BOOKS

The Bot That Scott Built

by Kim NORMAN
illus. by Agnese Baruzzi. 32p. Sterling. Aug. 2016. Tr $14.95. ISBN 9781454910640.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2—Mayhem ensues when a young student brings his homemade robot to Science Day. In a slapstick, chain-reaction style, Scott's robot causes such a classroom stir that the ant farm accidentally topples over, a boa constrictor escapes from its cage, and a vinegar lava volcano spectacularly erupts. This cumulative tale unfolds to the tune of "This Is the House That Jack Built," and the witty, tongue-twisting rhymes scan well: "These are the plants,/carnivorous plants,/that feasted on flies/and fiery ants,/that tread on the teacher/in polka-dot pants,/who calmed the class/that gawked at the bot/that Scott built." Order is cleverly restored, courtesy of Scott's talented robot. Baruzzi's action-filled, digitally created cartoon illustrations are packed with inventions, tools, and even a Tesla coil.
VERDICT A rollicking good read-aloud choice for a STEM-themed storytime.
Reviewed by Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ont.
When Scott's science-project robot causes mounting havoc among his classmates' projects, Scott activates its handy order-restoring features to set things right. Baruzzi's comical digital illustrations complement the action in this creative cumulative rhyme (inspired by "The House That Jack Built"); they move from tidy to chaotic and back to tidy again, with a nice visual joke at the end.
 , Feb 01, 2017

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