How to Catch a Clover Thief

by Elise Parsley

This tale about problem-solving and ingenuity from author-illustrator Elise Parsley celebrates nonfiction books as a way to build skills and smarts!

All Roy the wild boar wants is to enjoy his precious patch of delicious clover . . . but every time he turns around, his tasty treasure seems to be shrinking! Who's stealing his favorite meal from right under his snout? To make the tedious job of standing guard by the clover patch day and night more bearable, Roy's neighbor Jarvis the gopher helps by lending his never-ending stash of fascinating books that absorb Roy's attention—as the patch disappears bit by bit. All of that reading makes for a very smart boar, though . . . and in a surprise table-turning twist at the end, Roy might just get the better of that sneaky clover thief!

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Humor, Childrens, Storytime, Fiction, Food

40 pages, Hardcover

First published February 9, 2021

Reviews

[Shaye Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

HILARIOUS!! I especially enjoyed the narrator of this virtual read aloud (Joe Parrett). Can't wait to read this one with my youngest!!

[Livia Blackburne]

I’m guessing Elisa Parsley is a gardener, because HOW TO CATCH A CLOVER THIEF resonated with me deeply. Roy the boar has found a delicious patch of wild clover, but someone keeps stealing it. When the thief finally gets his just desserts, it was a very very satisfying to my gardener soul.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another laugh out loud book by Elise Parsley, with adorable illustrations.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st time: 4.75
2nd time: 4.25

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars Thank you to Edelweiss for supplying an online read of this story. A delightful read for kids who like a trickster tale. Reminiscent of The Lucky Day, Roy, a wild boar finds a big patch of clover in a clearing. He cannot believe his good fortune and decides to wait for the white blossoms to bloom. While doing so, Jarvis, the groundhog shows up with a book in tow. Roy tells him how it's going to be. He found it first, therefore it's his to enjoy, as soon as the white blossoms grow. Jarvis agrees and tells him he might want to take a look at the clover cookbook he brought along. So the story continues. Three times, Jarvis shows up with a different book, three times Roy agrees to either read or listen to the book, each time ending up with less clover in the patch until the third time the clover is completely gone. After that it is Roy who decides he needs a book, but we do not know what the book might be until we see what becomes of Roy's comprehension of the material. A wonderful surprise ending to a devious character in How To Catch a Clover Thief, by Elise Parsley. Kids will enjoy this story.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roy the Boar has a clover patch, and he's waiting for it to blossom in order to enjoy the deliciousness, but Jarvis the gopher wants the patch as well, and stoops to trickery to relieve Roy of his goods. This fun filled, fast paced humorous tale of how Roy finally turned the tables on Jarvis by employing the same tactics the Jarvis used on him.

[Elevetha · Rating 4 out of 5]

It totes itself as promoting problem solving and reading non-fiction, and it may do that, but in all honesty, it's just cute. It's got more of a classic children's book vibe, more like the ones I read in my youth, than many of the new ones I've tried recently.

Illustrations are very cute - I love their expressions, and I love that the gopher's name is Jarvis.

[Chrisanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have yet to meet an Elise Parsley book that I didn't like. This one, in particular, was so satisfying and relatable and I love that books are the sort of solution.

Such a good start to my book year.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title really is a promise. I think young listeners in the library will have opinions and predictions to share.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious. The author does a great job of letting her young audience figure out who the theif is just before Roy, the boar does. And I love how both the problem and the solution are that Roy gets totally absorbed in books. My kids (aged 2 to 7) all love it, and the gardener in me laughed out loud too.

[Amanda Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I make a point of reading as many of Parsley's books to my students as I can. They are so sophisticated in their humor and we just howl. I pre-ordered this book with my own money and figured I would donate it to my library, because I can't wait until my school district releases my funds. It did not disappoint. I laughed out loud at the cleverness of the trickster, and his comeuppance. And then I ordered a second copy so that I can send it to my engineering cousin who is too old for a picture books, but will fully understand why I sent it when he gets to that one page...

[John of Canada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great artwork and dialogue. I learned a lot about how to plan.

[Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This might be a good read aloud for middle grades (3-5) students who are interested in problem solving, It could be used as part of a STEM or STEAM maker's project, as inspiration for a complex trap or other Rube Goldberg device.

[Tompkins County Public Library Youth Services]

A very surprising book about problem solving, and out-maneuvering your rivals, through book-learnin'. I thought this story might end in a tired lesson about sharing and was happy it didn't. Very fun.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Roy was ready. He had just needed the right book."

Roy has found a delicious patch of clover. All it needs is to blossom and Roy will have his favorite snack. But how can he keep the clover all to himself? The first one who comes along is Jarvis, a talkative groundhog. Jarvis freely admits that the clover is Roy's, but he recommend that while Roy waits for the clover to bloom, he reads a book on how to cook the clover. Roy jumps in, even gathering mulberries and mushrooms for one recipe. But when he returns, his clover patch is smaller. Who could have stolen his clover? Jarvis is back with more advice. He gives Roy a book on building a campsite, so that Roy can spend day and night guarding his clover. But when he comes back from carving his canoe, more of his clover is gone. But Jarvis has another idea. Another book. This time it's on Aerospace Engineering. What?

When Roy finally catches on to what is happening, he turns to another book to help him solve his problem.

[Jane Healy · Rating 5 out of 5]

How clever is How to Catch a Clover Thief ? Very! And funny! And it reinforces the importance of reading! What's not to love? Roy, the boar, is waiting patiently for his beloved snack of clover to bloom, and he is guarding his clover patch when his gopher neighbor, Jarvis shows up, with book under his arm--a clover cookbook, as it turns out. While Roy reads the recipes in the book, his clover patch gets smaller. Roy & Jarvis continue conversing, and Jarvis always has just the right book on hand, which he gives to Roy, who gets involved in the book, while SOMEONE steals the clover. All of it. You can imagine that Roy is pretty angry, and he leaves in a huff to go get a book. Whew! thinks Jarvis. You'll have to read it to see who gets the last laugh, as the author/illustrator pulls out all the stops for laughter and ingenuity.

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roy is guarding his clover patch, which is just about to reach perfection and bloom. Roy is drooling just thinking about it. But Jarvis the gopher has helpful books that lure Roy away from his clover patch and before he knows it, it's gone! What will Roy do?

This was amazing. I love, love, love how Roy gets so sucked into his books (and nonfiction books at that). I love, love, love the solution to Roy's problem. (Yay, for the power of books and knowledge!) And the humor is paced perfectly. There's an outstanding balance of clever text and humorous illustrations that combine to be that much better, and more hilarious, together. The mystery elements are just perfect for littles too. Can they figure out who stole Roy's clover before the big reveal at the end? Highly recommended!

[Margo Tanenbaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Elise Parsley, and I really enjoyed her sense of humor and her art style. The art reminded me of classic picture books like Bill Peet or Keiko Kasza, with the whimsical animals drawn in a cartoonish style. In this book, a wild boar looks forward to eating his patch of clover, which mysteriously is getting smaller and smaller as his neighbor, Jarvis the gopher, keeps giving him advice on books he needs to keep his clover "safe". Kids will enjoy the funny ending, when Jarvis gets his comeuppance! I see this book as good for kindergarten through 3rd grade--it's a bit sophisticated in its humor for very young kids.

[Judy Sobanski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed out loud at Elise Parsley's humorous text and funny illustrations! Roy, the wild boar is guarding his small patch of clover while he waits for it to bloom. But clever little Jarvis the groundhog finds some sneaky ways (á la books)to distract Roy and steal the clover. But when Roy decides to do a little reading of his own, he finds a way to catch his thief and make sure he doesn't steal his patch of clover again. Kids will delight in the way Jarvis outwits Roy and how Roy uses books to educate himself on how to keep his little patch of delicious clover safe! A fun addition to any picture book collection!

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two animal friends, Roy and Jarvis, search the park for clover. Roy and the gopher try to outsmart whoever is stealing the clover from Roy. Lots of problem solving and ingenuity on Jarvis' part and Roy tries all the solutions but doesn't come out well in the end. Could the thief be someone Roy knows? Read the book and find the solution to this clover mystery as Roy reads the way to catch the thief. And if you like this one read- Neck & Neck and the If you Ever Want . . . series of books by Elise.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny story about a boar whose clover patch starts gradually disappearing (and the prime suspect is obvious to the reader, but not to Roy!). Kinda gave me Mother Bruce vibes with the exasperated main character and the funny illustrations. I was waiting for some kind of reconciliation between the neighbors, but the thief just gets launched to outer space on a rocket...so to each their own I guess! Also the illustrations for the pudgy gopher are so squishably cute.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Roy wants to do is to eat his clover but it's not quite ready yet. Roy patiently waits and as he does, Jarvis the gopher comes by giving Roy suggestions on how to kill time while waiting. Each time Roy goes away and comes back, his clover patch gets smaller and smaller until it's completely gone! Who is the clover thief?!

I loved this story and the ending is completely unexpected. This is a mystery, humor, problem solving book. Highly recommend.

[Roseann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just adore the characters created by Elise Parsley!
Roy the Warthog loves clover flowers, but will he be out-witted by a silly old gopher?
Hmm......not if he reads just the right book!

Perfect for any day or even St. Pat's day.

P.S. the author's 'Magnolia Says' books are also super!
Five stars!

[Rebecca Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely hilarious. I loved this book so much! Roy is guarding his favorite snack, but when Jarvis comes and gives him wonderful books to read while waiting for it to bloom, somehow his favorite snack starts disappearing. I love the underlying theme of finding the answer to questions in books, developing a love of reading, and problem solving.

[Louise Aamodt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The parent in me loves the irresistible silliness of Roy and Jarvis, and how their antics will lead to multiple rereads. The teacher in me loves how Roy uses both literature and science to solve his problem. After reading this, let kids search up “Rube Goldberg machine” and just see what happens in your home or classroom!

[Laura Hook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the interaction of the chipper and helpful gopher Jarvis with the grumpy and selfish boar Roy. Really enjoyable how books play such an important role in this story, especially Roy needing to find just that right book. Readers and kids will giggle and the surprise ending will definitely get kids talking. Super fun picture book to read aloud!

[Nadina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a cute story. A little obvious, a little wordy in parts for younger kids, especially as a read aloud, but great for kids who are able to sit and focus a bit more. Some of the pages seemed a little wordy, again, it will work for slightly older kids but not super little ones.
The illustrations were cute and the story was quite adorable with a funny end.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story of a wild boar who is desperate to find out who is stealing his clover. The gopher lends him books to help stop the thief. Children will delight in the conclusion, as they figure out who the thief is and how Roy the boar outsmarts him.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Elise Parsley does comedy so well. Her characters and set ups and punchlines are just so clever. This is the story of a boar who discovers a patch of clover and a clever gopher who wants to steal it from him. It's full of humor. It's well paced. The ending is hilarious.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious illustrations and a clever story of out-smarting a clover thief will make this book a favorite. Use also to highlight the value of reading.
Tie-in with STEM, MIRM.
Enjoy word play and a well-paced tale. Recommended for elementary grades.