The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess

The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess by Tom Gauld is a superb modern fairytale, full of twists, turns and mild peril. Both magically made out of wood, the robot and the princess serve as adopted children to the king and queen. When the log princess is accidently tossed out of the window one morning (having returned to log form when she sleeps) the little wooden robot sets off on a quest to get her back. Gauld's deadpan humour shines through, and his distinctive style makes for a witty and charming story of sibling love. * The Scotsman *
Tom Gauld's The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess (Templar Books, £12.99, 3+) uses a journey as a metaphor too. This original fairytale explores kinship between the most unlikely siblings. Although they were created by two different advisers to the Kingdom, the Wooden Robot and the Log Princess have more in common than their sylvan origins, and when the Log Princess is accidentally thrust out into the dangerous world, her brother embarks upon a journey to find her. When he does, she is happy to repay his loyalty by demonstrating her own. The narrative is full of surprises despite its traditional influences, but it is Gauld's detailed, textured illustrations that will draw a young reader's attention back to this wonderful book again and again. -- Sara Keating * The Irish Times *
One of the best picture books I've read this year. It's a cabinet of curiosities in a clockwork castle... it's a funny, twisty, heartfelt yarn. * The New York Times (Ben Hatke) *
THE LITTLE WOODEN ROBOT AND THE LOG PRINCESS by the cartoonist @tomgauld is a modern fairytale. It is a gorgeously illustrated picture book with a beautiful message about the special bond between siblings. I adored it. And so did Ernie! * David Walliams, Twitter *

What an astonishingly sweet book. I worried about the log princess, loved all the adventures we never saw, and cheered the family of beetles.

* Neil Gaiman *