Robot Dreams

Varon, Sara. (2007) New York: First Second. 978-1-59643-108-9

PLOT SUMMARY

A dog wants a friend and sends away for a robot. They are good friends, but when the robot becomes rusty and can not leave the beach where they spent the day, the dog abandons him. Each one dreams of having a friend again, but are disappointed when things do not happen as they want them to.

CRITICAL EVALUATION

This is a pure comic with no dialog and with only incidental words. The story flows in pictures. Still, the tale of friendship, loyalty, and loss are universal themes that many can understand which makes this comic, despite the fun way it is presented, still somewhat tragic. A book without words might not be considered reading, but there is so much that the picures say that it still has value to the "reader." Besides that, as long as a tween (or anyone for that matter) is willing to pick it up, it might inspire them to pick up another book, and another, and another...

READER'S ANNOTATION

A picture is worth a thousand words, and in this book, pictures are all you will find. Follow along as a dog and his robot friend share their time together, only to become separated and eventually part of new friends' lives.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sara Varon was inspired to turn a splotch on the wall of her apartment in to a chicken character to which she paired a cool cat as a friend. She is a Chicago native but currently lives in New York and is a comic artist, printmaker, and illustrator.

GENRE

Fiction-Graphic novel

CURRICULUM TIES

Students can explore the themes of friendship and loyalty. They can also take a few pages from the novel and add dialog as part of a creative writing project.

BOOKTALKING IDEAS

Since this is a book without words, mime out the plot of the story-props would be helpful to define the characters.

READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE

8-14

CHALLENGE ISSUES

There are no words, so it's not really "reading"

CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS

Children are attracted by images as well as stories. This type of book invites a child's imagination to run wild with potential for dialog. It also invites them to pick up a book, which can lead to more if their interest in piqued.

WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?

I like the issues of friendship that are presented, and I also like the format of the book. Even without words, I think it has a valuable message that the audience can appreciate.