The Elf and the Robot

El pobre robot sólo sabía apreciar la superficie de las cosas. Su vida era monótona, dirigida y rutinaria. Aquel robot soñaba con ser libre como el viento. El robot se internó feliz en un bosque inventado. Allí el robot se encontró con un duende y, a partir de aquel momento, el duende enseño al robot a vivir más libre, más alegre y más feliz.

Gr 3-5-In this sci-fi/fantasy set in the year 3003, readers meet "Catorce" (14), a robot who is programmed to take inventory. His first job is to count the number of trees in the forests. When a branch accidentally pushes one of his buttons, he forgets his orders. He finds a book and begins to read "The Shoemaker and the Elves." Normally, when he "reads," the characters appear before him, act out the story, then return to the page. This time, one of the elves refuses to go back. Here begins the adventure. Upon learning about the robot's inability to appreciate and enjoy nature, the elf decides he must teach him. In order to escape capture, the diminutive fellow turns the robot into a car. The duo travel the world, sharing their joie de vivre and spreading happiness. In this fluid, fast-paced story, Alonso presents fantastical elements in a Roald Dahl-like matter of course and uses language that is clear, economical, and richly descriptive. The watercolor illustrations effectively express the nuances and emotions evoked by the text. Children learn of the magic and inspiration that lie in appreciating nature and in giving of oneself and sharing with others. An enjoyable read-aloud choice.-Wanda C. Rivero, New York Public Library

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