The Wild Robot
Written and Illustrated by Peter Brown

Publisher’s Summary:
Can a robot survive in the wilderness?

When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is–but she knows she needs to survive. After battling a fierce storm and escaping a vicious bear attack, she realizes that her only hope for survival is to adapt to her surroundings and learn from the island’s unwelcoming animal inhabitants.

As Roz slowly befriends the animals, the island starts to feel like home–until, one day, the robot’s mysterious past comes back to haunt her.

Primary Source Pairing:
As an author and an illustrator, Peter Brown has the opportunity to tell his story and show us his story through his artwork. In The Wild Robot, Roz is more than metal and a motherboard, she embodies a heart, too. For this primary source pairing, invite students to compare the artwork Peter Brown shares on his website of his early sketches of Roz for the illustrations in the book.

For additional information on Peter Brown’s inspiration and writing process for The Wild Robot, visit his website peterbrownstudio.com.

Questions for Discussion:

• How do the original sketches of Roz look different to the illustrations in the book? How do they look similar?
• How does the artwork influence your thoughts about Roz as a character?
• How do the illustrations throughout the book help you visualize the plot of the story?
• Do you have a favorite illustration in the book? Why is it your favorite?
• Does sketching your thoughts or ideas enhance your understanding? How? Why?

Credits:
Book Cover and Summary: Follett
Orignal artwork: Peter Brown