Clinton Gregory’s SECRET
by Bruce Whatley
Published by Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
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Reviewed by Jamie Driggers
Clinton Gregory is a fanciful little boy who lives a secret life after everyone else is asleep. He wrestles dragons, rockets into space, teaches dinosaurs new tricks, and eats with giants. And he has even more secret plans for next week.
In this author-illustrated book, we get to see a child’s imagination at work. Using paraphernalia from his room, Clinton Gregory creates the most elaborate fantasy worlds in which he plays. You, the reader, only see what Clinton Gregory envisions, but as he begins in his rather normal little boy bedroom, you can flip back to see which piece was the springboard for this newest adventure.
I love picture books that encourage imaginative thinking in children. And my kids love to see what Clinton Gregory will participate in next. (Though, my daughter thinks it is absolutely unfair that she doesn’t get to know the secret of “next week.”) The illustrations are bright, full-page and lively—with a tip of the hat to Escher. They make me want to jump in and fly around the world on plates of spaghetti.
This book has just the right amount of whimsy and silliness to keep kids asking for it again and again.
Armchair Interviews agrees.