Norby: The Mixed-Up Robot is meant to entertain, emphasizing humor and adventure over characterization and theme. A careful reader will note puns throughout the novel, but most of the humor is generated by the word play between characters. For instance, when Norby tries to transmat Jeff, Albany, and himself to where Fargo is, the following ensues: "Norby, are you going to be able to get the doors open?" Jeff asked.

"In a minute. In a minute.

And—on the other side—we will find your brother." The doors opened, and they stepped out into a huge gray room. Overhead there was a section of glassite dome and beyond that a dim, rolling fog.

"Or maybe we won't," Norby said in a small voice.

"Where on earth—" said Albany.

"I don't think anywhere on Earth," said Jeff. "Norby! Where are we?"

"Is there a...