Customer Reviews

Clifford's Pals (Clifford 8x8)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Don't get me wrong... I like Clifford books, but this one is contrived and pointless. Clifford's supposed "pals" break the law, and then when they are captured, they convince big loveable Clifford to help them break out. I am a kindergarten teacher, and this is one of the ONLY children's books that I refuse to read to my kids-- it sends the wrong message. Please spend your money on something with a more positive message!

I disagree with the other reviews here. I think that they as adults, are missing the point. First, dogs are dogs. Clifford and his friends can't apologize for what they've done, they don't speak english. All they can do is bark! Second, the point of the story isn't about the construction workers and their loss, it is about the powerful effects of peer pressure and the dominoe effect. Clifford had good intentions, but despite this, each move he made got them in deeper and deeper. What a great discussion starter for children and their parents! A real opportunity to teach problem solving! Don't just read the book, explore it! See what the kids think. You'd be surprised how well they can figure these things out! I think Bridwell got a bad wrap for this one! The meaning of the story isn't in the words, but rather in what ISN'T written.

This is a great book, my grandchildren love it. It also came in plenty of time for Christmas.

A few others have reviewed this awful book with the same thing I was going to say. I really don't do reviews too often, but this book was so terrible in both it's message and lack of consequence or empathy that I specifically logged on today to do so.

So, since other reviewers have echoed my take on this book - take this review as emphasis that their reviews are correct and you should steer clear of this particular Clifford book.

What were they thinking when they published this one?!

I usually enjoy Clifford and the positive messages that typically come out of the books. I was deeply disappointed in this book and the negative message it sends to children.

1. Clifford succumbs to "negative peer pressure" not to look like a "coward" so he knowingly goes to a dangerous construction site to play with his "pals."

2. Clifford and his pals intentionally cause trouble at the site, putting themselves and the construction workers in harm's way.

3. The dogs run away from the construction site without an apology or any appearance that they were sorry for their deliberate destructive, dangerous and disobedient behavior, other than "they will never play at a construction site again."

I agree with another poster here that this is one of the worst, if not THE WORST, Clifford book I have ever encountered. Deliberate disobedience without consequence, danger without concern for others, and doing whatever you "must" to "fit in" with peers is not becoming of this otherwise well-done and positive character for children.

Join Emily Elizabeth and Clifford the big red dog as they go to a construction site with some dog friends. Clifford is so big he plays with the wrecking ball and gets his nose stuck in a huge pipe but he also gets a chance to save his friends. Oversized antics are fun! My three children love Clifford because he is huge and yet cuddly. The books are always friendly and appealing.