My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III

by Johan Olander

Handpicked by Amazon kids’ books editor, Seira Wilson, for Prime Book Box—a children’s subscription that inspires a love of reading. In this intriguing volume, noted monstrologist and alienologist Johan Olander reveals the works of the talented inventor Lady Regina Bonquers III, a genius recluse who mysteriously disappeared in 1972. The collection includes some of the most fascinating robots ever seen—and some never before seen. Shown here are Lady Regina’s sketches and notes, as well as marketing brochures, newspaper articles, and other artifacts of these machines. Inside you’ll Interplanetary battle bots! Giant firefighting robots! Building bots going berserk! A pocket-sized Personal Grooming Robot (for plucking unwanted nose hairs)! The snuggliest, cuddliest hugging robot you’ve ever seen, and more! Discover these amazing inventions and form your own theories about what really happened to Lady Bonquers. The imaginative text and artwork combined with an elaborate steampunk-inspired design make for an engaging package that will have kids dreaming up their own robots.

Genres: Science Fiction, Picture Books

64 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2012

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here are the pages taken from the journal of Lady Bonquers, a "mad" genius at creating robots. There are illustrations and descriptions of each of her designs, including sketches apparently torn from her notebooks. The robots were fabricated for a variety of functions, from fighting fires to entertaining at children's parties. (Yep - human or robot, a clown is always creepy!) I love the art and the overall design of the book is excellent, but looking at page after page of rather silly robots soon became tedious. Perhaps if there had been more of a story, or more info about the Lady's mysterious disappearance, I would have enjoyed this more.

[Cool Cayman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a nice book but…. I don’t know. I just feel like it could include more backstory. I think that just basically explaining robots and some random Lady Bonquers is not enough. It should also include more detail. I love the sketches and little things touching on funny topics (like the Snouted Sensors dancing). I really should give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️ review, but I like to be generous.

[Jack Whiteman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute robot book. Kids enjoyed it.

[Wrighty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few years ago I reviewed the children's book A Field Guide to Aliens by Johan Olander. I loved it and was also lucky enough to win these terrific prints! When the author contacted me recently asking if I would like to review his newest release I was happy for the chance to read it.

I have always Enjoyed this type of book. Not only is there an interesting story but the illustrations are in a variety of media and are amazing. Even inside the cover the images of assorted tools and supplies scattered on graph paper that's covered with notes, sketches and smudges introduces the reader to a mechanical delight. Each page gives the appearance of a bulletin board, the borders are trimmed with gears and grommets. Sketches and notes are attached to the board complete with tattered edges, wrinkles, thumbtacks and tape. It's such a creative design with so many fun details!

The work belongs to Lady Regina Bonquers III, the world's greatest robot maker. Apparently she disappeared in 1972, leaving behind an empty castle in Scotland. Two young relatives eventually found her sketchbooks, diaries and notes and gave them to the author to compile into this book. The notes describe the different robots she created. The Chore Master X2000 had a variety of attachments (including the Flexgripper robot hand) to make it easier to help around the house. The Babysitter Bot was programmed to be a friend and babysitter and had an extra set of arms. The Auto Clown was designed to be an entertainer complete with magic tricks and multiple skills. Unfortunately, an unexpected mean streak took this model out of commission.

While designated as a children's book there is something for everyone here. If the text is a bit complicated for the little ones the drawings are sure to get their attention. And as a grown up, I like it all! I know my nine year-old nephew will really enjoy this book but he will have to read this one at my house. Quirky, charming and clever - it's a keeper!

Thank you to the author for a copy of this book to review.

[Elaine Bearden]

illustrated novel throughout

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

[The Brothers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Asher (8yo) read. He liked it, but did not finish. Apparently not as engrossing as the author's "field guides" to monsters and aliens.