The Wild Robot on the Island

The Wild Robot

by Peter Brown

Roz is not where she’s supposed to be.

You see, the robot wasn’t designed to live in the wilderness. But when she washes up on an island, she must learn from the animal inhabitants and adapt to her new, natural surroundings, and before long, the island begins to feel like home.

Filled with bestselling creator and award-winning artist Peter Brown’s stunning artwork, this moving picture book is the perfect gift for readers new to The Wild Robot or for longtime fans of the middle-grade book series that sparked a global phenomenon.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Robots, Fiction, Nature, Adventure

48 pages, Hardcover

First published June 24, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Peter Brown is an American writer and illustrator who is best known for children's picture books.

"Peter has always loved telling stories. Growing up in New Jersey, he told stories by drawing whimsical characters and scenes from his imagination. Then, as a teenager, he fell in love with writing, and told his tales with words. While studying illustration at Art Center College of Design, Peter’s love of both words and pictures led him to take several courses on children’s books, and before long he knew he’d found his calling.

After graduating from Art Center Peter moved to New York City to be closer to the publishing industry. He was working on animated TV shows when he signed a book deal to write and illustrate his first picture book, Flight of the Dodo. Peter quickly signed up his second and third books, and his career as an author and illustrator of children’s books was under way.

Peter’s books have earned him numerous honors, including a Caldecott Honor (2013) for Creepy Carrots!, two E.B. White Awards and an E.B. White Honor, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book award, a Children’s Choice Award for Illustrator of the Year, two Irma Black Honors, and five New York Times bestsellers.

Peter lives in Brooklyn, New York."

Source: About Peter Brown.

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wild Robot on the Island (2025) is the fourth and latest installment in Peter Brown's Wild Robot book series.

As with the previous Wild Robot books, text and illustrations are both by Brown.

It's s familiar territory about the shipwrecked robot landing and making a life for itself on the island, befriending the animals and even becoming the adoptive parent of an orphaned goose - but nonetheless as charming as ever. The illustrations are particularly captivating and well observed.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This stunning new picture book brings the origin story of Roz to life through vibrant, full-color illustrations. Roz awakens with no idea how she arrived on the island and begins her journey as an awkward outsider. As she observes the tallest trees, the smallest creatures, and the island's natural rhythms, she gradually learns to build, forage, and even communicate.

When she discovers and hatches an orphaned gosling named Brightbill, Roz steps into the roles of caregiver, protector, and mother. Over time, the skeptical animals of the island become her allies and form a community. However, external forces—other robots sent to retrieve her—introduce conflict, forcing Roz to make choices that reflect her loyalty to her newfound family rather than her original programming.

This book offers gentle adventure, emotional stakes, and a hopeful message: compassion and care can emerge in the most unexpected forms. It encourages readers to think critically about technology, nature, and our place among other beings. Ultimately, we are led to reflect on what “home” truly means and whether life, no matter how constructed, can learn to be alive.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://shows.acast.com/moms-dont-hav...

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid retelling of book one in a picture book format.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not shocked this was amazing! Simplified yet still heartwarming story with beautiful illustrations.

Really, this book is a FIVE BILLION STAR rating because what the continuation of this story had done for my family. This is the first full length picture book my 8yo has sat down and read to me. And, because she was such a fan of the chapter books, quizzed me throughout! "If you can guess what happens next, I'll give you a point!"

I was going to order this book for her, but no, she wanted to go with me on release day to pick up a copy the second it dropped. This series helped build a bond with my kiddo. We read every night, but this made us dig a little deeper. Her reading comprehension has improved, she has gained confidence reading aloud, and she takes parts of the books and shares/compares them to her real-life experiences.

I have been a fan of this author, but didn't realize some of our favorite books were written by him. Although, Roz and The Wild Robot series really take the cake. ❤️

[Suhasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read with audiobook: Lovely voice of the narrator Kathleen McInerney and surreal sound effects!

Original review: Absolutely breathtaking Illustrations!
Colors just pop!
This is a simplified story of the first novel made into a graphic novel.

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was just the first book only then simplified and in picture book until I started reading. Haha, here I thought it was a new story with some similar themes. But I don't mind. I still had a lot of fun reading it and it was adorable. The art was absolutely gorgeous and I loved seeing the robot get used to live on the island, help with the little duck, and more.

Review to come.

[Miranda Reads (back from hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good interpretation of one of my favorite books. I was a little worried about how they would handle the part where Roz "finds" Brightbill but whew. It wasn't too bad.

[Victor The Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This magnificent picture book retelling of Roz the Robot’s first adventure in the original novel series, of her discovering the island where she would call home and her being a mother to a duckling, is just so beautiful told with Brown’s colorful illustrations and lots of heart. Those new or familiar with his incredible trilogy will be won over in a heartbeat. A (100%/Outstanding)

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

So weird to see some reviews refer to this as the fourth in the Wild Robot series, when it's just a straightforward picture book adaptation of the first book, likely in response to the younger fans the story gained when the movie came out.

[Ashutosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really beautiful artwork 🥰

[Beth Reynolds Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great adaptation from the novels of which I have read all and seen the first movie. I am 71 yrs and have very much enjoyed them all.

[Robin Pelletier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t wait to read this one for B&N Storytime, but I couldn’t wait to get a copy that day. This book has gorgeous illustrations and even more gorgeous themes of friendship and resilience. This is the full chapter book condensed down to a kid-friendly picture book. Highly recommend it. (And totally making my tutoring nuggets read it and talk about what the author chose to include and what he chose to leave out!)

[Ashley Soukup · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this addition to the series. Beautiful illustrations!

[Ken Yuen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basically a picture book versio of the novel. Great illustrations!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful 😍
Perfect way to tiptoe into Roz's story.

[Shawna Fender · Rating 4 out of 5]

The artwork was so cute and detailed! It's really nice that younger children will now have another way to enjoy The Wild Robot. ^_^

[Bonnie Tesch · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are beautiful, but the abridged story lacks all conflict and drama. I'm not sure who the target audience is.

[Briceli Alfaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the moment I started reading The Wild Robot, I was hooked. It’s a touching story about a robot named Roz who washes up on an island and learns to survive among wild animals. What makes it special is how Roz slowly becomes part of the natural world, forming friendships and even caring for an orphaned gosling. I loved how the book mixed nature, technology, and emotion so beautifully.

The major themes in this book are adaptation and connection. Roz has to adapt to her new surroundings, learning from the animals and the environment. This shows readers that growth comes from being open to change. The theme of connection stood out too Roz learns that empathy and care can exist between anyone, even those who are completely different.

The main genre of this book is fantasy and science fiction. Children reading it can learn that differences don’t make you less capable and that kindness helps build understanding. This was a WOW book for me because it was heart warming. I didn’t expect to feel such strong emotions for a robot, but Roz’s story reminded me that compassion and resilience can come from anywhere.

Peter Brown used strong writing techniques that made this story unforgettable. First, he used personification, giving Roz human emotions and thoughts. When she worries, learns, or shows love, it makes readers feel close to her. This technique made the book powerful and easy to connect with.
Second, Brown used imagery to bring the island to life from the sound of the wind to the animal movements. His descriptions made me feel like I was standing right there with Roz. I would consider this an anti-bias book because it challenges the idea of being an outsider. At first, the animals fear Roz because she’s different, but eventually they see her kindness and accept her. It teaches kids that everyone deserves understanding, no matter who or what they are.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: In the middle of the ocean an island stood above the waves. It had meadows and forests and rivers and a great variety of animals. Everything was just right on the island. And then a strange new creature arrived.

Premise/plot: The Wild Robot has been adapted into a picture book. This picture book introduces younger reader to the basic, central story of The Wild Robot. It is stripped of much of the plot and many of the details.

My thoughts: I am conflicted on the rating. IF you only look at it on its own without taking into consideration either the full-length BOOK or the movie adaptation, then this is a cozy, sweet read for little ones. IF, however, you read it comparing and contrasting it with either the novel or the movie, then it's easy to see how much is truly missing. The book in hand is certainly pleasant enough, a good read. It just does not compare in any way with the novel or even the movie. It isn't quite so bad as comparing a full meal with baby food from a jar, mind you. It's just lacking 'the flavor' and substance of the book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

AUTHOR’S NOTE Reader, The Wild Robot on the Island is actually a simplified version of The Wild Robot, which is the first in a series of novels I’ ve written for children. I made this picture book because I wanted to depict Roz ’ s life on the island with large, detailed, colorful illustrations. But what you ’ ve just read is only a small part of the wild robot’ s story. If you ’ re curious to learn more about Roz and Brightbill and their wild adventures, I encourage you to give the novels a read.

I chose this book after I enjoyed the movie and then the series. I was disappointed that the author left out so much of the original story. But I loved the dramatic drawings that fill each page. I also loved that the dialogue is in balloons like in a comic strip. The novels have black and white drawings in each chapter that are smaller. So the drawings are upgraded and the story is downgraded.

[Sarah Denham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this to my five-year-old daughter last night before bedtime, and it stuck with her. She got emotional when Brightbill left on migration and started crying because she was "happy sad" when he returned to Roz and the island. She asked me again this morning about the story and wants to read it with her dad.

It was a great way to introduce the story to her because she is interested in the film. (I've seen it.) I think we'll also start reading the original books now.

It's also a great story for blended, non-traditional, and adoptive families. (We're an adoptive family with lots of extended family who are blended and/or non-traditional.) This could be a good way to talk to children about different types of families.

Checked out from the local library, but I'm planning on adding this and the originals to our personal collection.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roz and her island adventure adapted for younger readers as a picture book Peter Brown's Wild Robot chapter book.
Roz is a robot who accidentally ends up on an island with no people and no robots but lots of animals. She wasn't built to live on an island so she has to adapt. She studies the animals and learns. She becomes friends with them and then - she finds an orphaned goose egg and adopts the young gosling. His name is Brightbill and he grows up to be a friendly, loving goose. When winter comes, Brightbill has to fly south while Roz stays on the island. Once spring returns, so does Brightbill.

Peek under the dust jacket - the cover is imprinted.

A very simplified version, author Peter Brown includes a note at the end and encourages curious readers to search out the chapter books.

[Alisha (booksmellz) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Roz washes up on an island, she accepts that this is where she is supposed to be and learns from the animals around her. Before long, the island begins to feel like home - especially when Roz becomes a mother to an orphaned gosling she calls Brightbill.

This is a simplified version of The Wild Robot that Peter Brown wrote because he “wanted to depict Roz’s life on the island with large, detailed, colorful illustrations.”, as per his note in the back of the book.

I’m here to tell you that if you adored Roz in The Wild Robot you will fall in love with her again in this version as well because of the illustrations. The original book has black and white illustrations scattered throughout the chapters, but this is a big, bold, and beautiful children’s picture book version!

[Susan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

All kids are hooked by Wild Robot books by Peter Brown. This picture book is best savored (I think) after the kids have already had the Wild Robot chapter books read to them, after they have memorized them, and after they have read them back to their parents/caregivers, and then after they have read them to younger siblings (who do it all over again-- The Cycle of Reading Life :-). The picture book is exquisite, but it's because kids want MORE after reading the chapter books and seeing the movie. This is an art book with your favorite characters. It's a treasure after the chapter books, something to hold onto your excitement and devotion to the book and its protagonists. So, yes, you need it. But it doesn't replace the chapter books-- it's more the icing on the cake.

[Sue.the.very.busy.reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A and I finally finished The Wild Robot Protects!
We used a combination of the audiobook and the physical book during drives to his afterschool activities and during our time together over the past two months. This wraps up the series for us!

Z (his little brother) was often in the car with us, listening along as well. He was super excited when I told him that The Wild Robot: The Island, the picture book, had come out.
Z, T, and I read it today as one of our stories. They loved looking at the illustrations and talking about what was happening.

Once again, The Wild Robot made reading time an enjoyable experience. 🤖

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a large square trim, Brown offers a picture book version of The Wild Robot. He uses many illustrations that bleed off the edges of the double spread to capture all the learning Roz (the robot) must do to survive on the island, the friendship she develops w the animals, especially a special gosling she names Brightbill, the loneliness of a long cold winter without one’s family close (tho friends help!), and the joy of reunion. You could use it to start a conversation about how we learn, what makes a friend, unexpected adventures on one’s life journey, what makes a place your home, and how character and setting affect a story, to name a few.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this author's first book, The Wild Robot. This is a nice way to share it with younger children. The book is a fantastic read-aloud even for pretty young kids. I enjoy his illustrations!

I didn't put two and two together that this was the Peter Brown who wrote Children Make Terrible Pets and My Teacher is a Monster. My students love those books, k-3. I also did not make the connection to Creepy Carrots book. That is an all time favorite at my school!

I will definitely pull it all together for my students when I read this book to them this fall.

[Elvina Zafril · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book version of The Wild Robot is really sweet. Roz isn’t built for the wilderness, but when she ends up on an island, she slowly learns from the animals and starts to feel at home. The story has such a nice message about belonging and adapting.

The illustrations are gorgeous. Peter Brown’s artwork is so detailed and beautiful. And as usual, my son was super excited flipping through the pages and pointing out everything he saw. Honestly, that made me enjoy it even more.

It’s a great pick. I think both kids and parents will get something out of it.

[Saihajleen Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when a robot gets stuck on a wild Island? This story tells you. The genres of this book are fantasy and science fiction. I loved reading this book. The book speaks of the journey of a robot adapting and becoming a mother. It's a wonderful story that teaches us a sense of community and belonging. The journey of Ros adapting to becoming a mother to Brightbill is heart-touching. When Ros invites all animals to her house in winter, it shows us kindness, love, and caring. The book is a WOW book for me because it mixes robots and nature.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Brown wanted to create bigger illustrations for the story of Roz and her goose son. Seemed a good reason to make a Wild Robot picture book. Join Roz on her learning how to live on the island by watching the native animals there. Join her as she nurtures an abandoned goose egg and raises the chick as her own. Those who love the series of chapter books will relish this new picture book. There is so much love in this art work. Now Roz can be loved by all ages!