Clink

Though this is his picture book debut, illustrator Myers's vision of the robot Clink's world is fully developed. It's a place where toy stores sell shiny, talented robots who do homework and make chocolate chip cookies, while the chunky outdated robot Clink--much cuter than the others, of course, with a toaster head and blocky red feet--only plays music and makes toast. Kids line up for the cookie-making robots and wave lonely Clink's burnt toast away: "He hadn't been programmed to cry, but somehow he leaked rusty tears every time." Finally, a boy named Milton appears, who "likes burned toast, is great at fixing things, and... loves to dance." DiPucchio's (Grace for President) text percolates with plenty of humor, and the inevitability of the plot provides security for smaller readers. Myers has a wonderful time drawing gems like the victim of Clink's disastrous haircuts (the unfortunate girl looks like a trimmed hedge) and the polka-dot underpants a fellow robot offers to Clink as consolation. Extra marks for the distinctive combination of geek elements with a dash of sentimentality. Ages 4-7. (Apr.)

K-Gr 2--This predictable story is another addition to the genre of toys/animals that languish in a store unappreciated until the right child comes along to claim them. Clink is an old-fashioned robot collecting dust and rust in a store full of newer and flashier machines. While the other bots can do amazing things like pick up dirty laundry while playing baseball, give people outlandish hairstyles, and help kids with their homework while baking chocolate chip cookies, all Clink can do is play old music and make burnt toast. As in other tales of this ilk, it looks as if no one will ever want him, but at last the right child shows up. Myers's exaggerated illustrations of people and gadgets follow the text but do not extend it, and the protagonist is not charming enough to endear himself to young readers. Skip this clunker in favor of Don Freeman's Corduroy (Viking, 1968).--Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT