05/31/2021
In this imaginative, middle-grade novel, Bernard (Bernard Jones is Going Places) introduces Bronson Beaver, a 13-year-old aspiring inventor who finds himself caught between friends and family responsibilities. When he learns that his family’s annual Pancake Festival overlaps with a high-paying video game tournament, Bronson must decide whether to help his mother and father or play for the prize money. Not wanting to let down his friends, who need the money to build a new workshop, Bronson invents a robot to work through his parent’s list of chores, allowing the young inventor to compete in the tournament. But when the robot malfunctions, Bronson must own up to his mistakes and rectify the situation before his family faces an important evaluation by a famed food critic.
This fast-paced young reader novel boasts a simple, engaging, well-written plot. Children with an interest in science and technology will gravitate toward Bronson, who, despite being a gifted inventor beaver, still proves relatable. Bronson’s friends, Franny Fox and Myron Mink, read like real teenagers: stubborn, frequently wrong, but always caring. The adults in the story, though, come across as uncommunicative and strict, personality traits that undercut the moral that hard work and relaxation must be balanced even as we all must take responsibility with what Bronson’s father calls “your own two paws.” Much of the book’s conflict could have been avoided if the adults talked to their son about how he was feeling.
Torn between hanging out with his friends and helping his parents with important chores, Bronson navigates the often-difficult world of growing up. The story’s lessons are welcome, especially for children facing increasing responsibilities as they age, and an emphasis on teamwork and diligence shines through. This novel moves fast enough to keep young readers entertained and may impart some wisdom along the way.
Takeaway: This fast-paced novel, focusing on a young inventor and his dueling responsibilities, is perfect for middle-grade readers interested in robot fun.
Great for fans of: Jackson Pearce’s Ellie, Engineer, Peter Brown’s The Wild Robot.
Production grades Cover: A Design and typography: A Illustrations: B+ Editing: A- Marketing copy: A-
"This furry family tale will likely become a favorite of young readers, while the positive message should have parents cheering for more."
- US Review of Books
"This fast-paced novel, focusing on a young inventor and his dueling responsibilities, is perfect for middle-grade readers interested in robot fun." - BookLife Reviews by Publishers Weekly
"The conflict between pursuing a passion and doing one's duty is handled in a unique way, and the story as a whole works, with a coherent plot and a satisfying outcome."
- Kirkus Reviews
"This book is advertised for kids 7-12, and I think it fits just that. With themes of STEM, friendship, responsibility, perseverance, family, and teamwork, it's one worth checking out."
- Stephen Wolfe, 5th Grade Teacher
"A cute story for STEM lovers. It's a great chapter book that teaches kids about friendship, integrity, honesty and responsibility."
- Ashley Martin, 4th Grade Teacher
"BOOK REC! This week we did a book raffle and introduced this fun book by Tabron Publishing to our library! The kiddo who won the raffle finished it in two days and now my whole class is dying to take a turn to read it!"
- Alyssa McElroy, 3rd Grade Teacher
