The Clever Stick [Hardcover]

John Lechner (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 28, 2009 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

The stick has always been clever: it solves difficult problems, enjoys poetry, and ponders the music of birds and the beauty of a rose. The one thing it can’t do is speak. And because of this, no one can see that the stick is clever; all they can see is a stick. John Lechner, the creator of A Froggy Fable, follows the most unlikely of heroes on a journey of self-discovery, arriving at a place that will surprise and enchant readers everywhere.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3–In the tradition of Peter H. Reynolds's The Dot (2003) and Ish (2004, both Candlewick), a clever stick finds its voice through art. The stick had always been smart, making up poetry, thinking of mathematical equations, and appreciating the beauty of nature. But since it couldn't speak, it could not share its wisdom with the animals and plants. Then one day, it realizes that when it drags through the sand, it can draw pictures. In a flurry of self-discovery, the stick creates a magnificent mural that makes all of the forest creatures cheer. And although the masterpiece is erased by the rainfall that follows, the stick knows it can always make another one. This pleasant little allegory features sweet nature-friendly pictures that aptly illustrate the story. It would be best appreciated by quiet, thoughtful children.–Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT
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About the Author

John Lechner is an artist, animator, multimedia designer, and puppeteer, and the author-llustrator of the picture book A FROGGY FABLE and the graphic storybook STICKY BURR: ADVENTURES IN BURRWOOD FOREST. He lives in Needham, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (July 28, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763639508
• ISBN-13: 978-0763639501
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 0.4 x 8.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #690,233 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A gorgeous picture book about discovering who you truly are and delighting in it., June 30, 2011

By 

Danielle M. Smith "The1stdaughter" (San Luis Obispo, CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Clever Stick (Hardcover)

When you don't have a voice, how do you find yours? For a lonely stick who travels throughout the forest admiring the world around this is his one desire. He lacks a way to share his thoughts and enthusiasm, to reach out to the others in his world. It's only by a happy accident that he discovers his voice by dragging his way through the sand. Once he's discovered a way to share the Clever Stick never goes back, he's forever changed. With new friends and an exciting new way to express himself he looks forward to a bright future.

This is such wonderful book. Especially for young readers trying to find their own voice. With a surge of new readers using picture books in middle grade and high school curriculum's I could see this book being added to the list easily. It tackles an often tough subject for nearly every person. I know that even as a reviewer and blogger I've struggled to find the best way to express how I feel about books and the other things I write about. But what The Clever Stick shows is what truly matters is that you express yourself in the best way you know how, by being yourself and enjoying it. When you can accomplish that you discover a happiness just by being you. It's fantastic! A message children especially will be able to relate to.

Coupled with the beautiful illustrations, John Lechner's book The Clever Stick tackles a tough subject with grace. Showing readers that it may be difficult to find out who you really are, but in the end it is worth it. And more often than not, those that see you for who you really are will appreciate you that much more. A brilliant picture book that reaches beyond the young readers it was initially targeted for, nearly anyone who reads The Clever Stick will relate to this simple character's journey.

Originally reviewed & copyrighted on my site, There's A Book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A hit with my 4-year-old boy, January 25, 2010

By 

Xtos - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Clever Stick (Hardcover)

My 4-year-old son asks for this story to be read to him frequently- it's really interesting to him as he puts together the concept of drawings and words. It's an entertaining story as well.

5.0 out of 5 stars Something about Sticks..., September 18, 2009

By 

Pam Tee "Busy Mom" - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Clever Stick (Hardcover)

You wouldn't think a stick would make a proper character for a book. They are rather singular in nature and generally are not thought of as being all that active. And yet in the right hands sticks have shown me worlds of imagination I never dreamed of. Take "Not a Stick" by Antoinette Portis Not a Stick-- absolutely a brilliant book for youngsters (and the young at heart). It's basically a story about what a stick can be in a child's imagination. I highly recommend it.

So, having given this praise to one stick, why did it surprise me that another stick, "The Clever Stick", was going to equally amazing. But it is. John Lechner's book is a great read-aloud, and a wonderful book to share with children. And unlike the direct prose of Portis, his words and story are lyrical, with that fabulous 'fairytale' feel.

Lechner writes: "Ever since he had fallen off the tree, he had been sharp. He would sit in the sand and think up all sorts of clever things. He would float down the stream, making up poetry. He would listen to the singing of the birds and wonder what made it sound so beautiful." Stick would also make other observations and therein lay his problem, for Stick, you see, hadn't found a way to communicate with the creatures of the world around him.

Lechner uses this isolation to tug on our heart strings, before he devises a pleasing solution for Stick. Highly Recommend checking this one out.

Talking Points :::

o The artwork fits this story perfectly. It is in gentle colors, attractively done.

o The story has a wonderful fairytale feel and is a good read-aloud.

o My children (currently 7 and 9; boy and girl) loved the story. I liked it as well, and liked that there were ideas to discuss. Stick allowed us to talk about the nature of communication, the importance of writing, and the importance of flexibility and serendipity. (Don't worry, younger children will just love Stick and his story)

o Accelerated Reading Level - 3.2

Pam T~

mom and reviewer at BooksForKids-reviews