Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 1. Although it's the combination of the familiar character Clifford and a very simple vocabulary that will lead beginning readers to choose this book in the Hello Reader! series, it is the satisfaction achieved by reading the simple story that will make them glad they found it. Clifford meets a boy and imitates him as he runs, jumps, makes faces, and so on. Happy in each other's company, they become friends. The imitation theme gives a logical reason for repeated phrases ("The boy makes a face. The dog makes a face"), which can otherwise deaden the text of a beginning reader book. Better still, the phrase-and-repeat structure is not always followed; the child must read the second sentence, as it does not always repeat the first one. Throughout the book, the colorful, cartoonlike illustrations reflect an atmosphere of pure fun as Clifford cavorts with his new friend. Sure to be a popular choice. (Reviewed March 15, 1999)0590379305Carolyn Phelan
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
