 | Your pal Fred (Your pal Fred) Author: Rex, Michael | |
| Price: $10.65 | ||
Summary:
Accidentally activated in a future world where only the savage survive, a life-size toy named Fred is programmed to be a friend and spread kindness and good will wherever he goes, but in this world that is going to be difficult--so Fred decides that his first task is to get Lord Bonkers and Papa Mayhem, two warlords, to make peace and become friends. In graphic novel format.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 2.40 Points: 1.0 Quiz: 519144 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (03/15/22)
School Library Journal (08/26/22)
Booklist (07/01/22)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 08/26/2022 Gr 2–5—What does the world need most when resources are thin and tensions are high? Well, a pal! After awakening in a post-apocalyptic desert, Fred—a robot made for children—immediately sets out to fix fractured relationships using both empathy and logic. His mediation between brothers Plug and Pug proves super effective, but with two warlords who are causing widespread friction, the task isn't quite as simple. Good deeds go a long way, though, and by the end, help comes from all corners. Just like travel companion Wormy, older readers will likely see Fred's naive plan as overly optimistic or ridiculous, but those cynical thoughts do not deter the robot; they just make him thoughtful. Even with all the ragged clothes and rust-bucket architecture, the buoyant protagonist, goofy character designs, and slapstick comedy offset the seriousness behind the idea of the Wrecked World. This graphic novel may give an overly simplified version of conflict resolution, but it does demonstrate the techniques and mindset needed. Furthermore, it opens up a discussion about principles and friendship. The author even includes a guide to making friends in the back matter. VERDICT A graphic novel with heart about mediation and good relations that will appeal to those who enjoy kooky characters.—Rachel Forbes - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 07/01/2022 “Welcome to the future! The future stinks.” The latest graphic novel from bestselling author Rex is set far in the future in a barren wasteland devoid of humanity. A kooky robot named Fred must find Papa Mayhem and Lord Bonkers, two warlords, and convince them to become friends. But these warlords are ruthless and don’t believe in sharing or helping people without expecting anything in return. Neither do any of the unusual characters Fred meets along the way, including two feuding brothers named Pug and Plug, a cynical thief named Wormy, and a creative artisan of garbage named Junkboy. Many start out annoyed by Fred’s positivity, but his pluck is contagious. Rex combines a silly, adventurous romp with a message about love and kindness. The illustrations capture the story’s energy; the action-packed spreads and jagged panels make for quick transitions during action sequences, and the cartoonish visual style turns mean characters into harmless goofballs. Perfect for fans of Judd Winick’s Hilo series. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
Booklist - 07/01/2022 - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
