Summary
The Wild Robot Protects is the highly anticipated third installment in Peter Brown's bestselling Wild Robot series. Released in September 2023, this middle-grade novel continues the adventures of Roz, a robot learning to survive and thrive in the natural world. As with its predecessors, the book explores themes of environmental stewardship, adaptation, and the bonds between different species.
In this latest entry, Brown tackles pressing real-world issues like pollution and climate change, weaving them seamlessly into Roz's story without becoming heavy-handed. The novel received starred reviews from publications like Booklist and Kirkus Reviews, with critics praising its blend of entertainment and timely messaging. Like the previous books in the series, The Wild Robot Protects is beautifully illustrated by Brown himself.
Plot
In The Wild Robot Protects, Roz and the animals on her island face a new threat: a mysterious “poison tide” that endangers their aquatic ecosystem. As the toxic waters approach, Roz organizes the animals to move inland, but resources quickly become scarce, leading to conflicts among the island's inhabitants.
Roz discovers her new body is waterproof, prompting her to venture into the ocean to investigate the source of the poison tide. During her undersea journey, she encounters various marine creatures and witnesses the devastating effects of the toxic waters firsthand. Her quest leads her to seek out the legendary Ancient Shark, who reveals the cause of the pollution: a floating station operated by humans and robots.
The Ancient Shark proposes a violent solution, planning to attack the station with an army of sea creatures. However, Roz, true to her nature, hopes to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis. She must use her problem-solving skills and diplomacy to address the root cause of the pollution without resorting to violence.
As Roz navigates the challenges of her underwater mission, she grapples with the potential consequences of her actions on both the ocean and her beloved island. The story culminates in Roz's efforts to save the marine environment and protect everything she holds dear, possibly at great personal cost.
Themes
Environmental protection and conservation
Adaptation and survival in challenging circumstances
Harmony between nature and technology
Leadership and community organization
Sacrifice for the greater good
Peaceful problem-solving versus aggressive action
Impact of human activities on ecosystems
Setting
The Wild Robot Protects takes place in a near-future setting where advanced robotics coexist with the natural world. While an exact year is not specified, the technology depicted suggests a time not too far removed from our own. The story unfolds primarily on an unnamed island that Roz, the protagonist robot, calls home.
This island serves as a microcosm of Earth's ecosystems, featuring diverse wildlife and plant life. As the narrative progresses, the focus expands to include the surrounding ocean, where Roz encounters various marine environments. The book explores underwater geological formations and sea creatures, painting a vivid picture of life beneath the waves.
Characters
Roz: The protagonist, a robot who has adapted to life in the wild. Roz is intelligent, compassionate, and determined to protect her island home and animal friends. She discovers she is waterproof and sets out on an ocean journey to stop the poison tide threatening the island. Roz's problem-solving skills and desire for peaceful solutions drive much of the story's conflict and resolution.
Brightbill: Roz's adopted goose son. Brightbill has found a mate and settled on the island. He plays a supporting role in helping Roz organize the animals and deal with the crisis caused by the poison tide.
The Ancient Shark: A mysterious character Roz encounters on her ocean journey. The Ancient Shark explains the source of the poison tide and proposes a violent solution involving an army of sea creatures. This character serves as a contrast to Roz's peaceful approach.
Island Animals: The various creatures inhabiting Roz's island. They are forced to adapt to changing conditions as the poison tide affects their habitat. Their struggles and interactions highlight the ecological themes of the story.
Sea Creatures: The various animals Roz encounters during her underwater journey. They provide information and guidance to Roz, helping her navigate the ocean and understand the extent of the pollution problem.
Humans and Robots: The unseen operators of the floating station causing the poison tide. They represent the human-caused pollution threatening the natural world, serving as the primary antagonists of the story.
Quick facts
It is the third book in The Wild Robot series, following The Wild Robot (2016) and The Wild Robot Escapes (2018).
The book was published on September 26, 2023 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
It introduces a new environmental threat called the “Poison Tide” that endangers Roz's island home.
Roz discovers she is waterproof in this installment, allowing her to venture into the ocean.
The story takes Roz on an underwater journey to save her island and the ocean.
It explores themes of environmental protection and peaceful problem-solving.
The book received starred reviews from both Booklist and Kirkus Reviews.
It was selected as a Junior Library Guild book.
Booklist included it on their “Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth” list for 2023.
The audiobook version comes with a PDF of illustrations accessible in the Audible Library.
About the Author
Peter Brown is an acclaimed American author and illustrator renowned for his children's picture books. Growing up in New Jersey, Brown discovered his passion for storytelling through drawing and writing. He honed his skills at Art Center College of Design, where he realized his calling to create children's books.
After graduating, Brown moved to New York City to pursue his career in publishing. His debut picture book, Flight of the Dodo, launched a successful career that has earned him numerous accolades. Brown's works have received prestigious honors, including a Caldecott Honor for Creepy Carrots!, multiple E.B. White Awards, and several New York Times bestsellers.
Brown's bibliography includes beloved titles such as The Curious Garden, Children Make Terrible Pets, and The Wild Robot series. His books often feature whimsical characters and imaginative scenarios that captivate young readers. In addition to writing and illustrating his own stories, Brown has also provided illustrations for other authors' works, further showcasing his versatile artistic talents.
Currently residing in Maine with his wife and dog, Peter Brown continues to create enchanting stories for children. His unique blend of visual artistry and storytelling prowess has established him as a prominent figure in contemporary children's literature. Fans can learn more about Brown and his work through his official website, peterbrownstudio.com.
