Photo credit: bookriot.com
I first discovered my passion for robots while watching The Iron Giant during my childhood. This film remains one of my all-time favorites, telling a heartfelt story of friendship between a robot and a lonely boy. The message of choosing one’s identity resonated with me so much that I even quoted it in my high school yearbook, stating, “You are who you choose to be.” Both the film and the book adaptation of The Wild Robot evoke similar themes of humor and emotional depth.
The anticipation for the movie adaptation of The Wild Robot reached new heights when I learned that Chris Sanders, co-director of the beloved How to Train Your Dragon, would be directing. I looked forward to sharing the experience with my son, reading aloud from Peter Brown’s The Wild Robot book during our bedtime routine. The story of Roz, a robot who washes ashore after a storm and becomes a guardian to an orphaned gosling named Brightbill, captivated us both. Roz’s transformation into Brightbill’s mother became a beautiful narrative of acceptance and belonging on the island where she settles.
We finally watched The Wild Robot during its opening weekend and found it to be a delightful experience. Lupita Nyong’o’s portrayal of Roz brought warmth to the character, and her journey into motherhood struck a chord with me. The film’s depiction of Roz’s challenges and triumphs in parenting was relatable and filled with emotion. Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Fink the Fox added a humorous dimension, complementing Roz, Brightbill, and their diverse array of animal friends.
My enthusiasm for The Wild Robot extends beyond the book and film. For those who enjoy both narratives, there is a world of literature that explores similar themes. Here are some noteworthy titles that might resonate with you as The Iron Giant and The Wild Robot have for me.
4 Books Like The Wild Robot
The Search for WondLa by Tony DiTerlizzi
An appealing aspect of The Wild Robot is Roz stepping into a nurturing role for Brightbill. Similarly, Tony DiTerlizzi’s enchanting tale features a young girl named Eva Nine who resides underground with a robot called Muthr. Eva longs to explore the surface world, and eventually, she embarks on a quest to find other humans, marking her journey into discovery and adventure.
The Girl and the Robot by Oz Rodriguez, Illustrated by Claribel A. Ortega
In a parallel to Roz’s tale, this engaging middle-grade novel follows Mimi Perez, who discovers a downed robot while grappling with her father’s deportation. This story beautifully portrays their unexpected friendship as Mimi seeks to protect the robot from danger while also navigating her own challenges.
Silverwing by Kenneth Oppel
The dynamic interactions among the animal characters in The Wild Robot parallel the camaraderie found in Oppel’s Silverwing. This tale centers on Shade, a young bat with aspirations of reuniting with his pack while forging friendships in the wild. The narrative delves into themes of perseverance and community in the face of challenges.
Music for Tigers by Michelle Kadarusman
In both narratives, the connection to nature and a commitment to conservation are prevalent. Music for Tigers follows Louisa as she learns about the endangered Tasmanian tiger while visiting relatives in a remote rainforest. Her journey not only fosters friendship but emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship.
Before You Go…
Books that depict robots and the natural world inspire us to envision a future where technology serves humanity while reminding us of our responsibility towards the environment. The Wild Robot encourages exploration of innovation alongside the nurturing of our world. Roz’s journey into embracing her unique family will remain close to my heart, and I hope it will resonate with you as well.
For more delightful reads about robots, consider exploring these Inventive Robot Books for Kids, or if you’re interested in adult literature, check out these Best Science Fiction Books About Robots.
The following comes to you from the Editorial Desk.
This week, we’re revisiting a post that left our Managing Editor, Vanessa Diaz, quite affected. Five years after its publication, her feelings about American Dirt are still strong. Read on for an excerpt to get a glimpse into her thoughts.
Picture it: The United States, January 2020. A blue and white cover is making waves across the literary community. The cover’s hummingbird design, associated with the sun god Huitzilopochtli in Aztec lore, is intricate yet striking, intertwined with ominous barbed wire that evokes a sense of tension—much like the immigrant experience.
The narrative follows a bookstore owner in Acapulco, Mexico, forced to flee her home after a drug cartel devastates her family. This story garners immense accolades, deemed not only an essential read for its captivating storyline but also as a crucial immigration narrative, praised by notable figures such as Salma Hayek and Sandra Cisneros, who heralded it as “the great novel of Las Américas.”
Even after five years, Vanessa still finds herself grappling with mixed feelings about American Dirt.
Become an All Access member for just $6/month and click here for the full unlocked article. Enjoy a wealth of exclusive content, including must-reads, deep analysis, and reading challenges.
Source
bookriot.com