Zoobots: Wild Robots Inspired by Real Animals

Gr 3–6—Twelve futuristic robots are introduced on spreads. Each one is given a name, team, realm, super skill, specifications, and applications. Also included are the animal that inspired the bot and its special ops. The status for all is either working prototype or prototype in development, making this a soon-to-be dated title. But the idea behind the book is a fascinating one. For example, the Ghostbot evolved from observations of the black ghost knifefish. The bot mimics the real fish's fluttering fin to achieve incredible flexibility. Its planned purpose is to be an all-powerful surveillance tool that can hover over rough terrain underwater. On each spread, white text is set on a black background. Illustrations are large, colorful, and appealing, and the glossary and index are extensive. While brevity rules here, the cover and content will find an audience among young robotics enthusiasts. For interested browsers.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI