Wants vs. Needs vs. Robots

by Michael Rex

In his witty companion to the popular Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots, New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Michael Rex shows us why what we want isn't always the same as what we need.

Do you know the difference between a want and a need? It can be a hard thing to understand, especially when you want something so much that you feel like you have to have it. But some things aren't essential--like jellybean tacos and groovy boots. Other things are essential--like fuel and feet to put the boots on. The robots in this book are here to show you the difference as they make trades to get some things they really want (hooray!) but give away some things they need (oops!).

This timely companion to the popular Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots makes tricky, but vital, concepts accessible. Kids will have fun following the action and discovering this is the kind of book they really, really want to read again and again.

Genres: Picture Books, Robots, Childrens, Nonfiction, Humor

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 14, 2023

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A truly unique book written for children helping them understand the crucial difference between "needing" something and "wanting" something. I read this with my 9-year-old daughter who is really struggling with this concept right now and it opened a great conversation and gave vocabulary for us to use as we identify our everyday needs vs. wants.

[Relyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just don't like books that exist only for teaching but have no real plot. No thanks. Plus one star for the art, though.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource for classrooms and families.

[Mrs Heidrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4

I think this is another one kids will love and it's a fun way to teach wants and needs.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

These robots are learning the difference between a want and a need. They learn the difference first by watching what happens when a robot sacrifices his needs for his wants, and then it resets and looks at a robot protecting its needs first and being creative about bartering for things it wants.

This was really good. I would have liked one more thing to be included, showing that it is ok when you don't get everything you want. Still, what it does include is a very creative way to teach kids the difference between needs and wants with quite memorable illustrations. For kids who have a very comfortable life, this may be something they really haven't thought about much.

Notes on content: One use of the word darn.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robots are making trades for things they want and it becomes obvious that a bit of learning on wants vs needs is necessary. Michael Rex can certainly make any topic fun to share with students!

Though this is not a favorite of mine of his work, I do see the value. I am sure there are teachers out there looking for just this as they teach this topic. I will share it with my teachers and add it to my library, if they feel it will help them teach this concept to our younger students. Students like robots and will likely check this out!

[Jared White · Rating 3 out of 5]

A silly book about an important topic. I've read a lot of picture books in my days and I don't think I've ever come across another that covers wants vs needs...and as an added bonus this throws robots into the mix as well!

I think this could be a fun read-aloud for a preschool or lower-elementary storytime. There could be some good and fun participation while also learning about an important principle.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (I liked it)

This was a cute way to explain wants and needs but I didn't like it as much as Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots. I could definitely see this book being useful to the the concept of wants and needs though!

[Molly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think it's a good concept, and I think that the attempt is sound. My only reservation is for kids with body differences- being told that you need to have a body part like an arm or a leg isn't strictly true. (That may sound like me 'um, actually...'-ing, and I guess it is. Sorry- can't help it.)

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as charming as the fact and opinion book but it still does a great job identifying the difference between wants and needs. I like how the ideas of enjoyment is added to a want and the fact that you can’t enjoy your wants without the things you need. Another great book for teachers to read to help solidify this concept.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll be using this book for a media literacy lesson with younger grades this coming week. It clearly illustrates the difference between wants and needs, which is the focus of our lesson for the week. I feel like the book goes on a little too long so I'll probably skip some pages, but I'm hoping this will be engaging enough to use as a discussion starter.

[Tracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when we don't balance our needs with our wants? Using simple, funny robot examples, this book charmingly explains the difference between wants and needs and why this knowledge is important.

[Steph Calvert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super great illustrations! A little too straightforward teachy for my taste, but done in a super cute way and really is a good way to hammer down the ideas of wants vs needs. I love these robots ❤️❤️❤️

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm ... not sure how I feel about the eye being given away. And like other reviewers said, 1. not everybody has their arms and legs and 2. you don't always get what you want. May or may not read to K, depending on how feral they are this year.

[Lisa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Cute book about the difference between wants & needs!

[Leova Manbhat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to talk about the difference between wants and needs. Topic is presented well and made and written in a way that children can understand. Great book.

[Syntha Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before you read this book ask yourself a question - do you need to read this book, or do you want to read this book?

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Similar in style to his Facts vs Opinions vs Robots; great for teaching this concept.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

These robots help us to understand the difference between wants and needs with a little bit of humor sprinkled in.

[Holly Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every school needs this great sequel to Fact vs Opinions vs Robots. SO clear. So engaging. So helpful. Economics. Life. So so so good.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

By making trades for jellybean tacos, a remote-controlled platypus, and more, a robot learns the difference between wants and needs. A humorous message with a great lesson about making smart choices.

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent follow up to Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots. Rex makes it fun and easy to understand the difference between and importance of wants vs needs. For all grades.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series, and so does my 7yo. They are so funny.

[Jj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Penguin Young Readers for the review copy!

[curiouskat_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple and easy introduction to wants and needs for kids.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rex has done it again! Great book!!

[sageeee · Rating 1 out of 5]

why do the robots insist on asking for their friends for body parts to trade for toys

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fun book does a great job explaining the difference between wants and needs. And now that I’ve read the book, I really want a big slice of cake!

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, clever exploration of the difference between wants and needs. Not as funny as the Facts vs Opinions vs Robots title, but still solid with lots of kid appeal.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Friendly robots help illustrate the concept of wants vs. needs. The text is rather dry but the robots are fun.