JOHNNY THE CLOCKMAKER

Johnny has a prodigious understanding of things mechanical. But his claim that he is able to build a grandfather clock only antagonizes his fellow first graders who assume he is making an unfounded and extravagant claim. Only one child believes him and, together, they establish its truth. Edward Ardizzone's lyrical water colors blend appealingly with the wistfulness of his text, a text which pivots on the yearning of a young child to make his day dreams real. Little boys will be intrigued by the detail of clock making which is presented here simply and unobtrusively.