When a ship sinks at sea, hundreds of pre-programmed robots go down with it. Only five crates bob their way to an isolated shore and of these, just one survives.
Curious otters accidentally slap an important button on Rozzum unit 7134 and Roz is born, so to speak.
Roz, true to robot form, has knowledge and a logical way of solving problems but the challenges she faces are not in her programme. The unexpected requires out-of-the-ordinary strategies and Roz is definitely up for the challenge.
She studies animal languages, works hard to protect her charge and, above all, she is inventive. She tries hard to fit in, but in the end, being herself is her greatest asset.
Roz doesn't seem to notice the cost to herself when she tries to help others and her unexpected wisdom melted my heart. As the pages progressed, I realised I was barracking for Roz. I wanted her to overcome prejudices and find happiness, if that was possible for a robot.
I know it sounds weird, but it's true.
The fact that Peter Brown could take me, a technophobe, from anti-robot feelings to absolute open hearted acceptance, makes him a classic storyteller to me. The Wild Robot now sits between Because of Winn Dixie and The Bridge to Terabithia, two of my all-time favourite classics.
Title: The Wild Robot.
Author/Illustrator: Peter Brown
Publisher: Little Brown and Co (USA), Piccadilly Press (UK), $14.99
Publication Date: 24 January 2018 (UK)
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781848127272
For ages: 6 years +
Type: Middle Grade Fiction