I am not completely familiar with the Robot Z, yet this book is familiar due to the theme. The simple question, “What is love?” is not as easy as Z would have hoped in Jessie Sima’s picture book Love, Z. But a wonderful journey later, Z finds that love might have been closer than they thought at first. A sweet, cozy story about family, friendship, and the real meaning of love.
While this would have been a great Valentine’s Day book, it is also a great anytime book. And just might become a favorite bedtime read. This idea of a robot (a child) learning about the world from other robots is fresh, as robots are “technical” and not “emotionally run.” Yet, we know the characters. They are not just older robots but the adult(s) in our lives who read to us, tuck us into bed and worry about us.
The illustrations are simple. The cover is the best example of that. The images are colorful, not overly so, however. With minimal details, things are not too busy but there is a much to see. You might be able to “read the illustrations” and get Love, Z but there is the potential of creating your own story as well. It is for younger listeners to about first grade and first to second grade readers.
This is a fun book, but not something I was OMG BEST BOOK EVER over. I will read other Z books (by the way Z is the name of the main robot) but not go out of my way for them. Yet, I know a lot of children who will want a friend like Z, can relate to him and will be lifelong friends with.