Cosmo and the Robot

by J. Brian Pinkney

It's up to Cosmo's quick thinking to save the day when his haywire robot, Rex, returns from the asteroid dump and goes after his sister Jewel.

Genres: Picture Books, Science Fiction, Robots, Childrens, Science Fiction Fantasy, African American, Fantasy

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Taylor Hart · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like the story of Cosmo and the Robot. I didn't enjoy the illustrations and I was sort of confused during the whole book. This story was about a little boy who lived on Mars with his family. When his robot broke and his father made him throw it in the trash he was extremely sad. His sister and he were directed by their parents to go outside and collect rocks. While doing this they happened upon his robot who had turned evil! He was determined to fix his robot and reclaim his best friend. All worked out well in the end for the boy and they all lived happily ever after. It was a strange story. I'm not sure I'd recommend it.

(Sci-fi category)

[Alexandria · Rating 2 out of 5]

This science fiction story takes place on Mars and is about a boy, Cosmo, whose best friend Rex is a robot. One day Rex bumped his head and began to act differently, he was declared to be broken by Cosmo's parents. As you do with any piece of "junk," Rex is taken to the dump. Cosmo's parents decide to send he and his sister, Jewel, out in search of rocks for an experiment. While they were searching for rocks Cosmo comes across an abandoned terrain rover and begins to take it apart, pocketing a few parts in the process. Jewel leaves Cosmo behind to continue their search for rocks. Cosmo begins to look for his sister when it begins getting closer to dark and sees that she is being chased by Rex. They eventually take down Rex and Cosmo uses his Super Solar System Utility Belt and the nuts and bolts that he found to fix Rex. Cosmo fixes Rex and they live happily ever after. This was not my favorite book but it wasn't horrible. The illustrations were very interesting and bold and there was something taking place on every page. The story itself was just not that interesting to me.

[Lauma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Award winning author, J. Brian Pinkney, has crafted a unique science fiction tale for children in the primary grades. Although culturally generic, the futuristic story is about an African-American family that is stationed on Mars to study the composition of its rocks. The parents, busy with their scientific experiments, are annoyed with their childrens' squabbling and send them out to look for more rocks. Cosmo then finds that his malfunctioning robot is threatening his sister and must find a quick solution. After rescuing his sister, Jewel, she comes to appreciate his special talents.

This story has many positive messages for all young children. Pinkney has connected a familiar family scenario with a space age challenges. Children will learn about developing their unique gifts, perseverence, and ingenuity. It also opens up intersting discussion points about life in the future, space travel, and life on Mars.

I loved the illustrations done in scratchboard and acrylics. They are very colorful and imaginative depictions of our red planet.

Independent reading level is about third grade.

[Noahan Pattet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story about Cosmo living on Mars with his robot friend Rex really stayed with me. Even though the setting is futuristic, the heart of the book is about friendship, responsibility, and choosing kindness. What touched me most was the way Cosmo refuses to abandon Rex after the accident, even when fixing him seems impossible. The book shows that loyalty is not limited by what someone looks like or whether they're human. It comes from caring deeply about others. Children can see that true friendship means showing up when it matters, that bravery sometimes looks like staying calm and trying your best, and that problem-solving is an important life skill. This book stood out to me because it makes emotional lessons simple and relatable while still giving kids the excitement of a sci-fi adventure.

The book uses imagery well, especially in showing the dusty, red Martian landscape and the glowing lights on Rex that slowly fade as he fails. These details make the story feel vivid and immediate. The author also uses pacing well, building suspense as Cosmo works against time to save his robot friend. There is also gentle personification throughout. Rex’s small movements and beeps give him personality and warmth, making readers care about his survival.

From an anti-bias perspective, the book does a great job of teaching acceptance through a child-friendly sci-fi lens. It shows that friendship can cross any difference, even between a human and a robot. Cosmo never treats Rex as just a machine. He recognizes his value, listens to him, and shows empathy. This challenges stereotypes about who or what deserves care. The story also highlights inclusion and cooperation within Cosmo’s family, showing that everyone’s skills matter. It encourages readers to understand that every being, no matter how different, deserves kindness and respect.

This book is a WOW Book because it takes a simple adventure on Mars and turns it into a powerful message about loyalty, courage, and seeing humanity in others, even those who aren’t human at all. It invites children to imagine new worlds while also thinking about what it means to be a good friend.

[Elisa Pereyra-Molina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Here is a book that fits into numerous categories those being Sci-Fi, African American picture book and fantasy. Again, this book works well with the diversity topic we are exploring this week in our Children’s Lit. class.
Cosmo a boy who is the main character has a bossy sister and broken robot Rex. Rex soon malfunctions while in zone 5 which is where Cosmo and his sister have been assigned to collect rocks for an alpha-proton experiment. Rex tries to attack Jewel Cosmo’s sister and she is need of immediate help. There is no reason to fear though because Cosmo was given a Solar System Utility Belt from his parents after Rex short circuited and was sent to the asteroid dump. With the belt anything is possible including rescuing his sister from Rex who has gone hay wire.

[Clare Swapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent science fiction picture book for early elementary readers, who are likely to relate to Cosmo and his insatiable curiosity about his world (Mars). The beautiful, swirling paint illustrations capture the otherworldliness of the Martian setting. The story explores a common science fiction theme, the coexisting of humankind and technology. Cosmo is devastated when his friend, Rex the robot, is sent away after dangerously malfunctioning, but he manages to rebuild Rex using the supersonic tools from his utility belt, showing readers potential future capabilities of technology. The story also shows Pinkney’s vision of a future in which robots are companions to humans, as evidenced by the fact that the robot’s name is one commonly given to pet dogs.

[Madelyn Croft · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cosmo and the Robot is about a little boy that lives on a mars with his family. He had a robot named Rex and one day Rex turned evil and Cosmo's dad had to take rec to the dump so that he wouldn't hurt anyone. One afternoon Cosmo's parents tell him and his sister to go get rocks and they find Rex starts chasing them until Cosmo saves them and fixes Rex. I gave this book 4 stars because there are many things you can connect this story to with science and planets. In addition, the text is large and simple to read. The pictures are also large and very colorful while being very detailed and help a young reader understand the story.

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure the first couple episodes of the new Lost in Space have basically this storyline (dunno if the original had it as well). Regardless, it was enjoyable watching a young child learn about how objects function and that he can be a part of fixing them or making them better.

[L · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like this for being the closest thing to hard sci-fi for preschoolers I've seen so far. I really didn't like the bullying and aggressive dialog between the siblings though.

[Robin Pizzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and whimsical read for kids of all ages. Love the subtle message and image of AA family of scientists and engineers! Pure fun!

[Amie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cosmo, along with his family, and his trusty robot, Rex, live on Mars. He loves to build things and take things apart with his tools. Cosmo's life isn't easy, though. His sister, Jewel, is constantly picking on him and bossing him around, and his beloved robot started acting like a monster. Cosmo is devastated when his father takes broken Rex, his only friend, to the junkyard, and even his new Super Solar System Utility Belt doesn't make it better. Jewel and Cosmo are sent to collect rocks for an experiment. Even though they are supposed to stay together, Jewel leaves Cosmo behind when he starts taking apart an old machine to look for reusable parts. He goes to look for Jewel and realizes she is in big trouble - Rex is chasing her! Cosmo uses his trusty tools, the ones his sister thinks are stupid, and his imagination, another thing his sister makes fun of him for, to save Jewel from Rex. Cosmo also figures out a way to fix Rex. After the ordeal, Jewel finally gives Cosmo the respect he deserves.

Anyone who has ever had a bossy older sibling or a best friend who goes way can relate to this science-fiction picture book. Also, students can imagine that one day it might be possible to live on another planet and have a robot for a friend. Brian Pinkney's illustrations of scratchboard with dyes and acrylic paints completely fill up each page, giving the story a dated feel. At the end of the book, the author includes the features and descriptions of each attachment on Cosmo's Super Solar System Utility Belt. Students would have fun predicting what adventure Cosmo might have next on Mars or another planet, or coming up with their own trusty utility belt with all new attachments. Grades K-3

[Jenica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:
Cosmo and the Robot tells the story of a young boy named Cosmo who lives on Mars with your family. He has a robot as a best friend named Rex. When something helpings to Rex and makes him act like a monster. Rex is brought to the dump and Cosmo is very sad. His sister Jewel is not nice to Cosmo at all. However, when Jewel and Cosmo go searching for rocks they split up and Jewel gets chased by Rex. Cosmo remembers Rex's one weakness and uses it to save Jewel. Then Cosmo fixes Rex and Jewel gains respect for Cosmo. The illustrations in this book are well drawn and they help the reader understand the story better.

Response:
This story was really good. I think the message of siblings becoming friends is a good one that young students need to learn. This message is seen when Jewel realizes that Cosmo is good at some things too. I think this is important for children to be able to look at their siblings or friends and see the things that the person does well.

Classroom Connection:
For this book I would concentrate on the message of learning to appreciate siblings and friends. I would have the students draw a picture of their siblings (or friends if they are an only child) and then write all of the good things about them. I think this will help the students find the good things in all people.

Text Complexity:
The Lexile Measure for this book is AD400L and I was unable to find a Guided reading level. I think the interest level would be first or second grade. This means that this book is probably better suited as a self read in second grade, but could also be read aloud in first and second grade.

[Jaclyn Giordano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cosmo and the Robot by Brian Pinkney is a picture book intended for readers in preschool through grade three. I gave it four stars. Cosmo, his robot friend Rex, and his big sister Jewel live happily on Mars until, one day, Rex is broken and turns evil, forcing Cosmo to give up his best friend. One day, Cosmo and Jewel come face to face with the evil Rex and Cosmo is forced to defend his sister against the evil robot. Cosmo saves his sister and is put to the test when he tries to put together and bring back his best friend, Rex. The illustrations in this text are colorful and whimsical, really transporting the reader to life on the red planet Mars. The detailed space suits and gadgets of Cosmo and his sister allow the reader to see the imaginative and futuristic world that the characters live in. Cosmo’s struggle at losing his best friend in the beginning of the story and having to defend his sister from Rex at the end of the story can teach young readers about overcoming the struggles and difficulties of both family and friendship. Cosmo’s determination and helpful attitude will help readers realize that they, even as children, can help fix situations and problems. Truly a warming tale of friendship and family.

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a young boy who lives on Mars. His name is Cosmo, and his parents are scientists from Earth who have brought him and his sister Jewel from Earth to live on Mars. He is given a Solar System Utility Belt as a gift from his parents. This is a super special magical belt that allows him to do all sorts of crazy things.There are a lot of funny make believe terms that this magic belt has such as a ScrewdriverUranus, a Ultra-Magnifying GlassNepture, and Specimen BagPluto. This book really challenegs the reader to have an open mind and get into the world that the book presents. It would be fun to read a book like this as part of a unit on the solar system. I think kids will like this book for its imaginative qualities, and will enjoy reading about a kid from Earth in outer space.

[Derrick Schneider · Rating 2 out of 5]

Plus one star for the non-white protagonists. Minus four for the massive gender bias. Cosmo has a robot and a utility belt full of cool stuff. His older sister has an E-Z Bake Oven. Cosmo uses his tools to explore the world. His sister grouses about doing chores. Cosmo subdues the menacing robot. His sister runs around being chased by it. Cosmo fixes the robot. His sister asks if she can help, and then, upon realizing her younger brother was the wise one all along, asks if he can fix her E-Z Bake oven.

[NS-Christine Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cosmo and his family live on Mars. Cosmo's best friend is his robot, Rex. They do everything together, until one day Rex hits his head. Rex starts to change, he isn't the gentle robot Cosmo remembers. In fact, he acts like a monster! Cosmo's dad takes Rex to the asteroid dump, and Cosmo is very sad. To help cheer him up, Cosmo's parents bought him a Super Solar System Utility Belt! They send Cosmo and his sister to collect rocks, but wait until you see what they discovered instead!

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this -- the real shame is that it's hard to get your hands on a copy. Cosmo is living in space, and his best friend is a clunky old robot. The setting is a little fantastic, but what's real about it is the stuff that's universal -- loving but working parents, a cranky big sister and the desire to somehow be great, even if you're not sure how. A totally cool book. You can almost never go wrong with robots and kids. (Unless you create kid robots?)

[The Brothers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little boy and his family live on Mars, where the little boy has a "pet" robot. One day the robot goes berserk and is sent to the junk pile. The little boy receives a utility belt to deal with this crushing blow. The rest of the story is detailed descriptions of the boy using the tools on his belt - ultimately repairing his robot friend. Didn't really care for how mean the sister was to her little brother. Hardly fostering familial harmony.

Illustrations are okay.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fun story about a boy and his robot. The robot is damaged and becomes and evil robot and Cosmo has to find out how to repair Rex the robot. This is an engaging story that is very far fetched, but still allows students to relate to some elements, while still having fun in a Sci-Fi world.

[Nan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pinkney's illustrations are always pleasant. I like the story here, too. It is a predictable plot. The little boy saves the day. BUT he's a black little boy. On Mars. And his best friend is a robot. Not a dog named Lassie.

[Savannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the creative names for the tools used in the story. However a bit long for my little boys to understand such names. I also liked how Cosmo ended up putting Rex back together and how he was back to himself again.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the pictures in this book and it was fun that it took place on Mars!

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cosmo, a boy living on Mars, must come up with a quick solution when his malfunctioning robot Rex threatens his sister Jewel.

[Sarah Clarke]

Cosmo breaks his robot, Rex, and his parents give him a super solar system utility belt, fights with sister but they compromise

[Jenni Frencham · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustration style is a bit dated and there are a lot of words per page, which is unfortunate, as this is one of the few robot picture books I've found with nonwhite human characters.

[Connor Armour · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cosmo and the Robot, is a children's book that deals with a robot named Rex and a boy named Cosmo. The story takes place in Mars. Rex is a evil robot at first but then is eventually good. I thought this book was average and for that reason I gave it a lower rating.