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Clink: A Heartwarming Story About a Robot and Friendship for Kids
Clink was a state-of-the-art robot with the dazzling ability to make toast and play music at the same time. But that was many years ago.
Now kids want snazzier robots who do things like play baseball and bake cookies. So day after day, Clink sits on a shelf and sadly watches as his friends leave with their new owners. He almost gives up on ever finding a home—until the day Clink spies a boy who just might be able to be the right one for him. . . .
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelly DiPucchio and new talent Matthew Myers comes a funny and heartwarming story that lovers of Corduroy will adore.
Now kids want snazzier robots who do things like play baseball and bake cookies. So day after day, Clink sits on a shelf and sadly watches as his friends leave with their new owners. He almost gives up on ever finding a home—until the day Clink spies a boy who just might be able to be the right one for him. . . .
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelly DiPucchio and new talent Matthew Myers comes a funny and heartwarming story that lovers of Corduroy will adore.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
Kelly DiPucchio
62 books266 followersKelly is the award-winning author of several children’s books, thousands of To-Do lists, and a few recipe cards. Two of her books, Grace For President and The Sandwich Swap, were New York Times bestsellers.
Like most kids who grew up in the 1970’s, Kelly had a pet goat and bought all her clothes from the Sears catalog. Like most teenagers who grew up in the 1980’s, Kelly had really big glasses and feathered hair.
Today, Kelly lives with her husband and three children in southeastern Michigan, where she enjoys writing just about everything except her own bio.
Like most kids who grew up in the 1970’s, Kelly had a pet goat and bought all her clothes from the Sears catalog. Like most teenagers who grew up in the 1980’s, Kelly had really big glasses and feathered hair.
Today, Kelly lives with her husband and three children in southeastern Michigan, where she enjoys writing just about everything except her own bio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
April 6, 2019
Oh, my gosh! Who wouldn't want a robot that makes toast and plays polka music at the same time? Apparently a lot of people, as Clink is still sitting on the shelf while the more newfangled robots are heading out the door of the Robot Shoppe to be loved and used by new owners. How can poor Clink stand out from the crowd?
This is a sweet story with adorable art by Matthew Myers.
This is a sweet story with adorable art by Matthew Myers.
July 30, 2011
I can't believe I don't know everything by this author! With the Gilbert Goldfish Wants a Pet book that I just read (and LOVED) and now Clink, I had better check out everything else that this author has written!
Clink is a robot that isn't as neat as the other new robots in the robot store. He doesn't have retractable arms, fancy attachments, or the ability to help with homework while making chocolate chip cookies. Of course Clink can play music and make toast (if you like slightly burned toast) but surely someone would want him too!
I love the story and the journey of discovery. Not just of a human discovering Clink, but of Clink finding out how important he is as a robot. And I loved that Clink tried to do all sorts of things--even if he wasn't very good at them. Sometimes the important thing is that a toaster-robot tries!
Anyway, great read. And I also loved that the story was inspired by a painting that the artist did. And how cool is it that the artist that inspired the story actually did the artwork!?! What a fun collaboration!
Clink is a robot that isn't as neat as the other new robots in the robot store. He doesn't have retractable arms, fancy attachments, or the ability to help with homework while making chocolate chip cookies. Of course Clink can play music and make toast (if you like slightly burned toast) but surely someone would want him too!
I love the story and the journey of discovery. Not just of a human discovering Clink, but of Clink finding out how important he is as a robot. And I loved that Clink tried to do all sorts of things--even if he wasn't very good at them. Sometimes the important thing is that a toaster-robot tries!
Anyway, great read. And I also loved that the story was inspired by a painting that the artist did. And how cool is it that the artist that inspired the story actually did the artwork!?! What a fun collaboration!
May 22, 2019
clink is at the store but he is so rusty nowone buys him. but one day someone buys him! they become Friends!
January 25, 2017
(KidLit ED204 category: science fiction)
"Clink" by Kelly DiPucchio and Matthew Myers is the perfect robot book for young listeners and readers! Clink, though, is not the perfect robot. Or so he thinks.
All around him, Clink is surrounded by the newest robots that can bake cookies and have retractable arms. All Clink can do is play music and make burnt toast. But then Milton comes into the robot store... And "Plink! Pop! Ping!" Clink is the just right robot for Milton.
"Clink" has colorful illustrations that bring this sweet story to life. A great story to expose young readers to the idea that everyone is different, and true friends find out they may just like someone because they are different!
"Clink" by Kelly DiPucchio and Matthew Myers is the perfect robot book for young listeners and readers! Clink, though, is not the perfect robot. Or so he thinks.
All around him, Clink is surrounded by the newest robots that can bake cookies and have retractable arms. All Clink can do is play music and make burnt toast. But then Milton comes into the robot store... And "Plink! Pop! Ping!" Clink is the just right robot for Milton.
"Clink" has colorful illustrations that bring this sweet story to life. A great story to expose young readers to the idea that everyone is different, and true friends find out they may just like someone because they are different!
March 29, 2011
Clink lives in a toy robot store. He is looking for just the right someone to love him and appreciate his quirks. Overlooked by folks who want newer and more sophisticated robots, poor Clink finally stops trying. The writing is sweet, humorous and has an upbeat ending. The art goes beyond the text and offers lots of delights (Including Clink's original blueprints on the cover pages!)
Clink is a terrific represention of when art and text make a perfect marriage.
Clink is a terrific represention of when art and text make a perfect marriage.
February 4, 2015
My two-year-old son and I loved this book from the first time we read it. Who could help but enjoy a story about a clunky old robot with built in radio and toaster getting shown up by robots that can give haircuts, play baseball and pick up underwear, and bake cookies and do math homework.
Sweet and kind and superbly illustrated.
Sweet and kind and superbly illustrated.
March 20, 2016
Adorable story about an outdated robot that sits on the shelf watching all the new-fangled robots get sold. Kinda like Corduroy. Sweet illustrations
November 27, 2017
This book has
"Clink" is appropriate for
This book is about an old robot that no one seemed to want. He didn't know how to do all of the things that the new robots could do. He only knew how to play music and make toast. He tried to copy the new robots, and also seemed to fail. One day, a little boy comes to the shop to look for a robot, and cannot find a robot that he liked. Finally, he saw Clink, and they bonded immediately.
"Clink" has amazing illustrations, and is a heartwarming story. Clink was outdated and broken, but was still able to find a lifelong friend that saw the potential he had inside. The bond between the characters is beautiful, and the reader is rooting for Clink to have a happy ending from the beginning of the story.
This book can be used in the classroom to talk about everyone's differences and abilities. Some may not be able to do what everyone else can do, but they are not worth less than anyone else. Students can be asked to write about Clink's characteristics, and the characteristics of the little boy who eventually takes him home. They can elaborate on why the two are a perfect match. Also, students can be asked to write about the kind of robot they would most like, and what they would be able to do.
"Clink" is appropriate for
This book is about an old robot that no one seemed to want. He didn't know how to do all of the things that the new robots could do. He only knew how to play music and make toast. He tried to copy the new robots, and also seemed to fail. One day, a little boy comes to the shop to look for a robot, and cannot find a robot that he liked. Finally, he saw Clink, and they bonded immediately.
"Clink" has amazing illustrations, and is a heartwarming story. Clink was outdated and broken, but was still able to find a lifelong friend that saw the potential he had inside. The bond between the characters is beautiful, and the reader is rooting for Clink to have a happy ending from the beginning of the story.
This book can be used in the classroom to talk about everyone's differences and abilities. Some may not be able to do what everyone else can do, but they are not worth less than anyone else. Students can be asked to write about Clink's characteristics, and the characteristics of the little boy who eventually takes him home. They can elaborate on why the two are a perfect match. Also, students can be asked to write about the kind of robot they would most like, and what they would be able to do.
May 4, 2017
Awards the book has received (if any)- N/A
Appropriate grade level(s) – Kindergarten - second grade
Original 3-line summary: Clink is a robot who is dusty, squeaky, and old. Due to this, children are no longer attracted to him and they want the newer robots. One day a boy comes into the toy store and him and Clink instantly connect.
Original 3-line review: The story teaches a larger lesson about not comparing yourself to others. The story is told beautifully by the author and is appropriate for the emergent reader. The bright colors throughout and the story are bound to keep the reader engaged.
2-3 possible in-class uses: After the reading, the class can think/pair/share their thoughts and opinions about the book. After discussion, the children could either write or draw about their own robot. Another in class could be the students could retell three details from the story. This can be shared on post it notes and put onto large chart paper.
December 5, 2017
“Clink” by Kelly DiPucchio, published by Balzer + Bray; copyright 2011
1. Awards: No awards.
2. Appropriate grade level: PreK-2nd grade
3. Summary: This story tells the tale of Clink, an unconventional robot who struggles to do the tasks that other robots can do. One by one, Clink watches his robot friends go home to families. One day, a boy comes to the robot store and finds Clink to be just perfect for him.
4. Review: This book is very cute and includes very nice illustrations. I think the robots will immediately gain any child’s interest. The writing is very fun, and the story of the boy finding his perfect robot is endearing.
5. 2-3 possible in-class uses:
• Have students write a list of character traits that they would want their robot to have.
• Have children brainstorm abilities that a robot may be able to have.
1. Awards: No awards.
2. Appropriate grade level: PreK-2nd grade
3. Summary: This story tells the tale of Clink, an unconventional robot who struggles to do the tasks that other robots can do. One by one, Clink watches his robot friends go home to families. One day, a boy comes to the robot store and finds Clink to be just perfect for him.
4. Review: This book is very cute and includes very nice illustrations. I think the robots will immediately gain any child’s interest. The writing is very fun, and the story of the boy finding his perfect robot is endearing.
5. 2-3 possible in-class uses:
• Have students write a list of character traits that they would want their robot to have.
• Have children brainstorm abilities that a robot may be able to have.
July 27, 2018
Poor Clink! Nobody wants an old robot who is rusty, squeaky and loses parts continually. All the newer robots have such cool features: retractable arms and fancy attachments. All Clink can do is play music and make toast. But whenever Clink tries to compete with the other robots, he just ends up looking ridiculous. Slowly, Clink’s friends go home with happy families and “something inside that old robot broke, and he simply switched off his speakers and gave up.” Then, a harmonica-playing boy shows up and sees the value in Clink.
Love this as a read aloud with kids to discuss that everyone has value.
Love this as a read aloud with kids to discuss that everyone has value.
July 25, 2018
Clink is a robot that may have been cool at one time, but now his skills aren't desired like the other robots who can bake cookies or come with cool attachments. Eventually he finds the perfect match.
This is a really sweet book. I like that Clink is eventually appreciated by someone who shares his interests, which I think teaches kids that it's okay to have different interests. My kids enjoyed reading this and we did several times.
This is a really sweet book. I like that Clink is eventually appreciated by someone who shares his interests, which I think teaches kids that it's okay to have different interests. My kids enjoyed reading this and we did several times.
December 12, 2018
Genre: Science Fiction
Copyright: 2011
This was such a cute book about a robot that is old and so no one wants to buy him until a young boy comes into the store and decides that he is perfect! This was a great book about acceptance and friendships. I would say this book is appropriate for grades k-5. I would use this to teach students that they are all special and perfect the way they are.
Copyright: 2011
This was such a cute book about a robot that is old and so no one wants to buy him until a young boy comes into the store and decides that he is perfect! This was a great book about acceptance and friendships. I would say this book is appropriate for grades k-5. I would use this to teach students that they are all special and perfect the way they are.
July 8, 2017
I really like the idea of reading stories with robots as main characters, and the art here is not only peculiar in a good way, but it also gives students some neat drawing inspiration. I could see students wanting to take the toaster-head idea to their own art!
July 21, 2019
The fact that it was an illustration that inspired the writing of this book put a smile on my face. This is the story of an outdated robot looking for companionship in a modern world. It's an enjoyable book about not giving up hope.
July 27, 2020
This is such a cute book and I can't wait to use it with my grandkids. It will be perfect with our robot unit.
I've got two robot kits that can be made and remade, we will read the robot books first.
Now if our robot clothes would only arrive!
I've got two robot kits that can be made and remade, we will read the robot books first.
Now if our robot clothes would only arrive!
June 4, 2013
This is a delightful book that was fun to read.
August 14, 2018
DiPucchio has written with such a variety of illustrators! In this case, the illustrations were my favorite thing about the book. The depth of the paintings was amazing.
July 29, 2020
A robot who is outdated and out of repair finds his place. Should be good for kids who feel like everyone else is better.
February 20, 2018
“Clink” by Kelly Dispuccio is a cute read bout a sad robot named Clink. Clink is a robot who can make toast and play music, but to his disadvantage, there are many other robots who can do many things that he cannot. Clink watches as kids play with the other special robots, while he is lonely and unwanted. Just before Clink gives up on finding someone who wants him, a boy named Milton
comes along and shows Clink that he can be just as special as all the other robots.
What really caught my eye about this book was all the intricate illustrations. The illustrations included a lot of vivid colors, and great details that really engages the reader into the book and makes them feel as if they are in Clink’s world. The illustrations also included characters with exaggerated facial expressions, that added humor to the images. There were many literary elements throughout the story. One of them was all the quirky adjectives that the author used to describe things. It made the book fun to read. He also uses more challenging vocabulary rather than using basic and simple terms. This will help beginner readers gain a broader word choice.
This is a good selection of a science fiction book because of the many elements that are included. This story will gain the interest of kids who are into technology. I really enjoyed reading the story because of the message behind it, and I think that it is a good on to teach to children. This was a great book, and I would refer it to children who are interested in this particular genre.
comes along and shows Clink that he can be just as special as all the other robots.
What really caught my eye about this book was all the intricate illustrations. The illustrations included a lot of vivid colors, and great details that really engages the reader into the book and makes them feel as if they are in Clink’s world. The illustrations also included characters with exaggerated facial expressions, that added humor to the images. There were many literary elements throughout the story. One of them was all the quirky adjectives that the author used to describe things. It made the book fun to read. He also uses more challenging vocabulary rather than using basic and simple terms. This will help beginner readers gain a broader word choice.
This is a good selection of a science fiction book because of the many elements that are included. This story will gain the interest of kids who are into technology. I really enjoyed reading the story because of the message behind it, and I think that it is a good on to teach to children. This was a great book, and I would refer it to children who are interested in this particular genre.
April 28, 2019
Awards: 2011 Publishers Weekly -- Starred Review (*) and 2014 Georgia Children's Book Award -- Picture Storybook (Nominee)
Grade Levels: Kindergarten-2nd Grade
Summary: Clink the Robot is very old, rusty and didn't have fancy attachments like the other robots had. No one wants Clink because he isn't "cool and new" like the other robots. Until one day, Clink does a cool dance and catches the attention of a young boy. The boy exclaimed to the stores clerk that "Clink was perfect for him." Then, the little boy took Clink home and they became best friends.
Review: I really enjoyed this book and I think it is a great science fiction novel for young children. This book shows children that everyone deserves a friend. This book could be tied in with a robot/ computers science mini unit.
In-Class Uses:
-After the story, have your students draw their own robots and have them write three adjectives describing their robot.
-After the story, have your students discuss how they would feel to be Clink.
Grade Levels: Kindergarten-2nd Grade
Summary: Clink the Robot is very old, rusty and didn't have fancy attachments like the other robots had. No one wants Clink because he isn't "cool and new" like the other robots. Until one day, Clink does a cool dance and catches the attention of a young boy. The boy exclaimed to the stores clerk that "Clink was perfect for him." Then, the little boy took Clink home and they became best friends.
Review: I really enjoyed this book and I think it is a great science fiction novel for young children. This book shows children that everyone deserves a friend. This book could be tied in with a robot/ computers science mini unit.
In-Class Uses:
-After the story, have your students draw their own robots and have them write three adjectives describing their robot.
-After the story, have your students discuss how they would feel to be Clink.
Read
December 5, 2018This story is about a robot who is not considered as awesome as he once was. He is a robot who can make toast and plays music. The other robots have the ability to do much more. All of the other robots at the toy store are getting sold but not Clink, he just sits on the shelf day after day. One day when Milton comes to the toy store, Clink's luck changes.
I really liked this book. I thought it was such a great read for young children. The illustrations are beautiful and wonderful detail to the book. This book reminds me of The Brave Little Toaster even though it wasn't about a robot.
A quote that really touched me in this book was "He hadn't been programmed to cry but somehow, he leaked rusty tears every time."
I would pair this book with Robot Dog by Mark Oliver. Both books have similar themes and would be good books for opening up discussions.
I really liked this book. I thought it was such a great read for young children. The illustrations are beautiful and wonderful detail to the book. This book reminds me of The Brave Little Toaster even though it wasn't about a robot.
A quote that really touched me in this book was "He hadn't been programmed to cry but somehow, he leaked rusty tears every time."
I would pair this book with Robot Dog by Mark Oliver. Both books have similar themes and would be good books for opening up discussions.
August 1, 2025
It's a pretty cute picture book, with illustrations that showcase a retro style. The plot is a bit weak as there's nothing Clink really does to better his situation. He just keeps being Clink until a boy shows up to take him home, leaving readers wondering how they can control their own destiny. Do we just wait for outside forces to change things for us? I have a feeling this would have left me disappointed had I read this as a child. But the idea of having a robot that can make toast for me? Absolutely!
August 15, 2026
This is a fun book about an older model robot competing against newer models. Clink doesn't seem to be able to keep up with all the things the other robots can do. The illustrations are colorful and very expressive. It is magical on some levels. The struggle of Clink is interesting because it forces a reader to think of things from Clink's perspective. This book would be great for discussions about new technology and today's need for more, more, more. Highly recommended for Grades 2-5.
November 17, 2021
Clink is an old robot who was designed to play music and make toast. At one time, he was new, but now there are newer, flashier robots. At the robot store, those robots are the ones who get bought, leaving Clink to rust on the shelf.
This book has a Corduroy vibe, but with robots. A great choice for little robot fans.
This book has a Corduroy vibe, but with robots. A great choice for little robot fans.
April 29, 2023
Clink, an out of date state of the art music playing, toast making robot, sits on the shelf overlooked by shoppers who want something new. Clink thinks things are hopeless, and he will be recycled soon, but when Milton walks into the shop, and buys him, Clink realizes that he has just become a great fixer-upper.
Read
December 8, 2023I didn't like Penny because she's taking my job away. I'm Mom. I like to bake. I help my kid with her homework. I don't want a robot to do those things for me. Those are the valuable skills I contribute to my family!!!
The ending was kind of cute, but in general I think people should do jobs and robots should mostly not exist.
The ending was kind of cute, but in general I think people should do jobs and robots should mostly not exist.
November 27, 2019
I loved the illustration style of this book. And I think children who loved
Corduroy
would love this too.
April 23, 2020
He's an old robot with little or no skills. What can Clink do that would get someone's attention? He will never compare to the fancy, new robots who have fancy, new skills. Clink will soon realize that he just might have exactly what is needed for a special person.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews