The Wild Robot

The sound of honking geese fills the air. The flock returns, led by Brightbill. They land in the pond and Brightbill flutters up onto Roz’s shoulder. She welcomes him home and he replies that it is good to be back.

Inside the Nest, Brightbill tells Roz the story of his winter trip. The flock flew across the ocean, stopping at islands, until they reached the mainland. Snow began to fall, and the flock was worried because it was too early for snow. The oldest goose died. As the weather grew worse, the flock could not find food. Longneck urged them on, but they became lost.

The geese found a farm where Brightbill saw a robot just like Roz. Brightbill tried to speak to it but did not understand what it said. Brightbill followed the robot to a greenhouse full of plants. An old cat told Brightbill how to open the door so that the flock could enjoy the warmth and food, warning them to stay out of sight of humans. The robot ignores the geese.

Brightbill explored the barn, where there were animals and more robots. He heard panicked squawks and rushed out to see that a human had discovered the flock. Longneck tried to defend them, and the human shot him with a rifle. Brightbill helped the others escape.

The flock urged Brightbill to lead them, so he took point and kept the flock moving south. Brightbill saw many abandoned buildings along the coast. He saw ships on the water and in the air. They came to a city where Brightbill met a pigeon who showed him around. Every human dwelling seemed to have a robot. They saw a factory full of Roz robots.

Brightbill led the flock to the wintering grounds, where they met many other flocks. In the spring, the flock returned via their usual route.

Brightbill and Roz sit together, thinking about his long journey. Roz tells Brightbill about her winter and all that happened. She says that the most important thing that happened was that she made friends with many animals. She is surprised that so many animals like her.

Brightbill thinks it natural that the animals like his mother. He says she is the most likable robot he has ever seen. In comparison with the many robots he saw that winter, Brightbill realizes how special his mother is.

Roz announces during the Dawn Truce that she is having a celebration that evening. She calls it the Party Truce and invites all the animals. She promises a surprise. All the animals are excited about attending.

At dusk, the animals gather in the Great Meadow, where there is a giant stack of wood. Roz spent the whole day gathering it.

Roz emerges holding a torch, with mud and wildflowers all over her. She thanks everyone for coming and announces that a year ago, she arrived on the island. She was just a machine, but they helped teach her to live. Roz thanks the crowd, which echoes back their thanks.

Roz lights the wood and the meadow is bathed in firelight. The animals all revel in the light and warmth. Roz breaks into a wild dance. They party all night, singing and laughing and dancing.

No one notices the cargo ship passing the island, but it notices the bonfire and the robot.

By dawn, only Roz and Brightbill remain in the meadow. Roz suggests that they go for a walk. They head to the mountain peak and watch the sunrise. Roz says that she once sat on this peak and looked around at the island, thinking that she would always be alone. Brightbill asks if Roz is happy and she says that she is. Brightbill says that he is happy too.

Brightbill hears a distant sound and sees an airship flying their way.