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  • Published: 6 June 2023
  • ISBN: 9780593530092
  • Imprint: Nancy Paulsen Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $29.99

Wants vs. Needs vs. Robots



In his witty companion to the popular Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots, New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Michael Rex shows us why what we want isn’t always the same as what we need.

In his witty companion to the popular Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots, New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Michael Rex shows us why what we want isn’t always the same as what we need.

Do you know the difference between a want and a need? It can be a hard thing to understand, especially when you want something so much that you feel like you have to have it. But some things aren’t essential—like jellybean tacos and groovy boots. Other things are essential—like fuel and feet to put the boots on. The robots in this book are here to show you the difference as they make trades to get some things they really want (hooray!) but give away some things they need (oops!).

This timely companion to the popular Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots makes tricky, but vital, concepts accessible. Kids will have fun following the action and discovering this is the kind of book they really, really want to read again and again.

  • Published: 6 June 2023
  • ISBN: 9780593530092
  • Imprint: Nancy Paulsen Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $29.99

About the author

Michael Rex


Michael Rex has been writing and illustrating since 1995 and has created more than forty-five books for children, including the #1 bestseller and Halloween favourite Goodnight Goon. His Fangbone! graphic novels have been adapted into an animated TV show, and his recent picture book Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots is being developed for TV as well. He's written for all ages, from simple picture books such as Eat Pete to the illustrated chapter book series Icky Ricky. He travels the country talking about his work with students, has a master's degree in arts education, and also taught high school art for three years in the Bronx.
He has been obsessed with postapocalyptic stories since he was young and has wanted to tell a story like Your Pal Fred for as long as he can remember. He lives in New Jersey with his wife, two teenage boys, and a dog named Roxy.

Also by Michael Rex

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Praise for Wants vs. Needs vs. Robots

PRAISE FOR FACTS VS. OPINIONS VS. ROBOTS
* “Charismatic robots populate this primer for kids growing up in an era when facts are considered debatable and opinions are oft expressed loudly and without empathy . . . Vital information for young media consumers; it couldn't be timelier.” —Kirkus STAR
     “What a good idea! Show little ones how to tell facts from opinions—and do it with robots . . . The engaging robots, the simple text, the clean, crisp pages, and, of course, the question-and-answer format that gives young ones the chance to think and decide for themselves . . . Parents, teachers, and librarians will find lots of uses for this.” —Booklist
     “Rex and his robots ultimately make a fun, cogent argument for informed and civil conversation . . . These robots could teach grown-ups a thing or two.” —PW
     “A must-buy.” —SLJ

PRAISE FOR GOODNIGHT GOON
     "Snort-inducing parody of one of children's literature's most sacred texts . . . What fun it is." —Kirkus
     "Monstrous twist on a classic bedtime tale . . . A lot of fun, and it may inspire kids to come up with their own retellings of other familiar classics." —BCCB

PRAISE FOR WITH ANY LUCK, I’LL DRIVE A TRUCK
     "A wrecking ball to delight kids and destroy boredom. Dream big, kids." —Vanity Fair
     "A refreshing treat." —NY Times
     * "A delightful ode to trucks goes above and beyond the usual churning, wrecking, and pounding . . . Lucky indeed are the kids who get to indulge in this splendid little wish-fulfillment daydream." —Kirkus STAR