How to Explain Robotics to a Grown-Up

Praise

♦ A delightful and educational read that simplifies complex concepts for young readers. The book breaks down what a robot is and its components in a fun and engaging way, making this STEM topic accessible and enjoyable for children. The unique point of view, written as a manual for children to explain robots to adults, adds a playful twist to the narrative. This approach not only reinforces the material but also boosts children’s confidence by positioning them as knowledgeable teachers. The characters depicted are diverse, sending a clear message that engineering and robotics are fields open to everyone, regardless of background. Bright and fun artwork further enhances the learning experience, visually breaking down the components of robots in an appealing way. The book’s engaging narrative and vibrant illustrations make it an excellent choice for young learners eager to explore STEM. VERDICT A fantastic resource for introducing children to robotics. This book educates and inspires, making it a valuable addition to any children’s library.
—School Library Journal, starred review

Part of the “How To Explain” book series, this latest installment teaches children how to explain the mechanical world of robotics to their parents. The book follows a confident young boy and his curious mother, as he explains the basic components and principles that make a robot.
The inquisitive duo go on a journey of discovery through their home to a robotic expo, to uncover the science behind different robots and understand how they use technology to complete tasks. The story outlines the three main principles of robotic coding: Sense, Compute and Act, and delves into how the three work together to create a robot.
A charming feature of this book series are the handy ‘pro tips’ on how to help adults understand the subject, while simultaneously imparting learning skills to the young reader. For example, “Unlike robots, humans sometimes need a break! A snack and a little humor may be just what your grown-up needs to stay focused and ready to learn.”
—LiveSCIENCE

This entertaining primer features a young Black robotics enthusiast explaining robotics to their mom (who uses a wheelchair), showing readers how they, too, can enlighten the grown-ups in their lives about robotics. The informative narrative and speech-bubble dialogue incorporated into the cartoon-like illustrations provide a lively and accessible overview with dashes of humor throughout. Examples of various types of robots, from those that do exciting things (like exploring space) and boring things (like packing boxes or vacuuming the floor) precede an extended explanation of robots’ ability to sense (take in information), compute (analyze the information and decide what to do), and act (take physical action)—three things essential to making a robot a robot. A glossary and brief information on sensory technology used in robots are included at volume’s end.
—CCBC Choices 2025