Robot Zot is eager to conquer new worlds, but unfortunately, this pint-sized Napoleon is only about three inches tall. In this mission, Zot risks a dangerous foray into deep enemy territory; namely, a nicely equipped suburban kitchen. In the midst of vigorous battle with toasters and television, our robot hero falls head-over-tiny-heels in love with an astonishingly beautiful "Queen of all Earth," more recognizable to us as a toy cellphone. With renewed purpose, he vanquishes all the common household monsters, saves the day (and, of course, his queen), and departs for his next intergalactic adventure. A thoroughly enjoyable picture book sci-fi fantasy.
Publishers Weekly
Scieszka and Shannon take a detour from their Trucktown series to pay homage to another object of childhood fascination. Robot Zot, a malevolent red contraption, crash lands “into the heart of the dangerous Earth Army” (a backyard) and makes his way into a fully equipped kitchen. There, it’s revealed that Zot is about the size of an iPod. After fending off “attacks” from a toaster and a television, Zot faces his toughest challenge yet: rescuing the amazing “Queen of all Earth” (an attractive toy cellphone). He and his sidekick (a cross between a snail and a conquistador’s helmet—one of a few references to the Quixotic nature of Zot’s mission) save the queen and escape while a bewildered homeowner surveys the aftermath and blames his dog. Scieszka laces his action-filled narrative with rhymes and repetitive robot phrases (“Robot Zot—never fall./ Robot Zot—conquers all!”). Shannon’s acrylic artwork offers bright colors and plenty of humor (a slightly anthropomorphized blender’s white buttons fall out like teeth under Zot’s attack). This comically self-deluded protagonist proves that fierce warriors of any size can still be brought to their knees by love. Ages 3–7. (Sept.)
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2—"Robot Zot never fall/Robot Zot conquer all." Opening with an action soundtrack reminiscent of Star Wars, this animated version of the book (S & S, 2009) written by Jon Scieszka and illustrated David Shannon is a riotous rhyming adventure. When the brave and bold conqueror's spaceship lands on Earth, he unwittingly enters a suburban kitchen—through the pet door—ready for battle. Confronted with a menacing array of appliances—coffeemaker, blender, and eggbeater—he fearlessly zaps his foes, even the "shiny captain," a toaster. Entering the living room, a TV announcer accuses the six-inch wonder of having less than fresh breath with explosive results. The goofy red-and-yellow bot is modeled after a portable phone with a row of four white button-teeth and a slight overbite. When he happens upon the "Queen of all Earth"—a toy cell phone held prisoner by two large dolls—"For the first time ever, Zot feels something more than war in his machinery." After rescuing his princess, he must battle the family's slobbering large black dog, which, of course, gets blamed for the mess. Optional subtitles allow viewers to read along with the campy narration. The zany illustrations were meant for the big screen and offer an interesting lesson on perspective as viewers realize that the robot is several inches tall. An interview with Shannon traces the evolution of his career, his collaboration with Scieszka, and how he draws his characters. Simply out of this world!—Barbara Auerbach, P.S. 217, Brooklyn, NY
Kirkus Reviews
Robot Zot invades Earth, vowing to destroy all earthly enemies-mostly kitchen appliances, as Zot measures a whopping four inches high. Scieszka and Shannon combine forces to deliver an hilarious, action-packed picture book characterized by grandiose face-offs, monosyllabic robot rants and wham-bam-boom pacing. Boys finally get the unadulterated action, hyperbolic humor and punchy language (Zot challenges, Zot blasts, Zot scans!) they love. Boys and girls will giggle as the little robot misinterprets a familiar world, the suburban home, calling the toaster the "Earth's shiny Captain" and a baby's toy phone "the Queen of all Earth." They will identify with the diminutive droid as he alters the scope of everyday surroundings. The kitchen morphs into a vast battlefield, the backyard into a beast-infested wilderness. The vibrant illustrations capture Zot's skewed perspective and misguided heroics in freeze-frame shots. Bright oranges, reds and yellows dominate the otherwise metallic palette and provide tough colors for tough kids. Sophisticated comedy, challenging vocabulary and pithy writing offer undetectable, beneficial learning opportunities, like zucchini hidden in a yummy cupcake. Must...Have...Robot...Zot! (Picture book. 3-8)
NOVEMBER 2011 - AudioFile
With fanfare, high melodrama, and enthusiasm, narrator James Naughton brings Scieszka’s zany robot, Zot, to Earth and to an exuberant exploration of this planet. Zot lands in a kitchen, where he explores cabinets, countertops, and appliances; falls in love; and faces an enormous challenge. As Zot, Naughton overflows with bold and boisterous confidence As narrator, Naughton is theatrical, and his zest for repetitive refrains such as “Robot Zot never falls, Robot Zot conquers all!” is loud and begs for listener participation. An interview with illustrator David Shannon, which highlights the origins of the book and his dynamic working relationship with Scieszka, concludes the production. A.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine
