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![Robobaby by [David Wiesner]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51TG6UV4QTL._SX260_.jpg)
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From the Publisher
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Robobaby with David Wiesner
The three-time Caldecott Medalist shares the creative process behind his new book
I’ve always been fascinated by mechanical and industrial things, the workings of watches, locomotives, anything with gears. Robots—walking, talking machines!—are a part of this fascination, and my favorite robots were found on screen: Robby from Forbidden Planet, the mechanical Maria from Metropolis, Gort from The Day the Earth Stood Still, and even Rosie from The Jetsons.
Character Inspiration
So it’s no surprise than when I created an app with multiple worlds, I was determined to include a robot world. Initially I drew domestic scenes of a robot family, but they didn’t end up factoring into the narrative. I kept thinking about them, though. I knew they had a story to tell. I decided they needed their own book.
When I started to think about a “robot book,” I first drew spare parts, then a big box of parts. Of course those parts would have to be assembled—but into what? Aha! This must be where robot babies come from! They are ordered from Robobaby Inc.
That led me to think about how adults always seem to need kids to show them how to use current technology. This introduced me to my young heroine, Cathode—AKA Cathy—who alone knows the correct way to assemble her newly delivered (so to speak) little brother.
In addition to Cathy, I had many different robot designs and I wanted a big cast. But the first ones to be created were the nuclear family: Cathode, along with Diode, her mother, and Lugnut, her father.
Early Sketches
I begin in a sketchbook, making loose drawings to determine their basic shapes. Then I try to get a feel for their posture, how they move, and how they look from different angles. This process begins to reveal the personalities of the characters.
With the basic designs determined, I write the story. Many of my books are wordless, but some have text—Robobaby is one of those with text. But regardless of whether there is text or not, I write my stories in pictures first.
Character Models
When the narrative is set, I begin to finalize the look of my characters. (The story often evolves as I refine the art.) I always make models of my characters for drawing and lighting reference, and Robobaby was no exception. I usually use a modeling compound, but since these characters are made of metal and have very geometric and symmetrical body parts, I decided to try a new approach to the models. I drew technical specs for them and had them 3D-printed in plastic. (My son knows how to use CAD and made the files that went to the printer. Thank goodness for kids—life imitates art!)
Final Art
Here is the final painting and the image with text. This is where Cathode first meets her new baby brother—Flange!
