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Bing & Nero, Boy + Robot = Fun

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Share a day with an inventive young boy in a story that celebrates creativity, friendship and fun!

Bing wants a dog. But his mother says a dog is out of the question. What´s a young boy in need of a friend to play with on a boring Saturday morning to do? Why, make his own friend! And what a friend his new creation is!
The product of Bing´s rich imagination and household junk from the basement, Nero is a metallic wonder. From the moment he is switched on, the house is filled with fun! And when they take to the sky for a late afternoon flight, boy and robot are in for a joyous ride that celebrates their friendship.
This debut book from I.L. Williams gives young readers an opportunity to share an exciting experience many dream of with a young boy in a story that showcases creativity, friendship and fun. An excellent book with vibrant illustrations, for parents and children to enjoy together.

34 pages, ebook

First published March 26, 2014

1 person is currently reading
378 people want to read

About the author

I.L. Williams

5 books13 followers
Ingrid Williams is a native Californian who now lives with her family in Norway. She has had a successful career as a financial journalist for Dow Jones Newswires and as a copywriter for one of the largest creative agencies in Scandinavia, among other positions in the world of corporate communications. She is a recipient of the Humphrey´s Fellowship in Writing at Columbia University in New York.

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5 stars
26 (50%)
4 stars
13 (25%)
3 stars
7 (13%)
2 stars
4 (7%)
1 star
2 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
4 reviews
April 5, 2014
Evelyn Gresham

There are a lot of kids out there that do not have anyone to play with. A book such as this one opens a child’s mind and allows their creativity to soar beyond their imagination. Who would not want to have a robot as a friend? I know I would.

In addition, as an early childhood educator, I believe this book would be a great asset to the classroom and to any lesson plan. A whole lesson plan can be done around this book. The theme can be called “All about Robots.” Arts and craft activities can be done around the robot theme, such as, having the students either build a small robot using different craft materials, or they can use boxes and become a living robot. The students can get the chance to learn how to create things. They can also learn fun cool facts about robots and what they are truly used for. The possibilities are endless. Kindergartners can actually enjoy this book being read to them, with the activities I just suggested. I enjoyed reading this delightful story and I am glad you are doing another book about these adorable characters. “Bing and Nero” will make a great book series.

The author has a website you should check out and make sure you join the newsletter for future events or information. I would personally recommend this book to both parents and teachers. As a teacher and parent, it has my seal of approval.

Here is the author’s website: http://www.bingandnero.com/

By Evelyn Gresham
Profile Image for DivaDiane SM.
1,196 reviews119 followers
December 18, 2019
We read this quite a while ago, and we loved it. My son loves science and robots and it was a cute little story about how Bing makes himself a robot out of junk found in the attic (or garage or somewhere).
Profile Image for Jude.
77 reviews
May 31, 2015

There is nothing worse than feeling like you have nothing to do. It’s Saturday and Bing is stuck inside with no friends to play with, even the cat is asleep. How boring. On days like this Bing really wishes his mother would let him get a dog.
Not content with the prospect of spending a quiet afternoon staring out of the window Bing decides to make his own fun. A quick glance around the room gives Bing an amazing idea for what he can do to make his weekend more exciting.
‘Bing and Nero’ is the delightful little story of a boy who, when confronted with boredom, uses his imagination and creativity make the best friend a boy could ever have. The book follows Bing and his new companion Nero the robot as they have endless amounts of fun doing things that only a boy and a robot could do.
Williams’ fun story, coupled with colourful and vibrant pictures make a book which all young children can enjoy, whether alone or with an adult. On each new page [name] eye-catching illustrations help to keep a child engaged while the story progresses.
I thought the presence of Minxie the cat throughout the book was a nice little addition to the story. I know from experience how much children like to look out for things in illustrations, and Minxie’s antics allow a child to do just that.
Children’s books are often rife with morals and hidden meanings, and Bing and Nero is no exception. The story encourages children to be creative when confronted with boredom by suggesting that imagination can be used to create your own fun.
Overall, I think that Bing and Nero would make a fantastic addition to any young child’s library. The book offers lots to think about and engage young minds, including full illustrations with plenty of little details just waiting to be spotted.

Originally posted on Jade the Obscure

Profile Image for Robin Rowles.
Author 5 books66 followers
August 11, 2019
It's Saturday morning and Bing is bored! His friends can't come over and play! so he gets an idea and becomes creative. Bing recycles some unused items left lying around in the basement. He cleverly creates a magical robot! with some help from his Father's toolbox!
Hey presto! This is Bing's gateway to a new and exciting friend. Sorry! But you will need to look at and read this engaging book, to find out just what happens!

This story includes 15 full colour illustrations and 15 pages of supporting text, that helps describes what's happening!

I particularly like the illustrations, very detailed, and bold colours. I also like the way Bing's cat, called Minxie, is brought into and used within this story.

I believe that this pictures story book will easily engage a very young child, and encourage them to learn words with the help of the most attractive illustrations. This story will be ideal for bedtime reading and suitable for an age range of approximately 3 to 6 years.

When I was just a very young child, I was always trying to be creative in making new things! I can easily remember creating a Doctor Who Dalek that was made out of some old cardboard boxes! However, I never-ever had the imagination and skill, to create such a fabulous new friend, as a magical Robot! I recommend this picture book for parents with your children, and also for early readers.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Robin Rowles Author.
Profile Image for Teddy O'Malley.
Author 18 books223 followers
April 28, 2014
Although I think Bing's statement that having a robot is "even better than a dog" is a matter of opinion, I definitely enjoyed this book by I.L Williams about a boy who builds a robot, because he can't have a dog.

There are probably a lot of kids in the world who can't have a dog. Maybe their parents are allergic or maybe they're allergic. But Bing decides that he can do something about it and builds himself a robot friend!

I.L Williams has a fresh writing style that makes this book very easy to read. The text is simple and ties well with the fabulous illustrations provided by Inci Alper. They portray the creative Bing and his robot in a fun, unique style.

If you have ever dreamed about having your very own robot, then you will definitely want to read Bing & Nero, Boy + Robot = Fun.

One of the biggest reasons we like Bing & Nero here at Destiny's Book Dig Up is because the main character Bing is smart, inspired, and creative. (And he wears glasses. Glasses are cool!) He uses his imagination to problem solve and he gets things accomplished.


We think that I.L William's fresh writing style combined with Inci Alper's unique and fun illustrations make this book top shelf!

*****This book was featured on Destiny's Book Dig Up and is the winner of the unofficial Top Shelf Award*****
Profile Image for My Book Addiction and More MBA.
1,958 reviews71 followers
May 19, 2014
BING & NERO: BOY + ROBOT = FUN by I. L. Williams Inci Alper (Illustrator), is a fun Children's Adventure. Dubut author, and what a debut. Filled with vivid illustrations, imaginative characters and creativity. Tells the story of friendship, fun, and shows what you can make out of junk, just may became a true imaginative friend. Well written, and easy to follow. Young readers ages 3 to 6 will adore this wonderful tale of friendship, fun and imagination. A must for both children, educators, parents and grandparents alike. An adorable read! I look forward to the next Bing & Nero adventure. Received for an honest review from the author.

RATING: 5

HEAT RATING: NONE, CHILDREN'S

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

Profile Image for Tonja Drecker.
Author 3 books236 followers
June 21, 2014
There's not much about this book little, inventive boys aren't going to love. A boy is bored, so what does he do? Builds a robot from anything he can find in the basement! Of course, it works and he has the best friend a kid can dream of. Yep, this will get those kids into your junk piles, digging for robot (or other invention) parts of their own. As a mom, I love it when the kids are inspired to do things like this.

The illustrations in this book are colorful, detailed enough to catch a kid's attention, and made with love. The robot is wonderful to look at it, and with the great combination of parts, an inspiration all on his own.

I recommend this for boys as a read-aloud around the ages 2 to 5. . .or inventive, secret scientist girls.
Profile Image for Jeremy Cook.
Author 2 books17 followers
April 23, 2014
A delightful story about a bored little boy who decides to build a robot. The prose is simple and clear, which makes it the bardest to write. And it works for parents too, which is important in making reading together a pleasure for both parties. Bing is an engaging kids with big glasses and a cheeky smile, and Nero is everything a robot friend ought to be: resourceful, imaginative and more than a bit magical. He needs electricity, but provided his batteries are charged he can do everything from computer games to flying. We don't meet Bing's Mum in this story, but already she comes across as a formidable figure, who needs to be dealt with carefully. We get the impression, Bing will manage, though. The illustrations are bright and bold, matching the prose perfectly.
Profile Image for Chris Meads.
648 reviews10 followers
June 20, 2014
This is a book about a little boy, Bing, who is bored (maybe he is lonely too) and would really like to have a dog. Dogs are fun but he has a cat. Cats aren't all that fun. So he goes upstairs and gets things that no one is using anymore and builds himself a robot. He names him Nero. They do a lot of things together and Bing is no longer bored or lonely. He now thinks robots are better than dogs.

This book is a beautifully written story. The pictures by the illustrator bring the story to life. It would be a great read for children to read themselves and would open up the opportunity to learn about robots as well as working with tools. Parents could also read this book to younger kids too.

I would recommend this book to kids and adults with children.
Profile Image for Mary Josefina Cade.
85 reviews
June 20, 2014
What an imaginative book! Kids wanting dogs and parents saying 'no' is an all too familiar problem. Young Bing comes up with an inventive solution. Instead of a dog he makes a new friend, a robot. Inci Alper's illustrations are clear and extremely cute, making a perfect match for I.L. Williams' story. There is a very warm feeling throughout. I particularly like the words and illustration at the point where Bing switches on the robot and he and Nero look at each other for the first time. Friends! An aaaah, how sweet moment! Bing and Nero go on to play some very interesting games. A great book for parents and children to share.
Profile Image for Elias Zapple.
Author 153 books56 followers
June 23, 2014
Children and little slugs will find this most appealing as the cover and the rest of the illustrations are really top-notch. Full of colour and very modern. The story's about a bored little boy who'd like a dog but can't have one. He then hits on the idea to build his own robot. He soon does and they have lots of fun together. The book should inspire little inventors everywhere as it's certainly inspired some of my slugs who've already gotten to work on a robot themselves... Unfortunately, it seems to be similar to the T1000. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Dolly.
Author 1 book670 followers
January 25, 2015
This is an entertaining tale about invention and imagination. The story is short and the illustrations are cartoonish and colorful. The story will likely inspire children to want to create and invent robots or build something out of old household items. I know our youngest especially loves to do this (although her results are not nearly as functional and high-tech.) We enjoyed reading this ebook together.

I received a free copy of this ebook from the author on http://www.Amazon.com.
Profile Image for Susan.
31 reviews17 followers
September 25, 2014
I received this book through goodreads giveaway. Thank you!!! What an adorable book! What little boy could resist reading a book about a boy and a robot!?! Not my kiddo, he enjoyed it very much. My child has low vision but the illustrations are so bright and bold that it was easy for him to see. We loved it!
Profile Image for Marjorie.
835 reviews69 followers
August 10, 2014
Given To Me For An Honest Review



This book is a fun one to read to your children. It is about a little boy named Bing who cannot have a dog so he invents Nero. It is a very cute story. Children will have such beautiful dreams after this story. The colors and illustrations are very good. I highly recommend it to all.
Profile Image for Charlie.
425 reviews23 followers
July 8, 2015
Bing is the cutest little nerd ever.

He’s one lonely little guy and wants a friend. He knows his hopes of getting a dog are not going to happen, so he decides on the next best thing. A robot!

In a flurry of creativity and ingenuity, he builds Nero, who brings so much fun to Bing’s life.

The illustrations are what really make this book and the story of Bing and Nero come to life.
255 reviews2 followers
April 14, 2014
I read this book to my 5-year old daughter last week and she is still coming up with ideas for her robot and checking out books for the library about them. A joy to read that inspires creativity and even models some perseverance when construction doesn't come out just right.
Profile Image for Meredith.
50 reviews9 followers
June 23, 2014
A review by our 4 year old: That book was fun! My favorite was that there was a robot. That was my favorite thing! I didn't know there was a robot. I like that they had fun. That's the thing I liked about the robot. The pictures were great! The book was really great! Joshua Dew, Jr.
Profile Image for Ericka.
423 reviews6 followers
November 2, 2014
Great book for my 3rd grader. No negative parts and very positive. The pictures are all very happy even, adding to the story without ruining it in any way. I love finding books that I feel good about giving to my sons and it's very rare I find them in new ones like this.
Profile Image for Cheryl McGonigle.
Author 3 books4 followers
June 23, 2014
The story was very engaging and I love the illustrations. They are so full of movement and expression. I think most children will enjoy the story, both boys and girls.
124 reviews
October 13, 2014
I won a free copy from the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway Program and gave it to my younger bother. He enjoyed reading it and I would recommend it to everyone.
Profile Image for Billy Buttons.
Author 19 books193 followers
June 2, 2015
This book was recently entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:

Star Rating 5 stars
Number of Readers 28

Readers’ Comments
‘Bright, colourful illustrations and well put together prose. I liked the central theme of a boy solving the problem of not being allowed to have a pet, so he constructs a robot. They play so well together and really are best pals. Enchanting!’ Teacher
‘The robot is super cool. I’m going to build one tonight when I get home.’ Boy, aged 6
‘A wonderful gift for any kid who wants a dog but is not allowed.’ Parent
‘Sweet story and perfect for inventative kids.’ Parent

Stats
Of the 28 readers
28 would like to read another book by this author.
22 thought the robot was the best.
6 thought the text was the best.

‘A wonderfully heart-warming story of a boy and his robot. Highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Awards
Profile Image for I.L. Williams.
Author 5 books13 followers
Read
April 9, 2014
My book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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