Have your students fallen in love with The Wild Robot? This awesome book by Peter Brown has become quite a sensation. It has captivated readers, young and old, and has recently reached a new audience through its movie. Many children and families are now reading this truly delightful novel because of its animated version. It has also inspired countless discussions around teaching compassion through children’s books as readers connect with its heartwarming themes. We love that the love for The Wild Robot is spreading!
Everyone who reads this book or sees the movie becomes enthralled with Roz, the robot, and her adopted gosling son, Brightbill. The juxtaposition of AI technology against the backdrop of nature is interesting. The plethora of animals, their unlikely friendships, and the traits and habits of these woodland creatures make for a book that crosses into the world of science. Readers love the themes of friendship and compassion explored in the book as well as the curious world of nature and animals along with adventure elements. No wonder it’s become a sensation! It’s no surprise that robot-themed books for elementary classrooms are now a favorite for teachers and parents.
If your students loved The Wild Robot and you want them to enjoy reading further by adding similar books (picture books and novels alike) to your library, then we’ve got you covered! Here are six books that share the same magic of The Wild Robot.
3 Picture Books That Echo the Magic of The Wild Robot
1. The Robot & The Bluebird by David Lucas
This picture book has beautiful illustrations, a sweet storyline, and a profound message. Its plot line is very similar to The Wild Robot as well. This heartwarming story follows a broken-down robot who forms a friendship with a bluebird. Together, they embark on a journey that touches on themes of compassion, sacrifice, and companionship in a mechanical and natural world. It’s a perfect pick for those seeking to teach compassion through children’s books.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
High atop a pile of rubbish sits a lonely Robot with a broken heart. Then one winter’s day, a Bluebird appears, fighting against the freezing wind. When the Robot offers her a home in the empty space where his heart used to be, neither of them can predict what astonishing things will happen. Together the newfound friends set off on a memorable journey that will change them both. This fable-like tale, bursting with bright, winsome illustrations, is a fresh take on the timeless themes of friendship and second chances.
Key Discussion Questions to Use With This Amazing Book
- “Why do you think the robot offered the bluebird a home in the space where his heart used to be? What does this tell us about the robot’s character?” This question helps students explore themes of kindness and selflessness, encouraging them to think about what it means to care for others.
- “The bluebird and the robot come from very different worlds. How do you think they help each other, even though they are so different?” Use this to spark a discussion about the value of diverse friendships and how helping one another can bring unexpected joy and growth.
- “If you were the robot or the bluebird, how would you feel during their journey? What would you do to show someone you care for them, even if they are different from you?” This question allows students to connect emotionally with the story while reflecting on their acts of compassion and empathy.
These questions are designed to draw students into the story’s emotional core while reinforcing lessons about kindness and friendship, making them a valuable addition to classroom discussions.
2. Boy & Bot by Ame Dyckma & Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino
This charming story is about the friendship between a boy and a robot who don’t always understand each other but learn to care for one another, just like Roz and Brightbill. It’s a sweet exploration of friendship, compassion, and how differences can bring people (or robots) together. It’s an excellent addition to a collection of robot-themed books for elementary classrooms.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
One day, a boy and a robot meet in the woods. They play. They have fun. But when Bot gets switched off, Boy thinks he’s sick. The usual remedies—applesauce, reading a story—don’t help, so Boy tucks the sick Bot in, then falls asleep. Bot is worried when he powers on and finds his friend powered off. He takes Boy home with him and tries all his remedies: oil, reading an instruction manual. Nothing revives the malfunctioning Boy! Can the Inventor help fix him? Using the perfect blend of sweetness and humor, this story of an adorable duo will win the hearts of the very youngest readers.
Key Discussion Questions to Use With This Amazing Book
- “What do you think makes the boy and the robot such good friends, even though they are very different?” Encourage students to think about the qualities of a strong friendship and how understanding and kindness can bridge differences. This can lead to a discussion about accepting others who may not be like us.
- “If you could design your own robot friend, what would it be like? How would it help you or make your life more fun?” This question sparks creativity and imagination, allowing students to explore the concept of companionship while linking it to the book’s theme of innovation and AI.
- “Why do you think it’s important to try to understand someone, or something, that you don’t at first? Can you think of a time when you learned something new about a friend or family member?” Use this to delve into themes of compassion and empathy, helping students reflect on their own experiences and connect them to the story.
These questions can also serve as writing prompts or discussion starters for small groups, encouraging thoughtful engagement and deeper comprehension of the story’s themes.
3. Robo-Sauce by Adam Rubin, Illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
If your students were captivated by The Wild Robot because of the magic of AI Technology and the cool factor of robots and how they impact society, then they will love this cool picture book! Reading this story is a full experience! Robo-Sauce has large pop-out pages, and the book even turns into a second robot book in which the main character is fully immersed in the robot world. It’s hard to describe in words!
Watch the video below to see!
Publisher’s Synopsis:
FACT: Robots are awesome. They have lasers for eyes, rockets for feet, and supercomputers for brains! Plus, robots never have to eat steamed beans or take baths, or go to bed. If only there were some sort of magical “Robo-Sauce” that turned squishy little humans into giant awesome robots… Well, now there is. Giggle at the irreverent humor, gasp at the ingenious fold-out surprise ending, and gather the whole family to enjoy a unique story about the power of imagination. It’s picture book technology the likes of which humanity has never seen!
Key Discussion Questions to Use With This Amazing Book
Teachers can also use this book for engaging classroom activities for The Wild Robot, sparking creativity and leading to discussions about the potential of robots. This book fits perfectly into a broader selection of robot-themed books for elementary classrooms, offering exciting and innovative learning opportunities.
- “If you had Robo-Sauce and could turn into a robot, what would you do first? How would being a robot make your life different?” This question sparks imagination and encourages students to think about the benefits and challenges of being a robot, connecting to the humor and creativity in the story.
- “The main character uses Robo-Sauce to enter a robot world. What do you think it would feel like to live in a world made entirely for robots? Would you enjoy it, or would you miss anything from the human world?” This question prompts critical thinking about the balance between technology and human experiences, tying into the book’s themes of imagination and robotics.
- “Do you think robots are as amazing as the book says? What are some things robots can do that humans can’t, and what are some things humans can do that robots might not understand?” This encourages students to compare and contrast robots and humans, fostering a deeper understanding of technology’s role in society and its limitations.
These questions aim to ignite students’ creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking while connecting to the book’s humor and imaginative themes. They’re also great for tying in STEM conversations about technology and innovation!
3 Illustrated / Graphic Novels That Capture the Magic of The Wild Robot
4. Little Robot by Ben Hatke
In this graphic novel for younger readers, a young girl discovers a lost robot and befriends it. Together, they face challenges and develop a strong bond. The story highlights resilience, friendship, and adventure in a natural setting, much like Roz’s experiences in The Wild Robot.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
When a little girl finds an adorable robot in the woods, she presses a button and accidentally activates him for the first time. Now, she finally has a friend. But the big, bad robots are coming to collect the little guy for nefarious purposes, and it’s all up to a five-year-old armed only with a wrench and a fierce loyalty to her mechanical friend to save the day! In the Eisner-winning graphic novel, Little Robot, New York Times Bestselling author Ben Hatke brings his signature sweetness to a simple, moving story about friendship and overcoming fears that will appeal to readers of all ages.
5. Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot by Dav Pilkey, Illustrated by Dan Santat
This illustrated novel explores the perils of robots and artificial intelligence, just as The Wild Robot delves into a world that relies on robots. Author of Dog Man and Captain Underpants, Dav Pilkey tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a robot and a mouse in an engaging and fun way. The best part? If you love this one, it’s a whole series!
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Meet Ricky Ricotta, a little mouse with a big problem! Ricky Ricotta lives in Squeakyville with his mom and dad. Ricky has a hard time making friends at school, and the neighborhood bullies are always picking on him. If only Ricky could find someone to be his best buddy and keep those creepy bullies away! Meanwhile, on the other side of town, a mad scientist named Dr. Stinky McNasty has created a Mighty Robot who is as gentle as he is powerful. Dr. Stinky plans to make the Robot destroy Squeakyville, but there’s one little thing in his way: Ricky Ricotta! When Ricky rescues the Robot, an unlikely friendship begins. And Ricky discovers that a little mouse can be a BIG hero — with some help from his new best friend!
Activity Alert!
If you want your students to explore the world of comics/graphic novels, and create their very own, grab our resource! Comic Strip and Graphic Novel Templates, a Creative Writing Unit is inspired by Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man series. (Although, students do not have to read Dog Man to complete this!) Students learn all the conventions of a comic strip/graphic novel and use graphic organizers to create their very own. Complete with a plethora of idea sheets, interactive guides, comic book templates, a Dav Pilkey biography, and more…students will fall in love with comic writing!
6. House of Robots by James Patterson & Christ Grabenstein, Illustrated by Juliana Neufeld
This illustrated novel is if The Wild Robot and Diary of a Wimpy Kid merged into one! This book is quirky, and inventive, and explores themes of friendship and compassion, much like The Wild Robot. This novel is also fast-paced and an easier read for elementary students with lots of humor and awesome illustrations.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Sammy Hayes-Rodriguez has never really fit in, with an inventor mother, a graphic novelist father, a lovable little sister with an autoimmune disorder…and house full of robots. So he’s dreading the day when his mom insists he bring her newest invention to school: a walking, talking robot he calls E, for “Error”. Sammy’s no stranger to robots—he lives with a colorful cast of them—but this one not only thinks it’s Sammy’s brother . . . it’s actually even nerdier than Sammy.
Will E be Sammy’s one-way ticket to Loserville? Or will he prove to the world that it’s cool to be smart? It’s a roller-coaster ride for Sammy as he discovers the amazing secret E holds that could change his family forever . . . if all goes well on the trial run!
Activity Alert!
Furthermore…if your students loved The Wild Robot, check out our full project-based learning unit here where they can explore the novel in a wide variety of fun ways!
Conclusion
These 6 books capture the essence of The Wild Robot in their own unique ways, combining touching friendships with themes of nature, kindness, compassion, and curiosity. Whether kids are drawn to robots, animal friends, or stories of exploration, these books are sure to delight and inspire.
