What do you think?
Rate this book
Clever Bill
Bill Davis, toy soldier left behind in Mary's hurried preparations to visit her aunt, uses his ingenuity and is on the railway station to welcome her.
24 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1926
About the author
William Nicholson
21 books10 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Sir William Newzam Prior Nicholson was an English painter of still-life, landscape and portraits, also known for his work as a wood-engraver, illustrator, author of children's books and designer for the theatre.
Sir William Newzam Prior Nicholson was an English painter of still-life, landscape and portraits, also known for his work as a wood-engraver, illustrator, author of children's books and designer for the theatre.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 4, 2021
A very simple story for children. I didn't found the drawings special or the story in general. It was an okay book,but don't expect something more.
March 9, 2019
Clever Bill is a toy soldier. When Mary is invited to go to her aunt's house, she packs her suitcase full of toys, but somehow Clever Bill is left out.
The simplest of stories, but somehow quite perfect and delightful.
I never could find a copy of this book at the library, but, happily, I found it as a YouTube Video. The woman who reads the story, it says in the caption, was a library teacher for 46 years, and she has a cockatoo who lived with her in her library. Here's the link if you'd like to listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqXl4...
The simplest of stories, but somehow quite perfect and delightful.
I never could find a copy of this book at the library, but, happily, I found it as a YouTube Video. The woman who reads the story, it says in the caption, was a library teacher for 46 years, and she has a cockatoo who lived with her in her library. Here's the link if you'd like to listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqXl4...
July 18, 2015
This is like the Citizen Kane of picture-story books - one of the earliest. I love toy soldiers and Clever Bill is steadfast and true. The story is very basic - and hand written (which I love) - the illustrations are lovely. I don't know why but this story chokes me up when I think about it. I originally rated it at four stars but have changed it to five as it has become my favorite picture/story book. It's just dear to me.
August 5, 2026
Today my daughter Amelia and I read Clever Bill by William Nicholson. Although this is a classic children's book that was first published nearly 100 years ago, its story still feels timeless.
The book is beautifully illustrated, and the simple writing makes it easy for children to follow while encouraging them to imagine the adventure. Clever Bill is a brave little toy soldier who never gives up, showing children the importance of determination, loyalty, and courage.
Amelia really enjoyed following Bill's journey and was excited when he finally found his way back to Mary. It also gave us a great opportunity to talk about perseverance and why it's important to keep trying, even when things seem difficult.
Overall, Clever Bill is a charming classic that is perfect for young readers and for parents who enjoy sharing meaningful stories with their children. A lovely bedtime read that has stood the test of time.
The book is beautifully illustrated, and the simple writing makes it easy for children to follow while encouraging them to imagine the adventure. Clever Bill is a brave little toy soldier who never gives up, showing children the importance of determination, loyalty, and courage.
Amelia really enjoyed following Bill's journey and was excited when he finally found his way back to Mary. It also gave us a great opportunity to talk about perseverance and why it's important to keep trying, even when things seem difficult.
Overall, Clever Bill is a charming classic that is perfect for young readers and for parents who enjoy sharing meaningful stories with their children. A lovely bedtime read that has stood the test of time.
May 19, 2021
1001 Children's Books list
Age group: 3+
Their list: 48/1001
Mine: 77/1001
Why they say you should read it? An influential artist who did a new look for illustration.
My kids thoughts? I admit, it gets harder to get the right set of audience if you read these category of books later. All my children are over 5 now and some of these books are targeted for smaller readers. That being said, some books are just timeless, such as this one. Although this wasn't our favorite as far as engaging, it's definitely good
Age group: 3+
Their list: 48/1001
Mine: 77/1001
Why they say you should read it? An influential artist who did a new look for illustration.
My kids thoughts? I admit, it gets harder to get the right set of audience if you read these category of books later. All my children are over 5 now and some of these books are targeted for smaller readers. That being said, some books are just timeless, such as this one. Although this wasn't our favorite as far as engaging, it's definitely good
November 11, 2017
I love the details of this title. We picked it up via the library request because it was on the list of a 1,001 books to read before growing up. This was a 1977 American printing, while this title was first published in 1926. I enjoyed the illustrations and the cursive print, it was unexpected and quite charming. I also enjoyed the to and from detail on the inside cover, imagine if more books had this feature. Love. I’m glad we read this, and learning the details about the author/illustrator.
September 24, 2020
How has this toy soldier gained sentience and a sense of direction enough to find the little girl who forgot to pack him up? Why is this girl not surprised by being saluted by a toy with artificial intelligence?
I'm so confused by the story, but at least the pictures are pretty.
I wonder if Toy Story might have been inspired in some part by this.
I'm so confused by the story, but at least the pictures are pretty.
I wonder if Toy Story might have been inspired in some part by this.
May 3, 2021
Watched a reading of this on YouTube
I can see how this would have been such an influential book in the 1920s- the repetition would help with learning new words and the toys and items popular at the time would have made the story interesting for children. Plus, it’s a short story good for new readers.
I can see how this would have been such an influential book in the 1920s- the repetition would help with learning new words and the toys and items popular at the time would have made the story interesting for children. Plus, it’s a short story good for new readers.
March 28, 2022
not bad
January 28, 2026
Rated more highly because of the classic illustrations; not much of a story.
July 10, 2016
I enjoyed this picturebook (1926) very much and can see how illustrators like Maurice Sendak have become influenced by William Nicholson's work. The story is a simple one of an abandoned toy trying to make its way back to its owner but the black framing, captions and lovely writing each add to the joy of the illustrations. I immediately saw how Nicholson encourages the reader to turn the page through not finishing sentences and understand that Sendak gives Nicholson a nod by using the very same technique in Where the Wild Things Are.
August 14, 2011
This book is old, but it has a timeless story. It is about a little girl packing her toys in preparation for at trip.
I like the asthetics of this book. The handprinting of this story didn't bother me and I think a child would appreciate novlety of seeing the handwriten script. I also really liked the fun interchange between the story and the illustration.
I read this as part of my goal to read all "1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up."
I like the asthetics of this book. The handprinting of this story didn't bother me and I think a child would appreciate novlety of seeing the handwriten script. I also really liked the fun interchange between the story and the illustration.
I read this as part of my goal to read all "1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up."
September 1, 2014
This was the first book I ever read; I'm not sure exactly how old I was, but no more than 4. The interaction between the words and the pictures swept me in, as did the pictures' action.
Many people are complaining that hand-written script was used for the words.... all I can tell you is that at less than 5 years old, before going to kindergarten, I found myself able to read them. And I then read the book over and over, each time finding the ending satisfying.
Many people are complaining that hand-written script was used for the words.... all I can tell you is that at less than 5 years old, before going to kindergarten, I found myself able to read them. And I then read the book over and over, each time finding the ending satisfying.
September 25, 2011
This was an interesting little book to read. The illustrations were somewhat difficult to make out because of the printing technique used. The story was a cute one though but not one that children today would really be able to identify with. I can only recommend this book to folks who are interested in ephemera of early children's literature.
April 22, 2012
Little girl packs for a trip, leaves behind tin soldier. Dutiful, loyal tin soldier runs down the train.
August 23, 2012
My younger daughter liked the story, but was frustrated she could not read the script on her own. She liked the loyalty of the soldier.
January 29, 2013
Simple story, with a pleasant feel to it. Little one loved thinking about the story afterward. How did he know where to go, etc.
March 5, 2013
One of my children pointed out that this tale is written in cursive handwriting, and wondered how long it would be viable in that style.
It didn't engage me.
It didn't engage me.
January 5, 2014
Odd little book. The words are handwritten cursive, and the pictures have an aged look. The story is a little too simple to be entertaining.
May 11, 2013
Bill was quite clever. I liked the illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews