How to Train Your Evil Robot

by Joy McCullough, Eduardo Medeiros (Illustrator)

Overview

A hilarious and thought-provoking picture book that uses a tiny would-be villain to explore the promise and pitfalls of artificial intelligence, blending comic book-style fun with big questions about technology, empathy, and what it means to be human.

Part laugh-out-loud picture book, part AI primer, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR EVIL ROBOT introduces a palm-sized bot with very big plans. When a maker-minded kid and their dog Jellybean test his boasts, readers get a fast, funny tour of artificial intelligence in daily life—recommendation engines and smart maps, hospital diagnostics and traffic systems—alongside kid-friendly talk about limits: imagination, emotion, context, and (oops) fun. The story also invites critical thinking about real-world tradeoffs, from job changes to the electricity and water powering data centers. Dynamic, comics-style spreads, speech bubbles, and on-screen "protocols" make complex ideas approachable; back matter sparks discussion and responsible tech habits. This timely title helps families and educators guide kids toward using AI wisely—focusing people and machines on what each does best.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781464258411
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	09/01/2026
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	40
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Joy McCullough is an award-winning author (National Book Award longlist, ALA Morris Award finalist, PW Flying Start) of picture books, middle grade, and YA. Her books have been JLG Selections, Indie Next Selections, finalists for the Washington State Book Award, and a NYT bestseller. She writes books and plays from her home in the Seattle area, where she lives with her husband and two children. 

A Brazilian author and artist, Eduardo has been captivated by storytelling since childhood and has always dreamed of creating comics. His work explores the joys and complexities of life and friendships, brought to life through his distinct artistic voice. Over the years, Eduardo has worked with renowned publishers like Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Oni Press, Comixology Originals, and Panini, establishing himself as a celebrated creator in the comic book world. When he's not crafting his next story at the drawing table, Eduardo enjoys quality time with his 4-year-old son, Gabriel, or hitting the road in his beloved vintage car. Follow Eduardo on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hellatoons) and his personal website (https://www.stoutclub.com)