Having discovered and fallen in love with The Wild Robot when it was first published in 2016, this school year marked the second time I began my year with it as a read aloud. Just like last year, my students fell in love with Roz, Brightbill, Chitchat, and all the other characters from the story. This year was a little different, however, because my students knew that a sequel would be released before the end of this school year. I can't tell you how many times I was asked about the release date. Countdowns were conducted, and I was made to promise that I would not read it beforehand, but, instead, experience it firsthand with them (Thank you, Peter Brown, for giving me the opportunity to show students my "ugly cry").
As Roz attempts to make her way back to her beloved "family" and island, we meet a cast of characters that help to create an adventure unlike any other--some characters want to help, some characters want to destroy, but all play a crucial role in this lovely story. Any fan of The Wild Robot will definitely not be disappointed in The Wild Robot Escapes.
As one of my students said during the read aloud, "How can he make us feel so much about a robot and a goose?" I don't know, I really don't know, but he does. I found myself with tears rolling down my cheeks as we read the last few chapters. I am touched and will hold this story dear to my heart.
Several students have asked me if I think there will be a sequel. Many students say there doesn't need to be one. If there is one, I will relish in the continued tale. If there isn't, I'm good.
Thank you, Peter Brown, for making us feel so much about a robot and a goose.
