the story is engaging.… (more)