Robot family moves to a human town – this picture book may be a metaphor for racism. The book is about a family of make-shift robots (I’m not sure if they were actually robots, but they were made out of metal parts and somebody’s arm may have been a broom). The family has a mom, dad, children, and maybe a pet. They move to a new town and are very excited at first, but then their human neighbors and classmates are hesitant to befriend them because they are different. Eventually, people begin to appreciate their unique qualities, and they make friends and settle in. I think this picture book is relatively new – it was the favorite book of a girl that I babysat around 2005. I think it’s appropriate for kids age 6-10, but I also loved it. It was somewhat large and may have had a pale yellow cover, but I forget. I’d really appreciate any help in finding it!
Stump the Bookseller
New format, same book stumper solving.
This is probably Robobots by Matt Novak. “When the Robobots move onto Littlewood Lane, they create controversy with their strange ways. Eventually they convince the neighbors that they’re a family worth knowing. From beginning to “absolutely happy” end, the Robobots remain their comical and clanking selves.” Published in 1999.
Could you be looking for Robobots by Matt Novak?
“The lighthearted pictures mask a meaningful theme in this story of a family of robots who move into an ordinary suburban neighborhood. Their new neighbors eye them suspiciously as the blue-colored robots sculpt their bushes into squares, plant a variety of cleaning tools in the flower beds, and greet the fire hydrant and mailbox politely.”