ALA Booklist (Thu May 01 00:00:00 CDT 2014)

Zoobots? What exciting first generation inventions this book introduces! Scientists are making science fiction come alive in research and university labs around the world, from the nanobot that can move around in human blood vessels to the 200-pound Ole Pill Bug designed to withstand temperatures up to 1850°F and aid in fighting forest fires. These animal-inspired robots will only spawn newer, even stranger robots in the future. For now, though, all but 4 of the 12 robots featured have working prototypes; the others are in development. Using scientific headings, a black background, and a larger-than-life Photoshop illustration of each zoobot (along with a smaller illustration of the animal on which it is based), this ought to engage the imagination of future scientists d who knows what they might create? This one won't stay on library shelves for long.

Horn Book (Fri Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2014)

This unique book introduces a variety of robotic devices based on animals. Each device is introduced on a two-page spread set up like a video-game-character profile, touching on name, realm, team, super skill, specifications, applications, and animal inspiration. Illustrations are a clear, colorful mix of the technological and lifelike and the fantastic. Glos., ind.

School Library Journal (Tue Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2014)

Gr 3-6 Twelve futuristic robots are introduced on spreads. Each one is given a name, team, realm, super skill, specifications, and applications. Also included are the animal that inspired the bot and its special ops. The status for all is either working prototype or prototype in development, making this a soon-to-be dated title. But the idea behind the book is a fascinating one. For example, the Ghostbot evolved from observations of the black ghost knifefish. The bot mimics the real fish's fluttering fin to achieve incredible flexibility. Its planned purpose is to be an all-powerful surveillance tool that can hover over rough terrain underwater. On each spread, white text is set on a black background. Illustrations are large, colorful, and appealing, and the glossary and index are extensive. While brevity rules here, the cover and content will find an audience among young robotics enthusiasts. For interested browsers. Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI