The Dancing Clock

by Steve Metzger

Inspired by the Delacorte Clock in Central Park, this rollicking read-aloud pays tribute to one of New York City's most beloved monuments. At every hour, the dancing clock chimes and the fun begins! The clock's merry band of animals performs for the crowd below. From his home in the zoo, Milo the snow monkey watches the band too. His friends beg him to play, but all Milo wants to do is join the musicians and dance. Then one day, he gets his big chance. The zookeeper forgets to lock Milo's gate, and Milo sets off on an unforgettable adventure!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 28, 2011

About the author

I grew up in Queens, NY in the 1950s with my “baby” sister, Lois. She is now a wonderful writer of young adult novels and nonfiction. My mother was born in Vienna, Austria, and my father came from Brooklyn – an interesting match! My best friends were Neil, Robbie, Krebs, and Paul. I’m still good friends with most of these guys. It was less hectic in those days – no computers, no emails, fewer TV channels (MANY fewer!) We had lots of fun playing ball and listening to records. I’ll never forget when the Beatles came to America – Beatlemania!
After graduating from Baruch College in NYC, I didn’t know what to do with my life. I bounced around doing odd jobs, including taxi driver, dishwasher, and hotel desk clerk. One day, while relaxing in Central Park (OK, I was unemployed), I saw a group of children from a local daycare center. It struck me that I always liked children -- perhaps I could make a career out of something I liked. Eureka! Ever since then, I’ve been involved, in one way or another, with the lives of young children.

I received my Masters in Education from Bank Street College and taught preschool kids for a bunch of years. I loved the childrens' innocence and vivid imaginations. After moving into school administration for a few years, I began working at Scholastic, where I have been ever since.

At Scholastic, I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to write children’s books. The first book that I wrote was "The Dinofours: I’m Super Dino!" Twenty-seven other Dinofours’ books followed. I hope my respect and appreciation for young children shines through in my stories.

Nowadays, I’m lucky to be married to my beautiful and talented wife, Nancy (she’s also a writer). In 1998, we were blessed with a terrific daughter, Julia, who helps criticize my story ideas and lets me play with her once in a while.

And furthermore…any recollections of my life would not be complete without mentioning my grandmother, Mutti. She was an ever present source of love, appreciation, and wisdom.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had suggested this book to an educator by just reading the synopsis so I wanted to read the whole thing.
This book is a sweet celebration of music about a real place! The historical note at the end explains all about the Delacorte Clock in NYC. Interesting. From Google:
Novelty clock circled by bronze animal musicians playing nursery rhymes on the hour from 8am to 6pm.
Add it to my bucket list!

[☁︎ ☾ ｡⋆ morgan ⋆｡☽ ☁︎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I NEVER KNEW THE DELACORTE CLOCK EXISTED- i'm so delighted!! i need to go to NYC and see it immediately, goodness. new bucket list spot for sure! anyway, this had good rhyming and the art style wasn't my favorite, but the story of the clock with the monkeys 100% makes up for it. the summary in the back is a helpful bonus!

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've never been to the Central Park Zoo in New York, you will want to after reading this delightful rhyming tale. Milo, a snow monkey, lives in the zoo. Each day he wishes he could join the musical animals who chime the bells and play their music every hour. He longs to join them and as a result neglects his friends, Gus, Bessie and Zack. One day it happens. The gate is unlocked and he can finally join his musical friends on top of the wonderful clock for all to see. As the music winds down and a chill fills the air, Milo finds he is hungry, alone and stuck on top of the clock. How will he get back to his warm cozy home and see his friends again? Kids, parents, teachers and homeschoolers will love this tribute to the Delacorte clock, located outside the entrance to the Central Park Children's Zoo. Kids will learn about each musical animal and what inspired the creation of the clock.

[Terry]

This is a cute story. The rhyme is spot on and done VERY WELL. The illustrations are colorful and active enough to keep very young listeners busy while you read the text. Our daughter loved looking at the pages and all of the activity. Visit the Reading Tub to see more of this review While you’re there, add a link to your review.

[Sarah Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dancing Clock would be a great read aloud book to any elementary class. There is different ways you could use this book. This book could be used for prediction of what the students might think will happen. Also since the book is about a clock using it for telling time activity.I would also use this as a social studies because of how descriptive the book was about where the clock was located in New York.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great rhyming book about the dancing clock in Central Park and the zoo monkey who was obsessed with it. Milo wants to join in the fun and finds a way to do it! But then, how can he get back home?

Great for preschool or toddler storytimes.

[Alexis Demaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was extremely fun and a great example of rhyming! The little monkey was so cute, I loved it!

[Mollie B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great rhyme scheme. A bit long, but do-able for storytime.

[Scottsdale Public Library]

A good time finding who your real friends are. --Monty K.

[John Nez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did the illustrations to this book... but Goodreads fails to include me in the credits. Sigh....