cover image Robox

Robox

Mark Rogalski, . . Running Press, $15.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-7624-3545-6

This engaging novelty item consists of a paperback storybook and a 19-piece toy kit. Renny is having a terrible day: bullies pick on him, and for dinner his mum serves “grusseled sprouts.” As a way to deal, he builds “Robox,” a blocky, red robot with a voracious appetite who eats Renny’s troubles (and gets out of hand). Readers can also construct a Robox (it’ll stand over 16 inches tall). The packaging box becomes its torso, rectangular cardboard pieces form its limbs, and Robox’s head lifts, so readers can feed it (stickers can be stuck onto its see-through belly). This has potential to be a holiday hit. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)