Customer Reviews

Clarence and the Great Surprise

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Jean Ekman Adams does it again with Clarence and the Great Surprise. The tale of Clarence and his horse Smokey continues with their trip to the "great surprise", the Grand Canyon. On the way they meet Edgar the dog. Again Ms. Adams uses gentle humor and teaches the reader a lesson in friendship.

When we last saw Clarence, the pig, and Smoky, the purple horse, they were about to leave the dude ranch and head back to the big city where Clarence lives. They've packed their bags and are ready to begin their long journey, over the mountains and across the desert. "Clarence can hardly wait. But first, Smoky is going to show Clarence a great surprise. Clarence loves surprises." They travel, and picnic, they sleep under the stars in a tent, go fishing, nap, watch the clouds roll by, and even get to stay in a hotel. "Clarence loves the hotel. He really loves room service. Smoky orders hay." But best of all, they meet a new and special friend along the way. Old Edgar, the dog, hums and dances. In fact, he is such an amazing and energetic dancer that Smoky warns Clarence, "You'll have to watch him to make sure he doesn't twirl away." And as the three friends travel on to see the great surprise, that's exactly what happens..... For those who loved Clarence Goes Out West And Meets A Purple Horse, Jean Ekman Adams is back with another Clarence and Smoky adventure that's sure to warm your heart and tickle your funny bone. Her engaging text, with its simple message of friendship, loyalty, and acceptance is filled with gentle humor and begs to be read aloud. But it's Ms Adam's marvelously bold and bright artwork, rich in witty western detail, that makes this picture book sparkle, and brings these endearing characters to life. With a satisfying, happily-ever-after ending to complete the story, Clarence And The Great Surprise is perfect for youngsters 3-7, and is a sweet little treasure of a book, you don't want to miss.

In this installment, we find our western horse and city pig travelling back home to the city. Along the way, they meet an old dog with a passion for dancing. My students loved reading about Clarence in the first book and flipped over this selection. Really is a must for any collection!

I am delighted that author/illustrator, Jean Ekman Adams, has returned Clarence to his devoted fans with a second book. Clarence stole our hearts with his first adventure, "Clarence Goes Out West and Meets a Purple Horse." Now he and Smokey are off on another adventure and they have taken a dancing doggie along with them. The same endearing illustrations are found throughout this second offering and "the great surprise"...well is a great surprise. Clarence and friends are gentle souls with silent lessons abounding throughout their stories and illustrations, all of which will delight readers of every age. I eagerly look forward to the next adventure.

This whole series is such a sweet story of friendship. I purchased them for my little girl and have enjoyed them as much as she has.

The Clarence and Smokey books are some of the funnest children's books we have found. My 7-year-old daughter loves them and has been reading them regularly for years.