Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots; Michael Rex

Get to know your facts from your opinions with the help of some very entertaining robots in this delightfully fun read.

In a world of ‘fake news’ and where people shout louder and louder until their opinion gets heard, author Michael Rex teaches young readers some very important lessons. Guided by some ‘expert’ robots, young readers are given a lively and engaging lesson in facts and opinions. After being introduced to the difference between a fact and an opinion, readers knowledge is then put to the test as they are given statements like, “There is only one robot here,” and, “Green is a good colour for a robot.” Readers are asked to determine whether these statements are facts or opinions. More challenging statements appear as the robots begin to dance and readers are asked, “Which of them has the coolest moves?"

Readers then see what can happen when opinions collide as the robots try to make some important decisions about what flavour ice cream to eat and what movie to watch. I really like these scenarios that the robots experience as they teach readers how opinions often cause problems between friends. Because people all have different opinions it is important to remember that all opinions are equally valid, even if we disagree with someone else’s. After a few reboots to help the robots on their way, they learn a very important lesson…compromise. Sometimes we have to agree to disagree and find something that we can agree on - the robots deciding that it is OK to enjoy different flavours of ice cream and that they would both quite like to watch a space movie.

The book actively engages with its audience as readers are asked questions and encouraged to make decisions. And by the end of it children should have an improved understanding of facts and opinions and will have had plenty of laughs along the way (hmm, is that a fact or an opinion?).

A lively and entertaining read that teaches children the important difference between facts and opinions. Living in a world where facts are often questioned and opinions are shouted loud and with little listening, this book seems rather important.

Recommended for 5+.