Friendbots

May 1, 2021

PreS-Gr 2-When Block, an earnest, purple, cube-shaped robot, observes Blink, an enthusiastic, blue, sphere-shaped bot, staring at the ground during recess, Block's curiosity is piqued. Turns out Blink is using their antenna to scan for gold (and silver and gems). A skeptical Block follows along, setting the record straight each time Blink thinks they've found treasure (no, a bottle cap and a gum wrapper aren't quite what they're looking for) and suggesting tools, such as a shovel or gold pan, that might help. Blink admires Block's knowledge, and when a penny is found, Blink suggests making a wish. Success! Blink does a happy dance, announcing that the wish came true. Seeing no gems or gold, Block disagrees, and now it's Blink's turn to set the record straight-Blink wished for a new friend. After quick introductions, the pals head out to look for treasure together. Themes of friendship, acceptance, and shared adventures combine for a relatable tale. The colorful but uncluttered panels pull readers along with each new discovery. The dialogue is a well-crafted mix of conflict and humor. A small butterfly surreptitiously accompanies the two robots throughout, starting on the cover, and observant readers will have fun locating this quiet third friend. VERDICT This new robot team will garner fans among beginning readers seeking comics. Look out for a second installment, Blink and Block Bug Each Other, slated for this fall.-Elisabeth LeBris, Kenilworth SD 38, Winnetka, IL

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2021
One treasure of a penny + one wish = two new friends. Robots are childhood favorites, and Blink (round and blue) and Block (square and purple), each equipped with pipestem limbs and a sensor, are remarkably expressive. In the beginning, a frowning Block sits alone on a bench along the path to school when an optimistic Blink wanders by scanning for gold, silver, and gems. The more-knowledgeable Block doubts Blink will be successful, especially when Blink finds only a bottle cap and a chewing-gum wrapper--with gum in it. "Ewww." Still, Blink perseveres and finds a penny, crowing that a penny "can turn into a wish!" There is no wishing well or fountain nearby, so a resourceful Blink throws the penny in a (wishing?) puddle. Block can't understand Blink's joyful dance that follows. Blink's wish couldn't have come true; after all, Block doesn't see any gold, silver, or gems. "That's because I didn't wish for those things," explains Blink. Instead, Blink wished for a new friend. With a handshake, the new friendship is sealed, and the two smiling friends set off to find more wishes. Two to four uncluttered but colorful panels per spread create a clear and easy-to-read format, and graceful, unobtrusively repetitious text supports new readers. An info page on sensors concludes the book. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Amply demonstrates the values of a positive attitude and a little creative thinking. (Graphic early reader. 5-7)

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