This book is about robotics, and explains how different types of robots are used to do everyday jobs that people cannot or do not need to do. It also shows the reader (through cartoon images) that robots seen on TV are usually fake and operated by people, however ,robots like The Turtle and robotic arms attached to submarines, do actual jobs. The book states: “In a human being, the brain tells the body what to do. In a robot the computer tells the machine what to do.” Here, the comparison of a human to a robot helps children form connections on how robots operate or compare to the way humans operate. Familiarity is a main purpose of this book, displayed when the author writes: “Factory robots do jobs that are hard, boring, dirty, or dangerous for people.” They help make your family’s refrigerator, washing machine, or car.” These are good examples of things children, as readers, see in their daily lives, so they can start conceptualizing what it is that robots are responsible for making.
The pictures in the book are cartoons, one of an assembly line, to show how robots are used to make things that kids are used to seeing in their home or in their environment. This helps the child make a connection between “how was that made” or “who was that made by.” The book also explains how robots help keep people safe like smoke detectors and burglary alarms are considered robots. As well, it shows that some robots can collect information that humans can’t underwater, “they can collect minerals, sea creatures, and plants.” I liked this book, but I would have rather seen real pictures of robots in factories, that way children can see what they really look like rather than a cartoon drawing of one.
Another main idea that this book centers in on is the future, and a robots place in it. It talks about how someday more jobs will be done by robots to ensure human safety (like firemen being replaced or skyscraper window cleaners.) The book serves to show how robots have helped change the world for the better and inform about them. Also, the last page says “Robots can only do what people teach them to do. But you can dream big dreams, set goals, and reach them if you really try.” This quote leaves the reader with a sense of confidence that they can be or do anything that they put their mind to. ( )