A young robot named Z discovers a message in a bottle signed “Love, Beatrice,” and sets off on a quest to find out what “love” means. When the older robots are not helpful, Z asks a variety of creatures and humans they encounter. Finally, they find Beatrice, who tries to explain: “It’s warm. And cozy. And safe. You’ll know it when you feel it.”
But does love compute for a robot? Z has doubts, until their family comes looking for them. Through their care and concern, they help Z connect the word with its meaning, put into action.
In the book, Z is never gendered, but the publisher’s blurb, and the author in the read-aloud below, use “they” to refer to Z. Beatrice is White, and the human children have various racial/ethnic identities.
A sweet story that may spark further discussion among kids and parents about what love means to them.
