The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown

Rating: Needs Parent Supervision 

Two thumbs up on this lovely sequel that while incredibly entertaining also captures the reader lightly in questions of purpose, of family, what it means to feel, and what it means to be a mother. Set in a futuristic society where automated machines nearly do all manual labor, Roz the robot strategizes about how she could outsmart the system. To get the most out of this one, you definitely should start with The Wild Robot.

My only minor concern recommending The Wild Robot Escapes is near the end when (SPOILER ALERT!) the animals bow down to a human character.  I interpret it as giving honor where due, but not worship. Nevertheless might be worth a short conversation about who your family bows down to.

Parents may wish to know:

• A family suffers from loss of their young mother. She was killed by an automated machine.
• Wolves attack the milking cows and attack Roz.
• Some robots have rifles.

No hidden agendas are detectable except perhaps to inspire hope, thoughtfulness, and imagination.

You may wish also to see my review of Book 3 in the series, The Wild Robot Protects, which I rated as Needs Parent Supervision. I have no concerns about Book 1, The Wild Robot, which I rated as My Bookshelf.