BILLIE BUILDS A ROBOCORN

A science-minded child discovers that friendship is often found when you least expect it—and when you most need it.

Billie never met a problem she couldn’t solve through resourcefulness and a can-do attitude. When she and her dad move, however, her upbeat perspective is put to the test. Dad suggests visiting the local playground to find some potential new buddies, but Billie’s got a better idea. Why make a friend when you can make one—literally? She designs a glitzy robotic unicorn with a magic horn, kind (and deadly) laser eyes, and rocket hooves. But once complete, RoboCorn looks more like a garbage can with tubes attached. And her new companion can’t do anything magical (or nonmagical, for that matter). Billie proposes going to the park so RoboCorn can meet some new pals (Billie insists that she’s doing fine). The trip is a bust for RoboCorn, but Billie befriends another young bot enthusiast, and just like that, she’s got two friends in her new town. Throughout, Billie doggedly attempts to include RoboCorn in a range of activities, from dancing the limbo to putting on makeup—all of which fail, hilariously, as the automaton slumps over wordlessly. The “ink, watercolor, sweat, tears, and blood” that (per the copyright page) went into Braithwaite’s playful, scribbly artwork shine, as do the abundance of visual gags and turns of phrase that’ll make even grown-ups reading aloud chuckle. Characters are pale-skinned.

Friendship made easy—and fun.