Johnny the Clockmaker

by Edward Ardizzone

Johnny loves to make things. Whenever he has spare time, he can be found hammering and banging and sawing up pieces of wood. But his parents don't think much of his hobby — to them, it’s just a noisy, nonsensical, and very dusty activity. So it comes as no surprise that when Johnny decides to make a grandfather clock, they advise him to do something “useful” instead. Only two people believe Johnny can do it — Susannah and Joe the Blacksmith. And of course, Johnny himself. This beautifully illustrated story is an engaging reminder that even difficult tasks can be achieved.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1960

About the author

Edward Jeffrey Irving Ardizzone, CBE, RA was an English artist, writer and illustrator, chiefly of children's books.

For Tim All Alone (Oxford, 1956), which he wrote and illustrated, Ardizzone won the inaugural Kate Greenaway Medal from the Library Association, recognising the year's best children's book illustration by a British subject.

For the 50th anniversary of the Medal (1955–2005) it was named one of the top ten winning works, selected by a panel to compose the ballot for a public election of the all-time favourite.

Reviews

[Cecily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about a child’s unusual passion - or maybe an unusual child’s passion. Johnny is determined to make a grandfather clock, and goes to great and creative lengths to do so.

Johnny's self-belief is nearly quashed by parents who demean him, mock his ambition, and complain about the resulting noise and mess.



Fortunately, Johnny is helped by supportive friend, Susannah, and by Joe the blacksmith's generosity of time, encouragement - and metal parts

Like most good children’s books, it includes repetition (“Oh dear, Johnny is up to his nonsense again”), lists (clock components), and a carefully measured dose of something bad or sad.

Ardizzone, the artist and author

I loved many of the children’s books Ardizzone wrote and illustrated in his unique style: Sarah and Simon and No Red Paint and The Adventures of Tim and Ginger, including at sea. They were rather old-fashioned even when I read them (Johnny was published in 1960, but the first Tim one was pre-WW2). There was invariably at least one nasty or sinister adult, but the stories were always exciting, without being overly scary. I have fond memories of them all, but Johnny remains my favourite.

Ardizzone was also a “proper” artist (member of The Royal Academy of Arts), illustrator, and war artist. See http://www.edwardardizzone.org.uk/ for examples of his work.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnny loves making things, and one day decides he will try to make a grandfather clock. His father and mother belittle his efforts and call it Johnny's nonsense. His teacher ridicules him and other children pick up on this and join in. Luckily he makes friends with Susannah who believes in his ability and she encourages him to follow his dream. Johnny approaches the blacksmith to make parts such as the pendulum, and eventually Johnny achieves his goal. As always, there is so much to look at in the illustrations, playground scenes, houses, gardens, horses, and cats watching. The drawings are wonderful and such a lovely, interesting story.

[John Chenery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the first books that I borrowed from the library, in the 1960s. It's an iconic picture-book for me, because Edward Ardizzone is also known for illustrating some GPO telegrams. Needless to say, this was a wonderful book, reflecting the strictness of family life (back then), and the determination of Johnny.