Clip-Clop

Smee’s talent is such that this could almost stand as a wordless picture book. The illustrated animal characters interact quite brilliantly with very simple but effective facial expressions. The text is bold and spare, telling the accumulative story effortlessly. In turn, Mr Horse invites Cat, Dog, Pig and Duck onto his back for a ride. Clip-clop, clippity-clop. But then the four riders want to go faster, faster. Will it end in disaster? Losing their grip, the four riders squeal for Mr Horse to stop. He obediently skids to a HALT, and all four fly through the air, into…? ‘Oh dearie me!’ says worried Mr Horse. But, unscathed, ‘Again, Again!’ cry all four! Smee has created a book full of fun. There is much with which young readers can join in, and it just has to be enjoyed all over again, once the end is reached. And again… and again! GB