Story of robot inspires independent thinking

Science fiction frames an inventive book by a former Youngstowner.
By THERESA M. HEGEL
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
"The Saddest Little Robot," written by Brian Gage, illustrated by Kathryn Otoshi (Red Rattle Books/Radiation Press, $16.95)
Children's books function best when the lessons they're meant to teach don't preclude entertainment value.
Former Youngstown resident Brian Gage has much to teach in "The Saddest Little Robot." However, the book's multifaceted message is embedded in an inventive and interesting science-fiction framework.
The book is the first title from Red Rattle Books, a new imprint that is "aimed to satisfy the need for socially aware, nondidactic, sophisticated children's literature that's in line with the ideals of a new generation of parents."
The premise
"Saddest Little Robot" follows the adventures of Snoot, a dissatisfied Drudgebot who lives in a place called Dome City.
Dome City, the only bright spot on an apparently dark asteroid, is populated by light-powered robots. The Drudgebots perform the complex computations necessary to maintain the Life Light, which sustains all robots. Although the Drudgebots do all the work, the Halobots, "the most deserving robots in Dome City," receive the most light.
The Guardbots keep things orderly, enforcing "the law with a smile," and Father Screen, Dome City's jovial leader, has his golden face projected throughout the city. He expounds a steady stream of cheery and trite aphorisms, such as "Happy workers produce happy fruit," meant to bolster Drudgebot labor. He also tells stories of the dreaded Gremborgs, ravenous monsters eager to eat any robot careless enough to leave Dome City.
Compared with the rest of the Drudgebots, Snoot is short and misshapen. He is constantly daydreaming and thus remains the lowest robot on the totem pole. Although the rest of the Drugebots mock him and are perfectly happy working for meager rewards, Snoot is certain there must be more to life than doing computations to make light for the Halobots.
He also questions the laws of Dome City, which gets him into trouble with the Guardbots. Once Snoot works up enough courage to venture beyond the walls of Dome City, he learns that the outside world is not quite the desolate and dangerous wasteland he'd been taught.
Snoot's initial explorations propel him onto an exciting and peril-filled journey, during which he unlocks the secrets of Dome City and himself.
Challenges children
With "Saddest Little Robot," Gage challenges children to think for themselves, to question authority and accepted wisdom and to look beyond the surface of things and people.
Kathryn Otoshi's vibrant illustrations perfectly complement Gage's story, bringing life to descriptions that aren't always easily pictured.
The book's only major flaw is its slightly verbose style, which could be off-putting for some children; however, in the days when many kids willingly tote around 1,000-page Harry Potter books, this may not be an issue.
hegel@vindy.com