Book Review: Rolie Polie Olie
What Parents Should Know
Kids love this wacky story told in rhyme. Though the tale
has little depth, it captures attention through the clever use
of words and wild computer-generated illustrations.
Common Sense Media Review
Get ready for a romp that will have kids chanting "Rolie
Polie Olie!" Who could resist a robot family that not only
cares about each other but also does a wacky "Rolie Polie Rumba
Dance, always done in underpants!" William Joyce's love of
robots comes through in this day-in-the-life story of a busy
little robot boy. Entirely computer generated, the
illustrations glow with an Art Deco polish and candy-bright
color.
Kids will empathize with the rambunctious Olie, who's having way too much fun to go to bed: "He clanked and crashed, turned rooms to rubble. / He stamped and stomped, then popped Zowie's bubble." But he contemplates his behavior and apologizes to all, and, just before bed, everyone hugs and makes up. Children will see their own excesses in Olie's antics and learn that it's good to takes responsibility for one's behavior.
This sweet book will encourage discussions with younger children about appropriate behavior and about computer-generated art and robotics with older kids. Other books by William Joyce are Dinosaur Bob and The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs.
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