Excellent book for younger children and supports them as they grow to reading books with more pages. Plus it ties into other books by the same author/illustrator in unique and different ways.
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Why Read This Book
- It’s a fun story that kids will want to read again and again.
- It’s wordless (mostly). You may think ‘how does a wordless book help a child learn to read?’ and that is a good question to ask. When children are learning to read, they are naturally more interested in looking at pictures, because they know how to look at pictures. Reading words is still challenging and it takes work. By giving them books that feature lots of beautiful illustrations, they will connect with the enjoyment of holding a book and paging through it. As more that words are added to their book experiences, combined with beautiful illustrations, children will naturally achieve balance in their ability to read words and look at pictures.
- The spunky main character models a great way to be in the world. She’s capable. She’s determined. She’s optimistic.
- This book delivers an excellent graphic novel experience. If you are new to graphic novels this book is an excellent place to start. If you are not new to graphic novels then you’ll surely love this one. Be aware that not all graphic novels are good – you’ll want to exercise caution with them. Learn more about what to watch for plus a list of additional graphic novels I recommend at my booklist The Best of the Graphic Novels.
- Great choice for children who are just starting to read or having any sort of trouble with reading. Because it is mostly wordless they will have an enjoyable experience reading the book. That enjoyment can lead them to trying other books that still have a lot of pictures and add a few more words. It can lead them to asking for more Ben Hatke books to read – and most of his books include a lot more words. This path is how a child can find their way to reading success.
About Wordless Books
If you are new to wordless books then you are in for a real treat. Wordless books are wonderful! They are awesome for kids … who “see” more in the illustrations than grown-ups do. Speaking of grown-ups, sometimes it’s a pleasure as an adult to not have any words to read, to just enjoy rich, vibrant, beautiful illustrations.
Little Robot isn’t completely wordless, but it’s close enough for me to include it as a wordless book.
Lastly … any book written by Ben Hatke is worth reading. Any book. Both kids and adults will love his books. If you like this book … go to your local library to check out everything he’s written.
Book Facts
Author and Illustrator: Ben Hatke
Copyright: 2015
Publisher: First Second Books
Format: Graphic Novel, Wordless Book (technically it includes a few words)
Age Range: 4 to 8, pre-k to second grade
Reading Level: Emerging Reader
Awards: Winner of the 2016 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Early Readers. A Junior Library Guild Premier Selection.
“Well-plotted and -paced, this engaging story of loneliness, bravery, and friendship builds to a satisfying and sweet conclusion.” ―The Horn Book
“Subtly inventive in both vision and execution, this one begs to be read again and again.” ―Booklist, starred review
Get Your Very Own Copy
Experts talk a lot about a goal to raise kids to be readers. I even use that phrase on this website. But I feel a key part of that thinking is that we don’t want kids to read because they force themselves to do it. We don’t want to just raise someone who reads. Instead we want kids who grow into adults who read because they enjoy it. Instead of “raising readers” we actually want to “raise readers who love to read“.
It’s a truth that many adults do not enjoy reading, and therefore don’t read much. But if we can give kids books to read that are enjoyable, while also being good for developing their reading skill, then we might end up with more adults who are connected to the enjoyment that exists in reading. Because:
“The world of books is as vast as the world of humans – and I believe for every unique adult on the planet there is also a unique book waiting to be read and enjoyed by that adult.”
~ Sarah Laucks, Founder, Beehive Books and Art
Which brings me back to getting your very own copy of Little Robot. This little book is very enjoyable. All of Ben Hatke’s books are very enjoyable. Children love them. He writes excellent stories that feature values of kindness, resilience, strength, problem-solving, friendship, and more. Kids will read his books again and again (re-reading which is great for developing reading skill). Get Little Robot for your home now, and consider adding more of Hatke’s books as well. See the end of this article for a list of Ben’s books I recommend.
Here are a few places you can get your very own copy of Little Robot, new or used.
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See Inside
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More Books By Ben Hatke
Zita the Space Girl series:
- Zita the Space Girl
- Legends of Zita the Space Girl
- The Return of Zita the Space Girl
- Mighty Jack and Zita the Space Girl
Mighty Jack series:
Picture Books:
Lightship