In Billie Builds a RoboCorn, the debut picture book from Toronto filmmaker José Lourenço, Billie and her father must move when her father gets a new job, and Billie must go to a new school, which is “very unfair.” Not to be kept down, the “relentlessly resourceful” Billie has a plan: she will build her “#1 all-time forever bestie of besties,” RoboCorn, who is a “Robot Unicorn who can jump over the sun … And make pancakes!” She starts with a blueprint, collects materials, and gets to work.
There is a wild discrepancy between RoboCorn as imagined by Billie, and what her efforts produce. Despite her best attempts to mold RoboCorn into the perfect friend, her creation fails to live up to expectation time and time again. Nevertheless, Billie has empathy for her new friend, perhaps projecting her own struggles onto RoboCorn, who she claims “has been having a hard time” and “probably wants to make some more friends.” She proposes taking RoboCorn to the park. At the park, however, RoboCorn continues to fail to perform as expected. His true purpose, perhaps, is to help Billie make a like-minded friend, attracting the attention of Elif, who is impressed by Billie’s “UniBot.” The two quickly discover that they have much in common and play together for hours before Billie is invited to have dinner with her new friend. The story ends with Billie leaving RoboCorn in the care of her dad with some very explicit instructions, including clockwise tail brushing.
Despite her best attempts to mold RoboCorn into the perfect friend, her creation fails to live up to expectation time and time again. Nevertheless, Billie has empathy for her new friend, perhaps projecting her own struggles onto RoboCorn, who she claims “has been having a hard time” and “probably wants to make some more friends.”
Lourenço creates an accessible story, often using kid-friendly hyperbole (“approximately 700 million billion trillion sparkles”), and using a wry humour that will appeal to adult co-readers as well. The deadpan narration style recalls Ron Howard of Arrested Development in lines such as “Billie began to explain. And her dad knew that once Billie started talking, it was best not to interrupt.”
In addition to the all-important mindset and STEM themes, Billie Builds a RoboCorn contains several other elements that could be used as a catalyst for teachable moments. Billie’s description of RoboCorn could be a starting point for discussion on what makes a good friend. They share interests – rhythmic gymnastics and samba. Robocorn is an active listener “who always maintains respectful eye contact.” Billie again projects her feelings onto RoboCorn, who sometimes gets lonely and “needs a snuggle.” With its single-dad representation, the story could also fit into conversations about diverse family structures which is a part of the Ontario elementary curriculum. Billie and her dad present as white, while Elif is depicted as more racially ambiguous.
James Braithwaite’s simple scribble-style ink and watercolour illustrations are fun and whimsical, complimenting the tone of the story and bringing the precocious Billie to life.
Fans of Ashley Spires’ Most Magnificent Thing and Andrea Beaty’s Rosie Revere, Engineer, Billie is a welcome and unique addition to the girls-in-STEM canon (can you ever really have too many strong, resourceful female protagonists in your collection?)
Though at its most basic this is the story of a girl and her unicorn, it is far from a stereotypically gendered story and will appeal to all types of readers – unicorn lovers, makers, and those who are adjusting to big life changes. I read-aloud tested Billie Builds a RoboCorn with a class of grade twos, who received it enthusiastically, albeit with many questions about words and concepts. Readers on the older end of the recommended 3-7 years age range will get the most out of this story.
José Avelino Gilles Corbett Lourenço is a Toronto-based writer and filmmaker. His debut feature Young Werther premiered in TIFF’s Special Presentations section, was longlisted for for the Vallée Discovery Award, acquired by Lionsgate, and released theatrically around the world. A former Toronto Star columnist whose writing has appeared in McSweeney’s, Hazlitt, the Globe and Mail, and National Post, he now works across film, television, publishing, and advertising. His wife and two daughters believe this bio would be 10% stronger if it were 10% shorter.
James Braithwaite (he/him) is an illustrator, animator and writer, who lives in Toronto with his lovely wife and two little sprogs. James’ work has been nominated for an Oscar, was presented at the Guggenheim, and won an Emmy. An Emmy is alarmingly sharp, and is great for holding bananas. James currently spends all his time in his studio softly muttering at his watercolour palettes. He’s fine. But you should probably bring him a bagel.
Publisher: Tundra Books/PRH Canada (April 14, 2026)
Paperback: 6″ x 9″ | 40 pages
ISBN: 9781774884041
Amy Shiell is a children's librarian living in southwestern Ontario. She believes that story is a powerful teaching tool, and is pretty sure there is a picture book for any situation. Please don't ask her what her favourite book is - it's an impossible choice!
