Review: My Robots by Johan Olander

Discover these amazing inventions and form your own theories about what really happened to Lady Bonquers.

In this intriguing volume, noted monstrologist and alienologist Johan Olander reveals the works of the talented inventor Lady Regina Bonquers III, a genius recluse who mysteriously disappeared in 1972. The collection includes some of the most fascinating robots ever seen ? and some never before seen. Shown here are Lady Regina's own sketches and personal notes, as well as marketing brochures, newspaper articles, and other artifacts relating to these machines.
(Goodreads.com)
~~~~~~~~~~~
Review
A few years ago I reviewed the children's book A Field Guide to Aliens by Johan Olander. I loved it and was also lucky enough to win these terrific prints! When the author contacted me recently asking if I would like to review his newest release I was happy for the chance to read it. 

I have always Enjoyed this type of book. Not only is there an interesting story but the illustrations are in a variety of media and are amazing. Even inside the cover the images of assorted tools and supplies scattered on graph paper that's covered with notes, sketches and smudges introduces the reader to a mechanical delight. Each page gives the appearance of a bulletin board, the borders are trimmed with gears and grommets. Sketches and notes are attached to the board complete with tattered edges, wrinkles, thumbtacks and tape. It's such a creative design with so many fun details!

The work belongs to Lady Regina Bonquers III, the world's greatest robot maker.  Apparently she disappeared in 1972, leaving behind an empty castle in Scotland. Two young relatives eventually found her sketchbooks, diaries and notes and gave them to the author to compile into this book. The notes describe the different robots she created. The Chore Master X2000 had a variety of attachments (including the Flexgripper robot hand) to make it easier to help around the house. The Babysitter Bot was programmed to be a friend and babysitter and had an extra set of arms. The Auto Clown was designed to be an entertainer complete with magic tricks and multiple skills. Unfortunately, an unexpected mean streak took this model out of commission.

A brochure for the Auto Clown

The Personal Porter and Transport Robot

Firefighting Robot

While designated as a children's book there is something for everyone here. If the text is a bit complicated for the little ones the drawings are sure to get their attention. And as a grown up, I like it all! I know my nine year-old nephew will really enjoy this book but he will have to read this one at my house. Quirky, charming and clever - it's a keeper!

Author
Publisher

Thank you to the author for a copy of this book to review.

Release date: 10/9/12
Publisher: Amazons Childrens Publishing
Pages: 61 (hardcover)
Type: children's fiction/ Sci fi

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Miz B of Should Be Reading and asks you to :
1. Grab your current read
2. Open to a random page
3 . Share 2 "teaser" sentences also citing the title of the book and the author and in that way people can have great recommendations if they like the "teaser".
4. Please avoid spoilers!

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Dear Reader,

It is with great pride and joy that I present to you the amazing robotic creations of Lady Regina Bonquers III, who was perhaps the world's greatest robot maker...

 ...In this volume I have collected the most fascinating robots ever seen and some never before seen. Many of the images in this book are from Regina's personal notebooks and research documents. 

~page 6 (hardcover)

My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III by Johan Olander

  

Review: A Field Guide to Aliens by Johan Olander

Intergalactic Worrywarts,
Bubblonauts Silver-Slurpers,
and other Extraterrestrials

"A Field Guide to Aliens" is the first truly comprehensive guide to Earth's extraterrestrial visitors and includes profiles of more than twenty-five previously undocumented aliens. With this essential field guide, you'll: learn about each alien's origin, diet and distinguishing features; check out their cool tech gadgets (from lasersaws to slime grenades); get the most up-to-date information on alien sightings; see the undeniable evidence of aliens on our planet (from a giant club found in the countryside to an oddly familiar helmet and mask left in a living room; and, find out how you can become an alienologist, too. Have you ever noticed strange words spelled out in the night sky? Do you know which alien can't be alone? Are you sure that a Knutt has never played a prank on you? Find out all of that and more in this delightfully eerie collection of extraterrestrial lore.

Even though aliens aren't really my thing and I'm not exactly the target age for this book I adored it! The design is very clever and set up like an actual field guide. Each page is laid out on graph paper and features a different alien. Each alien has a chart of information that includes it's name, origin, diet, distinguishing features, sitings on earth and technology. There is also a detailed colored illustration and a variety of sketches and photos "taped" onto the pages. The illusion of bent corners, coffee stains, smudges and tears add to the charm. And it's all done with a sense of humor. Children will enjoy the silliness and parents will appreciate fun references (Alien Disco aka Boogie-dood is from the planet Funk located in a disc-shaped galaxy called Studio 55).

While this was my first Johan Olander book it definitely won't be my last. This is a followup to A Field Guide to Monsters and An Eyeball in my Garden is coming in August. I'll be looking for both of them!

I was also lucky enough to receive amazing archival prints that I mentioned here.

Thank you to the author for a review copy of this book.

www.monstrology.com
www.marshallcavendish.us/kids

Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Children's Books
Release date: 4/1/10
Pages: 61
Price/format: $15.99/hardcover
Type: children