Clementine & Mungo

by Sarah Dyer

Clementine is Mungo's big sister, and she knows a lot of things. When Mungo asks her how cats stay cool in the summer, she replies that they simply take their coats off when they get too hot. When Mungo asks why leaves turn colors in the fall and how bathwater comes out of the faucet piping hot, Clementine has perfectly reasonable answers to those questions as well. But when the lights go out and darkness creeps in, Clementine isn't so confident. She quietly asks her little brother, "At night, when it gets very dark, why do you not get scared, Mungo?" And with the straightforward and heartfelt manner of all small children, Mungo is able to comfort and reassure his big sister before they fall into a peaceful sleep.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Humor

32 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2004

Reviews

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the day, big sister Clementine acts like quite the know-it-all to little brother Mungo. Basically, she makes things up. But before lights go out that night, Clementine reveals a fear and asks Mungo for advice.

He gives her an answer that is not made up. Very touching.

Also, much of Clementine's "worldly wisdom" is hilarious.

FIVE STARS and gratitude for a beautiful picture book ending that is earned.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story with odd looking creatures. Assuming clementine and mungo are brother and sister, they learn from one another. Mungo has lots of questions and clementine answers with what she knows (which not always what everyone else thinks is true).

[Clementine · Rating 3 out of 5]

How can a book with a character that shares my name be bad?