Robot Zot!

PreS-Gr 2—"Robot Zot never fall/Robot Zot conquer all." Opening with an action soundtrack reminiscent of Star Wars, this animated version of the book (S & S, 2009) written by Jon Scieszka and illustrated David Shannon is a riotous rhyming adventure. When the brave and bold conqueror's spaceship lands on Earth, he unwittingly enters a suburban kitchen—through the pet door—ready for battle. Confronted with a menacing array of appliances—coffeemaker, blender, and eggbeater—he fearlessly zaps his foes, even the "shiny captain," a toaster. Entering the living room, a TV announcer accuses the six-inch wonder of having less than fresh breath with explosive results. The goofy red-and-yellow bot is modeled after a portable phone with a row of four white button-teeth and a slight overbite. When he happens upon the "Queen of all Earth"—a toy cell phone held prisoner by two large dolls—"For the first time ever, Zot feels something more than war in his machinery." After rescuing his princess, he must battle the family's slobbering large black dog, which, of course, gets blamed for the mess. Optional subtitles allow viewers to read along with the campy narration. The zany illustrations were meant for the big screen and offer an interesting lesson on perspective as viewers realize that the robot is several inches tall. An interview with Shannon traces the evolution of his career, his collaboration with Scieszka, and how he draws his characters. Simply out of this world!—Barbara Auerbach, P.S. 217, Brooklyn, NY