Review Detail

One night, a great inventor creates a fleet of robots so tiny they cannot be seen by the naked eye. He names them “NanoBots,” bestows them each with a super power, and declares that they will “change the world!” The inventor is so proud of his creations that he enters them in an invention contest. They are concerned, though, because next to them is a giant robot whose size dominates the attention of the judges. But even a big robot like him needs the help of the NanoBots, and they rise to the occasion.

Children will love looking through Gall’s intricate and lively illustrations, hearing how the different NanoBots help humanity. ChewBots, for instance, “love to gobble nasty, icky stuff,” helping to keep carpets and other surfaces clean. Lady Lance-o-Bot is the guardian of the greenhouse, protecting plants from hungry bugs. MediBot lives inside the inventor and keeps his body safe from dangerous germs. Most exciting, perhaps, is Gall’s author’s note at the end of the book describing some ways that the field of nano-robotics could realize some of the ideas he portrays.

This book demonstrates the value of teamwork, innovation, and people—or robots—of any size can make the world better. Educators could use this book in conjunction with units on robotics, inventions, or even helping people.

NanoBots would appeal to children of various ages, particularly those who are interested in robots, are fascinated by size relationships, and like to think of ways to help make their communities and environments better.