Clip-Clop. Eleanor Koldofsky. Illustrated by David Parkins. Toronto, ON: Tundra Books, 2005. 24 pp., cloth, $22.99. ISBN 0-88776-681-1. Subject Heading: Draft horses-Juvenile fiction. Grades 1-3 / Ages 5-8. Review by Linda Ludke. *** /4 Reviewed from uncorrected proofs.

excerpt:

The clink of bottles and the clip-clop of iron horseshoes on pavement sent Consuela scurrying outside. It was her job to trade empty milk bottles for full, and she couldn't be late. She got there just in time to say, "Good morning," and pat Clip-Clop on his velvet nose. He snuffled softly in her ear before the flap of reins told him to get a move on. Clip-clop-clink, clip-clop-clink See you tomorrow, clip-clop-clink."

This nostalgic story offers a glimpse into urban life at the turn of the century. Young Consuela awaits the daily arrival of vendors selling their wares in the dusty streets. She loves the horses and recognizes their distinct gait. There is the "quick-trot-clippety-clop" of the tea wagon's elegant brown horse, the "Lolop ... lolop ... lolop" of the produce man's tired grey mare, the slow, weary "sl-i-i-p-sl-o-o-p, sl-i-i-p-sl-o-o-p" of the ragman's swaybacked horse, and the strong "Clip-clipclop, clip-clipclop" of the iceman's Clydesdale.

     Consuela has a gentle, observant nature. When she gives a bunch of carrots to the ragman's hungry workhorse, her kindness is repaid with a gift of a small plaid blanket. The little girl is thrilled with an unexpected visit of a camera man and his pinto pony, but she does not have 25 cents to have a photograph taken. She barters the blanket for a picture of herself on the pony and promises to "keep the picture forever to remember this wonderful clip-clop day."

     David Perkins’ detailed watercolor and ink illustrations have a vintage appeal. There are many evocative scenes, such as children sneaking pieces of ice from the iceman's cart and the horse-drawn fire wagon racing to an emergency.

     Horse enthusiasts will enjoy this homage to the animals who, as Koldofsky writes in an author's note, "shared the work of humans for as little as a bag of oats and perhaps a warm blanket at the end of the day."

Recommended.

Linda Ludke is a librarian in London, ON.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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