Robodog – by David Walliams Middle Grade Book Review (Ages 8-11)

By georgieva.iskra / April 28, 2026

Book cover of Robodog by David Walliams, a middle grade novel for children aged 8–11.

Robodog is a middle-grade humorous story for ages 9-11, exploring crime, supervillains, and the impact of technology.

Plot summary

Welcome to Bedlam, “home to some of the dastardliest criminals the world has ever known.” The city is in urgent need of well-trained dogs to tackle its rising crime problems. When another theft occurs, this time at the museum, the Chief—a stern woman struggling with chaos at The Police Dog School—turns to her wife, a professor and inventor, to create Robodog: a machine designed “to sniff and guard and chase and do all the things the police dog can do and more.” Robodog befriends Ratty and teams up with outsider dogs from the school to take on the malicious cat Velma and the supervillains Mighty Mind and Hammerhands.

Themes, Illustration and Writing Style

Robodog is a fast-paced story with comic elements, brought to life by Adam Stower’s humorous illustrations and frequent onomatopoeia. Humour is a clear strength; however, at times, the dialogue and plot feel contrived. While the story features many characters and themes—such as friendship, good vs evil, identity, pet love, technology’s impact, and the classic cat-and-dog rivalry, which may overwhelm some young readers particularly if read independently by children under 9.

Final Thought

While entertaining, Robodog’s attempt to tackle multiple ideas somehow dilutes its humorous impact. Best suited for confident readers aged 9-11 who enjoy energetic stories and comics.

Further Information:

If you love Robodog, check out more information about its author and illustrator: