Robot Finds Creative Solution to His Problem in this Visually Appealing Picture Book Can You Find My Robot's Arm

Chihiro Takeuchi's Can You Find My Robot's Arm is a fun and engaging story of a little robot that has a huge problem when he discovers that he is missing an arm. He and his friend must search the house in order to find his arm. They search through the house, a garden, and the neighborhood amusement park. The arm is nowhere to be found. Could it be up in a tree or at the library? They find and try several solutions when they find a pencil, scissors, and an umbrella. None of these familiar objects will do as an arm for the little robot. Do you think a fish bone might work? They find a lollipop at the amusement park. No, the lollipop won't work either. They return home and decide that a an object that they found in the kitchen at home will do nicely as an arm. Young readers will find this solution to be a good one.

Can You Find My Robot's Arm was published by Tundra Books, a division of Penguin Random House Publishing. It is recommended for ages 2-8 and has an ISBN of 9781101919033.

Chihiro Takeuchi is a world-renowned artist with paper cut art forms. Takeuchi was honored in 2015 at the Bologna Book Fair as part of a group of artists who were invited to exhibit works. She has written several books in Japanese. Her creative new picture book Can You Find My Robot's Arm is her first children's books written in English. You may learn more about her by following her on Twitter at @chihirars.

The art form of paper cutting was brought to Japan from China after 610 A.D. Japanese paper cutting is called kirie or kirigami. Washi paper is the most commonly used type of paper that is used today. The art form is cut from a single sheet of paper.

Most schools have now implemented the STEM and STEAM curriculum for students. The STEM curriculum incorporates subjects in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The arts are incorporated into the STEAM curriculum. Critical thinking skills are taught along with concepts in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Teachers can use engaging books such as Takeuchi's Can You Find My Robot's Arm to help students develop an interest in problem solving and critical thinking. Young readers will relate the little robot to science and engineering concepts. Students always enjoy taking an object apart to see how it works. The little robot is missing a part and students will read along to discover a familiar object that will be a substitute for the little robot's arm.

Creativity is a process that always ends with a finished product. Discovery is part of the process. The little robot tries many objects as a solution before he finds the perfect object to use as his missing arm. The idea of a variety of choices is part of the story that fit the ideas behind the STEM and STEAM curriculum. The freedom to make mistakes gives students the opportunity to try out different solutions just as the little robot does. Brainstorming ideas for each of the little robot's choices gives students the opportunity to test reasons for why the objects won't work. The little robot's choice of the fork offers the opportunity to brainstorm ideas for why the fork is a perfect solution.

Appreciation for the arts is part of the STEAM curriculum. Paper cut art is introduced in this picture book. Children will enjoy learning about this art form after reading. Teachers have the opportunity to provide materials to allow children to experiment with their own creations in the art of cutting paper.