Clip-Clop!
This delightful book presents a simple story that will be charmingly familiar to any child or adult who has enjoyed playing horsy-back or knee-bounce games. In large, brightly painted pictures we watch as kindly Mr. Horse takes cat, dog, pig, and duck for a ride on his back with a “clip-clop, clippity-clop”. They plead with him to go faster and faster, and as he does, their faces brighten. Soon, though, they have trouble holding on, and call out for him to stop. The sudden stop lurches them forward and they fly through the air and into a haystack—“plop-plop, ploppity-plop!” When the worried Mr. Horse goes to rescue them, however, he hears, “AGAIN!” as cat, dog, pig, and duck jump up on his back, smiling widely and ready for another ride. The text is spare and rhythmical. The illustrations and accompanying print are large and depict the changing emotions as the story progresses. Children will love re-telling and re-enacting this classic adventure.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
Clip-Clop! invites thigh or lap-bouncing fun! As you read the story to the child, gently bounce the child up and down on your thigh (or on your lap) to the rhythm of “Clip-clop, clippity-clop.” Or have the child clap the rhythm each time you read, “Clip-clop, clippity-clop” (one-two, three-four-five, six).
Talk with children and family members about all of the animals mentioned in this book (horses, cats, dogs, pigs, ducks). Expand children's knowledge of these animals by looking for some books about these animals at your school library or local library—perhaps even online. Read the books to/with the children, then ask the children some questions: “Which animals are large, which are small? Do you know what sound a horse (cat, dog, etc.) makes? Where do these different animals live?" Think of as many questions as you can based on your knowledge and the new facts you learned from the books and other sources.