Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Fri Sep 16 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

A comic-book hero and a real boy share an adventure.In the opening pages, Robo-Kid successfully averts a disaster. Then the frames of a comic book give way to the surroundings of a young, light-skinned boy absorbed in the story as a voice calls, "Ready for your swimming lesson, Henry?" Henry slams the comic book closed and tucks it into his backpack, and Robo-Kid rubs their head. "I hate when they do that," remarks Robo-Kid, a round-headed figure who appears to be made of interlocking blocks. As Henry approaches the community center, Robo-Kid complains to their robot family at the dinner table-"Why can't I be a superhero in the real world?" The juxtaposition of the comic-book frames of Robo-Kid's experiences with spreads depicting Henry's is excellent, with deGroat's crisp, engaging art rendering both characters' worlds in clear lines and bright colors. Robo-Kid senses that they are needed-it's evident from Henry's worried face that he's not entirely confident about swimming-and hops into Henry's world. When Robo-Kid leaps into the pool, it's Henry to the rescue. An image of a triumphant Henry holding his swimming certificate and the account Robo-Kid gives to the family about their adventure in the "real world" emphasize the heroics of both characters, each entitled to feel successful. (This book was reviewed digitally.)A super blend of everyday courage, the inner lives of readers, and rising to the challenge of doing something difficult. (Picture book. 4-8)

Horn Book (Mon Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

DeGroat gently subverts conventional storytelling and notions of heroism throughout this playful work of picture-book metafiction. The action begins on the title page when young Henry plops down next to his dog to read his copy of The Adventures of Robo-Kid. The comic's intentionally cliched conflict is quickly resolved by its robotic protagonist. A series of double-page spreads then cleverly depicts two parallel story lines. Henry in the real world nervously prepares for a swim lesson. In the comic-book world, Robo-Kid, or Roby, drops the persona and heads home for lunch. Roby's discontent with the predictable superhero life leads the robot to literally escape the comic book, breaking the fourth wall (and panel border) between the superheroic and real worlds. Although pint-sized and powerless in Henry's world, Roby agrees to help the hesitant boy with his swim lesson. But it's Henry who becomes the story's unlikely hero after Roby tumbles into the pool's deep end and Henry jumps in to rescue his new friend. Clear visual storytelling will help readers follow the narrative, thanks particularly to the largely horizontal panel layout and distinct illustration styles between the two settings. Subtle visual details, such as similarities between Roby's and Henry's rooms and families, strengthen the connection between the two protagonists and will reward multiple readings. Patrick Gall

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

A comic-book hero and a real boy share an adventure.In the opening pages, Robo-Kid successfully averts a disaster. Then the frames of a comic book give way to the surroundings of a young, light-skinned boy absorbed in the story as a voice calls, "Ready for your swimming lesson, Henry?" Henry slams the comic book closed and tucks it into his backpack, and Robo-Kid rubs their head. "I hate when they do that," remarks Robo-Kid, a round-headed figure who appears to be made of interlocking blocks. As Henry approaches the community center, Robo-Kid complains to their robot family at the dinner table-"Why can't I be a superhero in the real world?" The juxtaposition of the comic-book frames of Robo-Kid's experiences with spreads depicting Henry's is excellent, with deGroat's crisp, engaging art rendering both characters' worlds in clear lines and bright colors. Robo-Kid senses that they are needed-it's evident from Henry's worried face that he's not entirely confident about swimming-and hops into Henry's world. When Robo-Kid leaps into the pool, it's Henry to the rescue. An image of a triumphant Henry holding his swimming certificate and the account Robo-Kid gives to the family about their adventure in the "real world" emphasize the heroics of both characters, each entitled to feel successful. (This book was reviewed digitally.)A super blend of everyday courage, the inner lives of readers, and rising to the challenge of doing something difficult. (Picture book. 4-8)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Copper-haired, pale-skinned Henry is enthralled by a comic book starring Robo-Kid—a superhero who saves the day when Earth is threatened by a wayward asteroid. Henry is also dreading the day’s swim lesson, which will require him to tackle deep water. The moral support he craves comes from none other than Robo-Kid, who, bored by life inside a comic book (“I save the day every day.... Why can’t I be a superhero in the real world?”), climbs out of the volume’s frame and into Henry’s life. But in real life, Robo-Kid is no bigger than an action figure and distinctly lacking in superpowers. When the superhero accidentally tumbles into the deep end, Henry jumps in to mount a rescue—and passes his swimming lesson with flying colors (“You were SUPER!” declares Robo-Kid). DeGroat’s (the Gilbert and Friends series) low-key meta story sets up a visual contrast between the comic’s flat, bright art and Henry’s more realistically rendered world, ending on a sweet-natured note—with both kid and superhero knowing that, in their respective ways, they saved the day. Ages 4–8. Agent: Liz Nealon, Great Dog Literary. (June)

School Library Journal (Tue Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2022)

PreS-Gr 2 Fiction and reality blur when a robot superhero escapes his comic book and helps a faithful reader conquer his fears. Henry can hardly tear himself away from Robo-Kid's heroics, but it's time for swim lessons. When he closes the book, a parallel narrative inside the comic book reveals that Robo-Kid seeks more than cartoonish action. Opportunity arises when he sees that Henry is nervous about swimming, and so Robo-Kid leaps from the frames of his comic book to assist his biggest fan. When Robo-Kid takes an accidental dip in the pool, Henry finds the motivation to push past his fears and save the day. Rendered in two distinctively different styles, the illustrations are the standout here. The comic book world is bright and flat, with an emphasis on primary colors, while Henry's real-world illustrations are drawn in deGroat's signature style: softer and more three-dimensional, with gentle shading. Observant readers will enjoy catching clever details in the art. The book's straightforward plot is fairly light on substance but brimming with kid appeal. The concept of a favorite fictional character leaping into the real world is enticing, and positive themes of bravery, self-confidence, and helping others are welcome. Henry and his family are white, but the supporting cast includes people of color. VERDICT A good addition to any picture book collection, especially where superhero stories are in demand. Allison Tran Key:Excellent in relation to other titles on the same subject or in the same genre | Tr Hardcover trade binding | lib. ed. Publisher's library binding | Board Board book | pap. Paperback | e eBook original | BL Bilingual | POP Popular Picks