Clink

DiPucchio, Kelly. 2011. CLINK. Ill. by Matthew Myers. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 9780061929281 [Suggested Grade Levels PreK–2]

REVIEW

Clink is a rusty, squeaky robot that makes toast and plays music. Children aren’t interested in a robot that makes toast. They want the snazzier new models that can do everything from play baseball to bake cookies. The newer models tried to keep Clink’s spirits up, but that was a difficult task when he continually is passed up by the customers. Just when he was feeling like he was ready to give up, a boy enters the store that might be the one that can change his robot life.

Adults and children will enjoy this heartfelt, touching tale that DiPucchio has created. It reminds readers that there is someone for everyone. A person or robot doesn’t have to change who they are to have others notice or like them. Clink found this out the hard way when he tried to cut hair like the robot Blade and tried to play baseball like Zippy. When he was finally being himself by popping burnt toast and dancing to his old-fashioned tunes, the boy with the harmonica thought he was perfect.

Myers’ attention to detail is apparent in his illustrations. Every page is an explosion of fun and visually stimulating. Repeated readings of this book will inevitably reveal a treasure trove of wonder that was missed on previous readings.

CONNECTIONS

Design a robot. What will it look like, what special features will it have? Research robots. What function do robots serve in our society? Discuss what children think robots will do in the future.

RELATED BOOKS

Other books that feature robots with feelings:

Lucas, David. THE ROBOT AND THE BLUEBIRD. ISBN 9780374363307

Oliver, Mark. ROBOT DOG. ISBN 9781561484898

By Jane Jergensen