The Adventures of Robo-Kid

A super blend of everyday courage, the inner lives of readers, and rising to the challenge of doing something difficult.

DeGroat gently subverts conventional storytelling and notions of heroism throughout this playful work of picture-book metafiction.

Copper-haired, pale-skinned Henry is enthralled by a comic book starring Robo-Kid--a superhero who saves the day when Earth is threatened by a wayward asteroid. Henry is also dreading the day's swim lesson, which will require him to tackle deep water. The moral support he craves comes from none other than Robo-Kid, who, bored by life inside a comic book ("I save the day every day.... Why can't I be a superhero in the real world?"), climbs out of the volume's frame and into Henry's life. But in real life, Robo-Kid is no bigger than an action figure and distinctly lacking in superpowers. When the superhero accidentally tumbles into the deep end, Henry jumps in to mount a rescue--and passes his swimming lesson with flying colors ("You were SUPER!" declares Robo-Kid). DeGroat's (the Gilbert and Friends series) low-key meta story sets up a visual contrast between the comic's flat, bright art and Henry's more realistically rendered world, ending on a sweet-natured note--with both kid and superhero knowing that, in their respective ways, they saved the day. Ages 4-8. Agent: Liz Nealon, Great Dog Literary. (June)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Fiction and reality blur when a robot superhero escapes his comic book and helps a faithful reader conquer his fears. Henry can hardly tear himself away from Robo-Kid's heroics, but it's time for swim lessons. When he closes the book, a parallel narrative inside the comic book reveals that Robo-Kid seeks more than cartoonish action. Opportunity arises when he sees that Henry is nervous about swimming, and so Robo-Kid leaps from the frames of his comic book to assist his biggest fan. When Robo-Kid takes an accidental dip in the pool, Henry finds the motivation to push past his fears and save the day. Rendered in two distinctively different styles, the illustrations are the standout here. The comic book world is bright and flat, with an emphasis on primary colors, while Henry's real-world illustrations are drawn in deGroat's signature style: softer and more three-dimensional, with gentle shading. Observant readers will enjoy catching clever details in the art. The book's straightforward plot is fairly light on substance but brimming with kid appeal. The concept of a favorite fictional character leaping into the real world is enticing, and positive themes of bravery, self-confidence, and helping others are welcome. Henry and his family are white, but the supporting cast includes people of color. VERDICT A good addition to any picture book collection, especially where superhero stories are in demand.—Allison Tran

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"A sparkling bit of humorous meta-fiction. . . . This deftly wrought picture book will leave children ages 4-8 with the tantalizing possibility of future exchanges between the Robo-world and our own."—The Wall Street Journal