What do you think?
Rate this book
RoboTales #1
Tinker
From bestselling author Jill Williamson and her son Luke, comes RoboTales, a science fiction fairytale series for kids ages 7 - 13 or in grades 2nd - 8th. Praise for Tinker… “An excellent twist of a classic fairy tale, Robo Tinker is bound to be a new “classic tale”! Boy- friendly! Girl-friendly! Kid-friendly! Anyone-friendly (in my opinion). This story was a hit for our family. I read it in one sitting to my 8, 10, 12, and 13 year olds, all of whom were thrilled with the creative storyline, the gadgets and adventure, and the unique illustrations created by children who read it before publishing. It is a story of friendship, kindness, perseverance, and resilience in the face of challenging circumstances. We anxiously await the next book!” -CC, Amazon Reviewer “I read this book with my daughters. My 11 year old finished it on her own. My 9 year old got caught up in reading it that she forgot to stop reading when it was my turn. (We take turns reading out loud). The characters are great- from Tinker to Robo to the evil step-brothers, to helpful Mr. Monn. It’s nice to see Cinderella spun in a boy-friendly fashion that isn’t ultimately about romance. This is a great book that both boy and girl readers will enjoy. Fun but short for the older kids, just right for the reluctant middle-grade (3-5th grade) reader.” -Toothless in Texaz, Amazon Reviewer “Though I am not a kid, I really enjoyed Tinker…this Cinderella style under-dog story had me from the start. It is well thought out with characters you can relate to. It is a fun read for kids and adults alike. Jill Williamson has created another great series with the help of her son Luke, what a great duo! My kids and I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series! 5 Stars!” -Fire Dad^6, Amazon Reviewer Tinker has always dreamed of attending the Invention Institute where his late father was a teacher. When the school hosts the Recycle Race competition to choose a new apprentice, not only does Tinker hope to win a full scholarship, he believes the Institute can teach him how to fix his robot dog. Tinker must protect his invention from his uncle and cousins, who do everything they can to destroy Tinker’s dream. If you enjoyed “Tinker,” you’ll love book two, “Mardok and the Seven Exiles!”
122 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2015
4 people are currently reading
1775 people want to read
About the author
Jill Williamson
66 books1,620 followersJill Williamson is a multi-passionate creative who loves the arts. She’s written over thirty books for readers of all ages and is best known for her Blood of Kings fantasy series, two of which won Christy Awards and made VOYA magazine’s Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror list. She produces films with her husband and teaches about writing at conferences. Visit her at www.jillwilliamson.com.
Jill's author website.
Jill's Amazon Author page.
Jill's Instagram.
Click here for a FULL LIST OF Jill's BOOKS.
Newest Series:
Thirst Duology
Fan favorites:
Writing books:
Jill's author website.
Jill's Amazon Author page.
Jill's Instagram.
Click here for a FULL LIST OF Jill's BOOKS.
Newest Series:
Thirst Duology
Fan favorites:
Writing books:
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Read
December 20, 2016Cute story!
Loved this little story! Definitely got a bit of Star War feels! Can't wait to read the sequel :) this is definitely a story my younger brothers would love!
Loved this little story! Definitely got a bit of Star War feels! Can't wait to read the sequel :) this is definitely a story my younger brothers would love!
December 5, 2023
Solid idea for a STEM/SCIFI based Cinderella retelling but with a male MC. Simply written with some illustrations provided by child artists to add some extra charm. Good for early readers who like scifi, robots, space, and building things.
September 17, 2015
Though I am not a kid, I really enjoyed Tinker, book one of the Robotales series. Tinker has been adopted by his harsh uncle after his parents died, and is treated like a servant by his uncle and mean-hearted cousins. Tinker is a master at fixing anything and despite his youth keeps his father's shop running while his uncle reaps the profits.
Tinker finds a robot dog, Robo, with engine problems and decides to take it home and fix it. The mechanical mutt becomes his only friend and he soon learns it belongs to someone else. Tinker is reluctant to fix Robo since he will have to return it to its rightful owner when it is repaired.
When a chance to go to a prestigious technology school is offered to the winner of a race, Tinker goes to his favorite scrap yard to gather parts. The night before the big race his cruel cousins foil his dreams of winning when they steal his energy cell. Tinker must work through the night to come up with a different energy source.
I won't spoil the ending but this Cinderella style under-dog story had me from the start. It is well thought out with characters you can relate to. It is a fun read for kids and adults alike. Jill Williamson has created another great series with the help of her son Luke, what a great duo! My kids and I can't wait to see what happens next in this series! 5 Stars!
Tinker finds a robot dog, Robo, with engine problems and decides to take it home and fix it. The mechanical mutt becomes his only friend and he soon learns it belongs to someone else. Tinker is reluctant to fix Robo since he will have to return it to its rightful owner when it is repaired.
When a chance to go to a prestigious technology school is offered to the winner of a race, Tinker goes to his favorite scrap yard to gather parts. The night before the big race his cruel cousins foil his dreams of winning when they steal his energy cell. Tinker must work through the night to come up with a different energy source.
I won't spoil the ending but this Cinderella style under-dog story had me from the start. It is well thought out with characters you can relate to. It is a fun read for kids and adults alike. Jill Williamson has created another great series with the help of her son Luke, what a great duo! My kids and I can't wait to see what happens next in this series! 5 Stars!
September 30, 2015
Tinker
Robo Tales 1
By Jill and Luke Williamson
Tinker is his uncle's ward and to his uncle that means an overworked, unappreciated, unpaid worker. Tinker does most of the work in the repair shop that was his father's. But after his father's death Uncle Noctis moved in and took over. Tinker's dream was to enter the Invention Institute, but Uncle Noctis says there is no money for Tinker to get an education.
Robo, a robot dog that had been built of scrap metal, is Tinker's friend. Mr. Monn, from the moon Relo, encourages Tinker to enter the upcoming Recycle Race - a competition that could get Tinker into the Institute. Could Tinker come up with an entry with just a week to design and build it? Tinker is determined to give it a try.
This story with threads of Cinderella running throughout will delight young readers. Tinker reminds me a little of Anakin (pre-Jedi training) with his skills in rebuilding and repairing with cast offs and scraps. There are no fairy godmothers or pumpkins turning into gilded carriages in this story and should appeal even to the often overlooked reluctant male reader in your life.
Enjoy a short peek at the further adventures of Robo - a prefect tantalizer for what is sure to become a favorite series.
I was provided a advance copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.
Robo Tales 1
By Jill and Luke Williamson
Tinker is his uncle's ward and to his uncle that means an overworked, unappreciated, unpaid worker. Tinker does most of the work in the repair shop that was his father's. But after his father's death Uncle Noctis moved in and took over. Tinker's dream was to enter the Invention Institute, but Uncle Noctis says there is no money for Tinker to get an education.
Robo, a robot dog that had been built of scrap metal, is Tinker's friend. Mr. Monn, from the moon Relo, encourages Tinker to enter the upcoming Recycle Race - a competition that could get Tinker into the Institute. Could Tinker come up with an entry with just a week to design and build it? Tinker is determined to give it a try.
This story with threads of Cinderella running throughout will delight young readers. Tinker reminds me a little of Anakin (pre-Jedi training) with his skills in rebuilding and repairing with cast offs and scraps. There are no fairy godmothers or pumpkins turning into gilded carriages in this story and should appeal even to the often overlooked reluctant male reader in your life.
Enjoy a short peek at the further adventures of Robo - a prefect tantalizer for what is sure to become a favorite series.
I was provided a advance copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.
January 2, 2016
I read this book with my daughters. My 11 year old finished it on her own. My 9 year old got caught up in reading it that she forgot to stop reading when it was my turn. (We take turns reading out loud).
The characters are great- from Tinker to Robo to the evil step-brothers, to helpful Mr. Monn. It's nice to see Cinderella spun in a boy-friendly fashion that isn't ultimately about romance.
This is a great book that both boy and girl readers will enjoy. Fun but short for the older kids, just right for the reluctant middle-grade (3-5th grade) reader.
The characters are great- from Tinker to Robo to the evil step-brothers, to helpful Mr. Monn. It's nice to see Cinderella spun in a boy-friendly fashion that isn't ultimately about romance.
This is a great book that both boy and girl readers will enjoy. Fun but short for the older kids, just right for the reluctant middle-grade (3-5th grade) reader.
September 1, 2016
This is a really great book for kids; a Cinderella tale about a boy that teaches kindness and resourcefulness. While I don't have any children of my own, I could imagine little kids loving the robot dog as well as cheering for Tinker to win the Recycle Race while overcoming his bully cousins. The fan artwork is also a nice touch, one I believe will help inspire readers to be creative on their own.
November 19, 2016
A fun middle grade read about a clever hardworking boy called Tinker who is forced to be a servant for his uncle's family and whose only friend is a robot dog. This is a well-written science fiction story with a deftly described other-world and a likeable hero. Can Tinker create a space craft that will win the recycle race so that he can go to school? And not just any school - the Invention Institute! Will his uncle and unpleasant cousins prevent him?
June 29, 2016
I loved this. Garbage incinerating dogs? Cool. Young brilliant orphan inventor? Really cool. It was a short but really interesting read.
Every single character was unique and very real. Even those who just had one short appearance. Tinker was amazing and I really lived the story through him. Robo dog is just cool. And funny. The kindness shown by people like Mr Monn counteracted Tinker's Uncle and cousins in a really beautiful way.
I loved the meaning of the story, how Tinker stands up even with his nasty Uncle and perseveres to go to the Recycle Race even after his cousins smash his invention. His whole attitude is just great. There is never time for nothing to happen, from the first moment everything never pauses. It's not an epic 'oh no he's gonna die' kind of thing, but I cared from Tinker. I cared that he would win. I wanted him to so badly.
Tinker is a beautiful story, and I massively recommend it to everyone. It's a primary school aimed book but SO? Read it anyway. I loved it completely.
Every single character was unique and very real. Even those who just had one short appearance. Tinker was amazing and I really lived the story through him. Robo dog is just cool. And funny. The kindness shown by people like Mr Monn counteracted Tinker's Uncle and cousins in a really beautiful way.
I loved the meaning of the story, how Tinker stands up even with his nasty Uncle and perseveres to go to the Recycle Race even after his cousins smash his invention. His whole attitude is just great. There is never time for nothing to happen, from the first moment everything never pauses. It's not an epic 'oh no he's gonna die' kind of thing, but I cared from Tinker. I cared that he would win. I wanted him to so badly.
Tinker is a beautiful story, and I massively recommend it to everyone. It's a primary school aimed book but SO? Read it anyway. I loved it completely.
September 19, 2015
Tinker is a 13-year-old boy who lives on the planet Kitz. He can fix anything…except for the damaged robot dog he found in the desert. Tinker cares for Robo and considers him to be his only friend.
Tinker's dream is to attend the Invention Institute where his late father attended. When the Institute hosts the Recycle Race competition in which the winner receives a full scholarship to the Invention Institute, not only does Tinker hope to win the scholarship, he believes joining the Institute will help him fix his beloved robot dog. But Tinker must protect his invention for the contest from his uncle and cousins, who do everything they can to defeat Tinker's dream.
I really enjoyed this first book in the RoboTales series. I found the book well-written and entertaining. Both kids and adults will enjoy these books. I look forward to the next RoboTales adventure!
Tinker's dream is to attend the Invention Institute where his late father attended. When the Institute hosts the Recycle Race competition in which the winner receives a full scholarship to the Invention Institute, not only does Tinker hope to win the scholarship, he believes joining the Institute will help him fix his beloved robot dog. But Tinker must protect his invention for the contest from his uncle and cousins, who do everything they can to defeat Tinker's dream.
I really enjoyed this first book in the RoboTales series. I found the book well-written and entertaining. Both kids and adults will enjoy these books. I look forward to the next RoboTales adventure!
October 20, 2015
Tinker was a really fun story! At 94 pages, it's a quick read, the perfect length for read-aloud for younger middle grade and upper elementary readers.
Tinker is a young, orphaned inventor living with an unkind uncle and cruel cousins on planet Kitz. The setting is well done, with touches of Star Wars throughout and a subtle theme of friendship woven in the story.
Tinker's determination to win the Recycle Race against all odds--in order to secure the scholarship to the Invention Institute--was well done and exciting. My boys wanted me to keep reading so they could find out if Tinker won and what happens to him.
Parents looking for a story for ages 7-13 that's clean and fun to read together, check out Robo Tales #1: Tinker.
Tinker is a young, orphaned inventor living with an unkind uncle and cruel cousins on planet Kitz. The setting is well done, with touches of Star Wars throughout and a subtle theme of friendship woven in the story.
Tinker's determination to win the Recycle Race against all odds--in order to secure the scholarship to the Invention Institute--was well done and exciting. My boys wanted me to keep reading so they could find out if Tinker won and what happens to him.
Parents looking for a story for ages 7-13 that's clean and fun to read together, check out Robo Tales #1: Tinker.
June 12, 2016
An excellent twist of a classic fairy tale, Robo Tales: Tinker is bound to be a new "classic tale"! Boy- friendly! Girl-friendly! Kid-friendly! Anyone-friendly (in my opinion). This story was a hit for our family. I read it in one sitting to my 8, 10, 12, and 13 year olds, all of whom were thrilled with the creative storyline, the gadgets and adventure, and the unique illustrations created by children who read it before publishing.
It is a story of friendship, kindness, perseverance, and resilience in the face of challenging circumstances.
We anxiously await the next book!
It is a story of friendship, kindness, perseverance, and resilience in the face of challenging circumstances.
We anxiously await the next book!
July 8, 2018
First I want to thank Jill and Luke Williamson for providing a free copy of Tinker for me. I have never read sci-fi children's book before so it was a great chance for me to try something new and suprisingly I liked it.
It was really fun to read Tinker's adventure with Robo the robot dog. The part I liked most in the book was when Tinker's friends defended him against his mean uncle. I like when books give place to friendship and support even if it is a children's book.
Looking forward to read it to my little cousins :)
It was really fun to read Tinker's adventure with Robo the robot dog. The part I liked most in the book was when Tinker's friends defended him against his mean uncle. I like when books give place to friendship and support even if it is a children's book.
Looking forward to read it to my little cousins :)
October 4, 2015
I enjoyed this book. Even though it's a chapter book, it still held my attention and I really liked Tinker. :)
If you'd like to read more of my thoughts on this book, you can find the full review on Verbosity Book Reviews
If you'd like to read more of my thoughts on this book, you can find the full review on Verbosity Book Reviews
August 16, 2017
Science fiction fairy tales
Tinker is a young boy who lives with a mean uncle and even meaner cousins. He does all the work and doesn't even get a bedroom.
No he's not a wizard. Instead tinker is a brilliant inventor. He can fix anything and what he want more than anything is to go to an elite school for engineering.
I loved this sci fi take on the Cinderella story. The young lead is likeable and endearing. Highly recommend.
Tinker is a young boy who lives with a mean uncle and even meaner cousins. He does all the work and doesn't even get a bedroom.
No he's not a wizard. Instead tinker is a brilliant inventor. He can fix anything and what he want more than anything is to go to an elite school for engineering.
I loved this sci fi take on the Cinderella story. The young lead is likeable and endearing. Highly recommend.
December 16, 2023
Such a cute story! I enjoyed reading it and seeing the illustrations…great job! Now on to book number 2!
February 20, 2017
This fun middle grade sci-fi read can also easily be enjoyed by adults. If I knew a boy (or girl) in this age group, I would definitely recommend it to him. I mean, who doesn't love robot dogs, inventions, and futuristic mechanical competitions?
Like clean sci-fi and fantasy? Check out thebookhoundchristianspecfic.blogspot.com for full-length reviews and more.
Like clean sci-fi and fantasy? Check out thebookhoundchristianspecfic.blogspot.com for full-length reviews and more.
October 3, 2015
Jill and Luke Williamson have come together and created a fun science fiction novel that kids will love. Filled with fun characters and relatable situations, such as getting picked on, youth will thoroughly enjoy this fun read and first book in the RoboTales series. Young readers will anxiously await book two in the series to see what happens next in this fun, new, and exciting series for kids.
Series: RoboTales
Genre: fantasy, science fiction
Publisher: Novel Kids Press
Publication date: September 7, 2015
Number of pages: 91
Age: 7-13
Grade level: 2-8
A review copy of this novel was provided by author Jill Williamson and Readers of Jill Williamson.
Series: RoboTales
Genre: fantasy, science fiction
Publisher: Novel Kids Press
Publication date: September 7, 2015
Number of pages: 91
Age: 7-13
Grade level: 2-8
A review copy of this novel was provided by author Jill Williamson and Readers of Jill Williamson.
May 13, 2016
Tinker is a short read geared toward kids. Although I'm older than this book's target audience and a big fan of long books, I really enjoyed Tinker. As I would expect from Jill Williamson, this book has excellent worldbuilding—the story is set on a dusty sand planet where people have to wear masks to go outside and use vacuum chambers to clean themselves up before going inside. The authors gave Tinker, the main character, a difficult ride. He faces setbacks time after time, which causes readers to sympathise with him. Great storytelling. I'd be happy handing this book to any of my younger siblings who like to read or reading it aloud to those who don't read yet.
January 8, 2017
A great story for kids. There was not much new about the plot, but he setting was very unique and the story world quite interesting. The story had a fast pace, and was nice and short. It was a bit predictable but nice and a fun read. The start of it reminded me of a Cinderella retelling just with Cinderella being male.
June 6, 2016
A fun adventure story.
A fun adventure story with a great recycling message and real artwork from readers. Thank you Jill and Luke Williamson and Kirbi Fagan.
A fun adventure story with a great recycling message and real artwork from readers. Thank you Jill and Luke Williamson and Kirbi Fagan.
Read
December 7, 2016I won this book at a giveaway and started reading right when i got it. I didn't really know what to excpect but I am plesantly suprised. I might not be a child anymore, I still really enjoyed Tinker. this is a well writen and entertaining book. I would love to read the next books in this series.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews