The Robot and the Bluebird

From the Publisher

“Lucas uses color effectively to reflect the protagonist’s emotions, with black and whites giving way to color washes.”—School Library Journal

“Lucas, a master at quirky and imaginative premises, gives us one of his finest books in this touching, perfectly simple tale about true devotion.” —Rocky Mountain News

“This is an adorable book!” —Sacramento Book Review

“Readers own hearts will soar after reading this story of true devotion.” —Rocky Mountain News

“Lucas produces his most meditative work to date . . . A quiet beauty permeates this old-fashioned story.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Colorful, folk-art birds on the endpapers draw readers into this fairy-tale-like story.” —Booklist

Publishers Weekly

A Tin Man-like robot with a broken heart finds purpose in one of two books this fall by Lucas (Halibut Jackson) to feature an ingenuous creature navigating an uncertain world (the other is Candlewick's Peanut, about a confused monkey). In a depersonalized factory, working robots attempt to fix what remains of the central character's heart-two springs and an open door-before sending him to the scrap heap with "all the other old machines." When snow falls, a bluebird lands on his shoulder, and the robot builds her a nest in the space where his heart used to be. Rejuvenated, the robot carries the bluebird south across industrial wastelands to rejoin her multicolored flock. In characteristically elaborate, warmly lit illustrations, Lucas uses sharp geometrical forms as the basis for his urban scenes; against this backdrop, the bird's more organic form is a welcome contrast. Even with a corny line or two, this book's genuine sweetness will easily win over readers.Ages 4-up. (Nov.)

Children's Literature - Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 3

"There once was a Robot with a broken heart," begins this metaphorical story that's likely to appeal more to adults than to children. The other robots cannot fix him, so he ends up on the junk heap. A tired, shivering Bluebird (of happiness, perhaps?) comes along, prompting the Robot to shelter her and carry her South, until he breaks down. Respecting the Robot's dying request, the Bluebird makes a nest in his heart, "And the Robot stands there still...home every year to singing birds." Lucas's complex, fantastical illustrations are full of little details that will attract readers' attention. The Robot's home and junk heap are satisfyingly mechanical and futuristic-looking, and the passage of time is effectively portrayed through a series of four panels of the Robot in day, night, rain, and snow. The layout sustains interest through variety, including insets, full-bleed spreads, and the varying use of panels. Lucas uses color effectively to reflect the protagonist's emotions, with black and whites giving way to color washes after the bird's arrival. The economical text reads smoothly. Unfortunately, the message is heavy-handed and unlikely to speak to children. The lovely illustrations notwithstanding, most libraries can pass.-Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT