Here’s my selection for Perfect Picture Book Friday:
Clink
Written By Kelly DiPucchio
Illustrations by Matthew Myers
Balzer +Bray, Harper Collins Publishers, 2011
Fiction
Suitable for: ages 4-8
Theme/Topic: Being Different, Being Yourself, Fitting In, Outdated
Opening Spread: As far as robots go, Clink had his fair share of problems.
He was rusty (even his dust had rust).
He was squeaky (even his creaks made squeaks).
And a day didn’t pass without something falling off.
Plink! Pop! Ping!
But the problem that made clinks dials drop and his circuits short out was nobody wanted an old robot.
Brief Synopsis: From author’s website —
Clink was a state-of-the-art robot with the dazzling
ability to make toast and play music at the same time. But that was many years ago.
Now kids want snazzier robots who do things like play baseball and bake cookies. So day after day, Clink sits on a shelf and sadly watches his friends leave with their new owners.
Resources: Robot Activities for Kids on Pinterest. Robot Craft.
Why I Like This Book: We discovered this title while searching for robot books. We renewed the book twice. I spotted Clink on the library shelf and checked it out a third time. We needed to read him again. He is happy here and we are happy to have him. Clink is a great reminder that you can find your tribe — the people who like you for who you are. You may have to wait a little longer, but it’s well worth the wait.
There is a happy ending for Clink. His story is like the unwanted older dog at the pound, who finds a loving home.
For more PPBF books, visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s Blog.
I survived Pikes Peak Writers Conference!
I enjoyed meeting Jane and R.L. Stine.
I’m not into horror, but enjoyed Stine’s in-person humor. He began his career writing joke books under the name Jovial Bob Stine. (I ordered two of his out-of-print books and they are funny.)
Stine has a picture book coming out in August with Marc Brown called The Little Shop of Monsters. He said picture books are hard and it took multiple versions before his manuscript was accepted. I found this article about the birth of the book interesting.
He also said he’d never had a request to sign a book like this. To Mommy!
Me: This way my son knows this is MY book.
Stine: But, what happens when he doesn’t call you that anymore?
I didn’t have an answer, because my Enzo will always be my Enzo. I will always be his mommy. This will also always be MY book.
The Pikes Peak Writers Conference was wonderful. I met new writers, enjoyed many workshops, and remain grateful for the success of the silent auction — thanks to donors, bidders, and volunteers, who made it all possible. The experience of being around other writers a.k.a. people who just “know” is always energizing.
Oh, Clink looks like such a cute robot – the exact sort that I would take home with me from the robot-pound. Thanks for sharing this book… now I have one more to add to my “definitely gotta read this” pile.
Lucky Enzo! When I used to volu teer at the school library there was always a book of his to be reshelved! Clink looks adorable. I haven’t read it yet, but I am on a DiPucchio-Binge, so I’ll get there!
The cover looks so inviting! That little robot is super adorable. I’m already in love with his character and I haven’t even opened the book!
Yep – DiPucchio books are always winner in this house! Plus, no upsetting goats. 😉
What a great find, not just for kids who are into robots, but for their parents who will also enjoy the message behind the story (you can find your tribe).
I’ve got to check out this book!
Sounds like you had a terrific time. And I love YOUR book. 😀
Just found out I have to go through LINK+ to get this from a different library system. They have plenty of Kelly’s other books, but not this one. Wonder why, considering robots are a hot item.
The cover got me! It begs to go home with you. You and Enzo are sharing some great robot books.
Glad you had such a wonderful time!
That will always be Mommy’s book – love it! And Clink sounds such a sweetheart, who could leave him to rust on a shelf?
Poor little Clink has big problems! Reminds me of WALL*E.
That sounds a great book to teach kids about inclusion. You’d think after how long we’ve all been writing that we’d be set in our ways with a tribe or two but it depends what the tribe is based on. I find it difficult to have a tribe because I keep changing what I’m interested in.
Clink reminds me of WALL*E, as Manju said ^ :). Adorable cover, very attractive energy. So true that we need to give ourselves and others time to find our niche. A sense of safety and self-acceptance is needed. Great time to give a young one that message (early). And LOL on the ‘Mommy!!’ claim to your book. I insist that my 17 yr old call me Mommy. He does most of the time. Like you said, you’ll always be Enzo’s mommy. That’s the only bond that never change for a lifetime.
Aw, everybody wants the shiny new robots. Sounds like a cute book with a good message. Too funny about the way you had him sign the book! Based on his speech, I’m not surprised those books were funny. Congratulations on another successful silent auction! You put a lot of work into it.
I love your Stine cover. And of course, your review. Feeling a bit clinky myself.