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NEW-FRIENDBOTS #1: BLINK AND BLOCK MAKE A WISH
Brand New Deliver In 6-18 Working Days
32 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2021
5 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Vicky Fang
26Ìýbooks42ÌýfollowersVicky Fang is the author of the Layla and the Bots chapter books series, the Best Buddies early reader series, the I Can Code board book series, and the picture book Invent-a-Pet. She is the author-illustrator of Friendbots, AlphaBot, and the forthcoming Ava Lin and One Mad Cat series. A former Google product designer, she now writes and illustrates children’s books full-time. Vicky Fang lives in California. You can learn more at vickyfang.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 19, 2023
Yall! If you haven't discovered these "I Can Read" Comics, you are definitely missing out. I absolutely love that publishers are taking the opportunity to highlight the impact of comics with younger audiences.
Friendbots: Blink and Block Make a Wish follows Blink and Block while they're playing outside. Blink is hunting for treasure and according to Block continues to pick things that aren't really treasure. The way that this book comes full circle is so cute and it really warmed my heart. It's such a great narrative about friendship. So many young readers will not only enjoy this story, but also its formatting. There is additional information provided to readers that shares facts about robot sensors. With the opportunity to teach so many concepts, caregivers and emerging readers will appreciate the tale of Blink and Block.
Friendbots: Blink and Block Make a Wish follows Blink and Block while they're playing outside. Blink is hunting for treasure and according to Block continues to pick things that aren't really treasure. The way that this book comes full circle is so cute and it really warmed my heart. It's such a great narrative about friendship. So many young readers will not only enjoy this story, but also its formatting. There is additional information provided to readers that shares facts about robot sensors. With the opportunity to teach so many concepts, caregivers and emerging readers will appreciate the tale of Blink and Block.
October 3, 2022
Blink and Block are so kid-relatable in their worldview. This book is an adorable testament to friendship and creative thinking. The supplementary material, including "how to read comics" and information about sensors, makes this a perfect book for inclusion in classrooms.
July 7, 2021
Thank you to Vicky Fang for sharing a copy with #bookexpedition.
As a 4th and 5th grade ELA teacher, I’m a big reader of middle grade graphic novels to share and recommend with my students. Buy this was my first experience with an early reader comic, and I was so impressed!
The story revolves around Blink looking for treasure. When Blink finds treasures (bottle cap and a gum wrapper), Block quickly lets Blink know that the found items aren’t really treasure. But when Blink finds a penny, the discovery (and a wish in a puddle) create the greatest treasure of all - friendship!
Big pluses for this early reader:
- a page for parents explaining graphic novel storytelling
- a page for parents and their young reader explaining key terms in cartooning and a how-to set of directions for reading comics
- an informational page at the end of the story explaining what robot sensors are and what they do
- the simple shapes of Blink and Block are encouraging for kids to try drawing a comic with these characters on their own
I’ll definitely be recommending this new series to the primary colleagues I work with.
As a 4th and 5th grade ELA teacher, I’m a big reader of middle grade graphic novels to share and recommend with my students. Buy this was my first experience with an early reader comic, and I was so impressed!
The story revolves around Blink looking for treasure. When Blink finds treasures (bottle cap and a gum wrapper), Block quickly lets Blink know that the found items aren’t really treasure. But when Blink finds a penny, the discovery (and a wish in a puddle) create the greatest treasure of all - friendship!
Big pluses for this early reader:
- a page for parents explaining graphic novel storytelling
- a page for parents and their young reader explaining key terms in cartooning and a how-to set of directions for reading comics
- an informational page at the end of the story explaining what robot sensors are and what they do
- the simple shapes of Blink and Block are encouraging for kids to try drawing a comic with these characters on their own
I’ll definitely be recommending this new series to the primary colleagues I work with.
June 9, 2022
This is such a cute, funny, and heartfelt story about friendship featuring childlike robot characters, Blink and Block. The simple, clear text and colorful, clean illustrations make it easy for kids learning to read to follow the story and enjoy the book on their own. There are also plenty of opportunities for teachers and parents to use this book to teach shapes and colors, as the main characters are a purple square and a blue circle. It’s perfect how the book starts with the square sitting by itself on a bench at recess (“don’t be a square� pops to mind!), and then the friendship develops organically throughout the book as the square gets caught up in the circle’s treasure-hunting quest. This felt very realistic for how friendships happen at that age. The characters are so expressive; readers know exactly how they feel in each scene. Blink and Block are very different from each other, but come to appreciate each other’s strengths and learn how to play together by the end of the story. Kids will definitely want to read more books in this series!
November 27, 2024
There's nothing subtle about this story. But, hey, if you're a very early reader, who needs subtle?
So meet two "characters" who are simplified stereotypes:
* Blink is silly.
* Block is logical.
Just the level of sophistication you'd expect of two cartoon characters -- developed for kids who are barely able to read.
FASCINATING CHARACTERS? HARDLY
Of course, in the world of first grade fiction, it's not hard to tell which character is which.
* Block is a big purple cube.
* While Blink is a blue circle, and Blink also has huge eyes.
But then the power of imagination, wishing, and magical thinking help to make this book really, really thrilling. At least if you are five years old.
RATING THIS BOOK
Since I rate books in terms of the likely reactions of intended readers, the answer is as obvious as the "great relationship" of the two starring characters: FIVE STARS.
I sure wish this story weren't a glorified comic. Even so, it is well done.
So meet two "characters" who are simplified stereotypes:
* Blink is silly.
* Block is logical.
Just the level of sophistication you'd expect of two cartoon characters -- developed for kids who are barely able to read.
FASCINATING CHARACTERS? HARDLY
Of course, in the world of first grade fiction, it's not hard to tell which character is which.
* Block is a big purple cube.
* While Blink is a blue circle, and Blink also has huge eyes.
But then the power of imagination, wishing, and magical thinking help to make this book really, really thrilling. At least if you are five years old.
RATING THIS BOOK
Since I rate books in terms of the likely reactions of intended readers, the answer is as obvious as the "great relationship" of the two starring characters: FIVE STARS.
I sure wish this story weren't a glorified comic. Even so, it is well done.
July 9, 2021
What a fun introduction to comic books for very young readers! Friendbots: Blink and Block Make A Wish opens with an explanation to parents and educators about the value of comic books in developing visual literacy and emotional learning and a clear, engaging, funny guide for young readers about how to read the comic. Littles will love as quirky and curious Blink searches for treasure and finds it in the most humorous and unexpected way! Friendbots will make a wonderful read-aloud experience. Because the shapes in the drawings are simple, kids can also try to make their own comics based on Blink and Block. The ending has information about how robot sensors work and encourages Littles to learn more about robots.
September 15, 2022
I love this sweet story of two robot friends - one a realist and one an optimist. My son was constantly digging for gold and "mining" to try to find diamonds on the school playground when he was younger and would have loved the storyline here. Kids will look forward to the next adventure of these two friends, and will gain confidence in reading with this format, and simple language in a story that is not too basic and has a lot of heart. The back page includes some information about robots and how they use sensors for kids who are interested in learning more.
June 23, 2021
Blink is searching for treasure. Block points out, with loads of humor, that Blink’s discoveries aren’t really treasures. When the two robots find a penny, Blink makes a wish which leads to the greatest treasure of all—friendship. FRIENDBOTS: BLINK AND BLOCK MAKE A WISH by Vicky Fang is a creative, positive, and engaging story for emerging readers. This fun early graphic novel will get so many kiddos excited about reading!
July 27, 2021
Frowning Block sits on a bench while the other shapes play. Using the sensor on its head, Blink roams nearby in search of gold, silver or gems. Each time, Blink excitedly finds an item such as a bottle cap or a gum wrapper, Block immediately discounts it as insignificant. When Blink finds a penny, Block is not impressed but Blink proudly says � a penny can turn into a wish� After throwing it in a puddle, Blink prances with glee because the wish came true. Block is bewildered and argues with Blink. It turns out Blink’s wish was for a new friend. Block’s frowning face turns into a smile and the duo search for more wishes.
I love how kids will takeaway that friendship is truly something to treasure! Fang’s Blink and Block are adorably drawn and reinforce shape and color concepts. In fact, I can see kids drawing their own Blink and Block adventures or based on the first page spread, choose another shape bot (triangle, rectangle, oval, etc.) as a character in their story. Book 2: Blink and Block Bug Each Other publishes in September.
I love how kids will takeaway that friendship is truly something to treasure! Fang’s Blink and Block are adorably drawn and reinforce shape and color concepts. In fact, I can see kids drawing their own Blink and Block adventures or based on the first page spread, choose another shape bot (triangle, rectangle, oval, etc.) as a character in their story. Book 2: Blink and Block Bug Each Other publishes in September.
October 12, 2021
Blink and Block make an interesting duo at Bot Elementary and are simple and likeable. Block is a little less friendly. Blink is perhaps a little over-eager and too friendly. Together, they seem to make a fun pair. Silly story of trying to find treasure leads to a fun wish come true - Friends! A real treasure. Good beginning for a potentially interesting easy reader duo.
Checked out at library and reviewed in consideration for Cybils Award Easy Reader shortlist for 2021.
Checked out at library and reviewed in consideration for Cybils Award Easy Reader shortlist for 2021.
December 18, 2021
This is a great little hybrid between an early/leveled reader and a graphic novel. And while I love the introduction of STEM concepts, my favorite part is the friendship between Blink and Bot--- like Frog and Toad, Elephant and Piggie, or even Paul McCartney and John Lennon, there's one optimist and one realist. It gives the book its humor and heart. I can't wait to see what's next for the Blink and Bot series!
January 27, 2022
Sometimes (ok, most of the time) making new friends feels like a lot of work. Where do you go? How do you get started? Who will be your friend? If only there was an easy-to-follow code for friendship. In FriendBots, @fangmousbooks uses two robots to outline the ways to meet new people (Think creatively, be interesting and outgoing). My young readers loved the easy-to-read comic format and the bonus robot facts in the back of the book.
August 3, 2022
FRIENDBOTS is a fantastic book for early readers! This seemingly simple story actually pacts a lot. It is a great introduction to graphic novels–the illustrations are adorable and expressive, simple, and accessible. It also introduces STEM concepts through the tale of two robots' friendship and treasure hunting. Kids will be immediately drawn in! I also think this is a great tool to inspire kids to explore and try storytelling visually.
September 14, 2022
Friendbots: Blink and Block Make A Wish is a fun and engaging level 2 I Can Read! story. This is not an I Can Read book of the past. One, it's a graphic novel format. Two, the characters are adorable! Three, the story is not predictable (in a good way). Blink slyly turns a cynical Block into a believer and friend in this book that will have kids clamoring for more. I, for one, am looking forward to more Blink and Block adventures!
September 27, 2022
This is a super cute friendship story between an adventurous, imaginative robot and a more serious, logical robot. The layout is simple with only a few panels at most per page, which is great for introducing new readers to the comic format. I love that it has a page of backmatter at the end giving kids more information about sensors, which Blink uses throughout the story in search of treasures. Fantastic STEM book for emerging readers.
June 28, 2021
This colorful and fun book packs a big punch! Vicky Fang's skillful combination of simple language and engaging illustrations is the perfect introduction to the graphic novel format. Young readers will be drawn right into the story of robots, treasure hunting and friendship. This is one they'll want to read again and again!
August 13, 2022
This early reader robot series by author/illustrator Vicky Fang is the perfect teaching tool for colors, comics, shapes and STEM. It's also a delightful story about friendship and seeing things from a different perspective. I love books that make it easy and fun for kids to create their own stories. This one rises to the top. Looking forward to reading more in this series!
June 19, 2021
Adorable leveled-reader with a friendship story, cool robot facts, and comic basics, sure to inspire beginning readers to make their own. And the characters are designed using basic shapes which will make it easy for kids to draw Blink and Block on their own! Fun and inspiring!
June 23, 2021
Blink and Block are quite possibly the two most charming robots you will ever come across. Their positivity and optimism are infectious. Young readers will be delighted as they watch this friendship grow.
December 6, 2021
With the most adorable orb, Blink, Vicky Fang takes young kids on a fun adventure. Using its sensor, the little robot Blink searches for treasure and finds the best one ever. This is really fun early reader author/illustrator debut.
February 4, 2022
A sweet and charming introduction to cute robots Blink and Block, who look at things in different ways � one optimistic, and one realistic. Told in easy to read language and adorable illustrations, this early graphic novel introduces robot technology and tells a lovely friendship story.
April 16, 2022
I might be having too much fun reading early readers lately, but what can I do? FRIENDBOTS #1: Blink & Block Make a Wish by @VickyFang. is definitely a favorite! It’s an oh so sweet friendship story. Funny and Stem: absolute perfection! Get this, you’ll have just as much fun as your little one!
November 4, 2022
This story features two adorable robot characters and is driven by their dialogue in a fun and engaging way. I love the contrast between the two characters and the merging point where they become friends. It is also a great read-aloud for early readers.
April 23, 2021
I read this on Edelweiss.
A super cute story about robots learning how to be a good friend. This is perfect for young graphic novel fans.
A super cute story about robots learning how to be a good friend. This is perfect for young graphic novel fans.
June 18, 2021
The banter between these two robots is so cute and engaging! An adorable story about friendship that is just perfect for kids who are just learning how to read graphic novels. LOVE IT!
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June 21, 2021Super cute graphic novel for young readers
July 9, 2021
Super cute early reader!
August 11, 2021
Cute friendship story.
August 21, 2021
Blink is looking for treasure but is happy with whatever. Block doesn't understand until Blink makes a wish on an old penny. A wish for a friend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
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