Whimsical and a little offbeat, this funny story uses spare text and endearing characters to explore themes of kindness, empathy and caring. A boy and a robot debate whether or not the robot is a simple piece of metal or an intelligent being capable of amazing deeds and real friendship. Through their interaction, the boy comes to understand the importance of empathy and caring, the robot discovers what happiness feels like, and both characters discover the meaning of friendship. Full of humor and heart, and told entirely in dialogue, I Am Not a Tin Can offers a delightful twist on the familiar theme of making a new friend.