Boy + Bot
By: Ame Dyckman
Illustrated By: Dan Yaccarino
Release Date: April 10, 2012
I received Boy + Bot by Ame Dyckman in the mail last Friday. I knew that Mr. Schu loved the book , so I was excited to give it a read. I waited until my son got home so that we could experience the book for the first time together. He walked in the door, grabbed the book off table, walked over to the couch, looked at me and said, “Dad, aren’t you going to come and read me this sweet robot book?”
Boy and Bot meet in the woods and they hit it off right away. They play in the woods having fun together, until the robot’s power switch turns off. The boy takes care of the robot like his sick mom would take care of him.
My son was very worried about the robot. “Dad, is Bot going to be okay?”
Later in the story the Robot has to take care of the boy. Bot takes care of the boy like someone would take care of a robot.
When the robot oils the boy to try and make him better, my son starting cracking up. He thought it was the funniest thing he had ever seen. “Dad, that is so silly. Boys don’t use oil.”
Towards the end of the book you will find a two-page spread that feels like a movie montage, filled with pictures of Boy and Bot playing. I know this montage works for the reader, because I have spent the last few days acting out this spread with my son. We take turns being the boy and the robot as we pretend to: splash in a pool, drink from our oil cans, pick apples, pose for pictures.
Don’t read or buy Boy + Bot because this 30 year old dude thinks it is a great book (I do), check out this book because young readers will fall in love with Ame’s book. When I asked my son if he love Boy + Bot, he stole his answer from Bot’s mouth, “Affirmative.”
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Colby Sharp
@colbysharp
Colby is a fourth grade teacher in Battle Creek, MI. He helps out with #titletalk and #nerdybookclub.
My son and I had the same reaction to this book! Can’t wait to share this review with him.
This looks like a book my son would enjoy! I can’t wait to check it out and share it with him.
I can’t wait to hear what he thinks!
You are so convincing with this book – as is your son. When I saw his picture on Twitter I went to buy the book, but realized it wasn’t out yet. I will be buying it as soon as it is released on the 10th. And wow, your son looks so much like you!
Wow! THANKS, Colby! THANKS, everybody! Dan and I are over-the-moon that you like our book! (And Colby, this is the cutest picture EVER!) Have a great day–you just made mine!
I love you book, but my son is obsessed.
Awww! BOY + BOT bookmarks and stickers are on the way!
Kid approved is huge motivation to get this book! Looks like a book I need for my classroom and that it will be one of those books that never remains on the popular fiction shelf as it travels from child to child! Thanks for sharing!
I just want to read it ..sounds fun to read. The pictures absolutely adorable …
AFFIRMATIVE! It’s a GREAT BOOK!
Great review! I can’t wait to read Ame’s new picture book, too.
Photo of your son + book = Smiles!
I love robot books! It’s my excuse for talking like a robot, which is so much fun. We love Robot Zot in our house. Can’t wait to share this withy my kiddos!
Can’t wait to get this one for my kindergarten teachers … Looks like it will be a fast favorite much like the Mo Willem books. Looking forward to it!
Fun, fun, fun review! I laughed out loud at the thought of you two acting out the montage. Can’t wait to read it!
Congratulations, Colby, on your “first” Nerdy Book Club post. I am excited about reading this book and sharing it with kids. Your son’s recommendation is all I need!
Awesome Post Colby! I will have to check out this book. I’m sure my son Sam will love it too!
Boy & robot! Sounds like a perfect combination.