From Little Buddy to Big Brother: The Icon of the Robot in Children's Science Fiction

Esmonde, Margaret P. "From Little Buddy to Big Brother: The Icon of the Robot in Children's Science Fiction." TMG [85]-98.

An important essay covering works from L. F. Baum's Oz books (q.v. under Fiction) through the 1970s. In addition to robots, MPE notes "the icon of the computer: the stationary, nonanthropomorphic thinking machine. Whereas in the robot stories the mechanical character is almost certain to be benevolent, in computer stories, the machine without exception poses a serious threat . . . " (94). The "icon of the robot/computer in children's science fiction" suggests a definition of humanity, "not 'I think; therefore, I am,' but 'I love; therefore, I am'" (97). See P. Nodelman entry below, this Category.