Doug Unplugs on the Farm

PreS-Gr 1—Doug returns, adding a new adventure to his list of exploits. In Doug Unplugged (Random, 2013), the small yellow robot with the wine-cork nose learned about urban living. Now, he is on his way to visit his grandbots, who live in farm country. While plugging into the car's computer system teaches him facts about the animals, it is only when an accident causes him to become unplugged that he takes part in hands-on experiences. Herding sheep, milking cows, gathering eggs, and picking apples are some of the new skills he attains. Appealing illustrations, created with brush and ink on vellum and Adobe Photoshop, show bright, bold, solid-colored objects on white space to create eye-catching scenes. Doug's childlike enthusiasm for helping while attempting and accomplishing new tasks is delightful. Yaccarino makes an excellent point: learning by doing as well as by studying makes for a well-rounded robot.—Maryann H. Owen, Children's Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WI