The Clumsy & Friends series is a collection of children's picture books designed to engage young readers while exploring important themes of friendship, problem-solving, personal growth, and understanding the world around them. Each character in the series faces unique challenges that children can relate to, delivered through colorful illustrations and age-appropriate storytelling.
The series features a diverse cast of characters including:
Clumsy Clomper
Character Type: A lovable, accident-prone elephant
Description: Clumsy is the heart of the series—an endearing elephant who frequently finds himself in awkward situations due to his size and clumsiness. His stories emphasize the importance of accepting oneself, friendship, and finding creative solutions to problems.
The Skellies
Character Type: A family of adventurous skeletal figures
Description: The Skellies (Luke, Emily, and Frankie) explore scientific concepts through their adventures with their mentor, Mr. Serious. Their stories combine exciting narratives with educational content about weather, physics, and other science topics.
Minnie Tickledust
Character Type: A joyful fairy character
Key Themes: Emotions, laughter, social connections, empathy
Target Age: 4-7 years
Description: Minnie uses her special "tickle dust" to help shy or sad children express their emotions and find joy. Her stories focus on emotional intelligence, friendship, and the power of laughter.
Description: Timmy's adventures with his magical toothbrush teach children about dental hygiene in an engaging way. His stories address common childhood fears about dentists and promote good health habits.
Yawnzarella
Character Type: A sleepy clock fairy
Key Themes: Importance of sleep, routines, time concepts
Target Age: 4-6 years
Description: Yawnzarella helps children understand the importance of sleep and bedtime routines. Her stories blend fantasy with practical lessons about rest and daily schedules.
Terry the Time-Travelling Toilet Roll
Character Type: An animated toilet roll with time-travel abilities
Key Themes: History, different cultures, adaptation, adventure
Target Age: 6-9 years
Description: Terry's humorous time-travel adventures introduce children to different historical periods and cultures. His stories combine humor with historical facts and cultural awareness.
2. Complete Title List with Publication Details
Title
Character
Publication Year
ISBN
Format
Clumsy Clomper and the Missing Sock
Clumsy Clomper
2022
978-1-XXXXX-001-X
Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Clumsy Clomper Makes a Friend
Clumsy Clomper
2022
978-1-XXXXX-002-X
Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
The Skellies: High-Flying Adventure
The Skellies
2023
978-1-XXXXX-003-X
Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
The Skellies: Experiment Day
The Skellies
2023
978-1-XXXXX-004-X
Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Minnie Tickledust: The Joyful Jester of Jollyville
Minnie Tickledust
2022
978-1-XXXXX-005-X
Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Minnie Tickledust and the Lonely Giant
Minnie Tickledust
2023
978-1-XXXXX-006-X
Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Timmy's Adventure in the Tooth Kingdom
Timmy
2022
978-1-XXXXX-007-X
Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Timmy and the Candy Castle Challenge
Timmy
2023
978-1-XXXXX-008-X
Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Yawnzarella and the Sneezing Clocks
Yawnzarella
2022
978-1-XXXXX-009-X
Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Yawnzarella and the Day Time Almost Forgot
Yawnzarella
2023
978-1-XXXXX-010-X
Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Terry the Time-Travelling Toilet Roll: Egyptian Adventure
Terry
2022
978-1-XXXXX-011-X
Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Terry the Time-Travelling Toilet Roll: Dinosaur Disaster
Terry
2023
978-1-XXXXX-012-X
Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
3. Age Group Recommendations & Reading Levels
The Clumsy & Friends series spans multiple age groups and reading levels, making it suitable for a diverse range of young readers. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of reading levels and age recommendations:
Character Series
Age Range
Lexile Measure
Guided Reading Level
AR Level
Reading Recovery
Clumsy Clomper
3-8 years
AD450L-550L
J-K
1.8-2.2
16-18
The Skellies
7-10 years
600L-750L
O-P
3.5-4.0
24-28
Minnie Tickledust
4-7 years
AD500L-600L
K-L
2.0-2.5
18-20
Timmy
5-8 years
550L-650L
L-M
2.3-2.8
19-22
Yawnzarella
4-6 years
AD450L-550L
J-K
1.7-2.2
16-18
Terry the Time-Travelling Toilet Roll
6-9 years
580L-680L
M-N
2.6-3.1
20-24
Reading Level Terminology Explained:
Lexile Measure: A numeric representation of text complexity and a reader's ability, ranging from below 0L for beginning readers to above 2000L for advanced texts. The "AD" prefix indicates "Adult Directed" for read-aloud texts.
Guided Reading Level: A system that places books into lettered levels (A-Z) based on text features and complexity.
AR Level (Accelerated Reader): A numeric scale typically ranging from 0.1 to 12.0+ that represents text complexity.
Reading Recovery: A numbered system (1-50) used to determine text difficulty for beginning readers.
Using This Information in Your Library:
This reading level information can be used to:
Properly categorize Clumsy & Friends books in your collection
Assist patrons in finding appropriate books for their children's reading abilities
Create balanced reading lists for different age groups
Support school reading programs with appropriately leveled materials
4. Cataloging Information
Below are detailed cataloging entries for the Clumsy & Friends series, formatted to assist librarians in creating accurate catalog records. These entries follow standard library cataloging practices and include essential metadata.
Sample Cataloging Entries
Title: The Skellies: High-Flying Adventure
Author: Chris Meredith
ISBN: 978-1-XXXXX-003-X
Publication: Clumsy & Friends Publishing, 2023
Description: 32 p. : col. ill. ; 28 cm.
Summary: The Skellies go on an adventure with Mr. Serious to learn about weather patterns and experience thunder and lightning for the first time.
Subjects: Weather--Juvenile fiction. | Thunderstorms--Juvenile fiction. | Friendship--Juvenile fiction. | Adventure stories. | Picture books for children.
Reading Level: Ages 7-10 | Lexile: 650L | Guided Reading Level: O
Title: Minnie Tickledust: The Joyful Jester of Jollyville
Author: Chris Meredith
ISBN: 978-1-XXXXX-005-X
Publication: Clumsy & Friends Publishing, 2022
Description: 28 p. : col. ill. ; 28 cm.
Summary: Minnie Tickledust, a fairy with magical tickle dust, helps shy children in Jollyville express their emotions and find joy through laughter.
Subjects: Emotions--Juvenile fiction. | Fairies--Juvenile fiction. | Friendship--Juvenile fiction. | Shyness--Juvenile fiction. | Picture books for children.
Reading Level: Ages 4-7 | Lexile: AD550L | Guided Reading Level: K
Title: Timmy's Adventure in the Tooth Kingdom
Author: Chris Meredith
ISBN: 978-1-XXXXX-007-X
Publication: Clumsy & Friends Publishing, 2022
Description: 30 p. : col. ill. ; 28 cm.
Summary: When Timmy is afraid to visit the dentist, his magical toothbrush takes him on an adventure to the Tooth Kingdom where he learns about dental health in an exciting way.
Subjects: Dental health--Juvenile fiction. | Dentists--Juvenile fiction. | Fear--Juvenile fiction. | Magic--Juvenile fiction. | Picture books for children.
Reading Level: Ages 5-8 | Lexile: 580L | Guided Reading Level: L
MARC Record Notes
When creating MARC records for Clumsy & Friends titles, consider the following fields:
090 Field: For local call numbers, consider using "E MER" for younger titles and "J FIC MER" for older readers.
520 Field (Summary): Include the character name and key themes in summaries to enhance discoverability.
650 Field (Subject): In addition to topical subjects, consider adding the form subdivision "Juvenile fiction" to relevant subjects.
655 Field (Genre): Include "Picture books for children" and any other relevant genre terms like "Adventure stories" or "Science fiction".
5. Subject Headings & Keywords
Consistent subject headings and keywords enhance the discoverability of Clumsy & Friends books in your catalog and help patrons find stories on specific topics. Below are recommended subject headings and keywords organized by character series.
General Subject Headings for All Clumsy & Friends Books
FriendshipProblem-solvingChildren's storiesPicture books for childrenImaginationAdventure stories
Time travel--Juvenile fiction History--Juvenile fiction Dinosaurs--Juvenile fiction Ancient Egypt--Juvenile fiction
Terry the Time-Travelling Toilet Roll series
6. Thematic Groupings & Display Ideas
Creating themed displays with Clumsy & Friends books can enhance visibility, increase circulation, and help patrons discover stories that address specific topics or interests. Below are suggested thematic groupings and display ideas for your library.
Seasonal and Holiday Displays
Back-to-School (August/September)
Featured Clumsy & Friends Titles:
Clumsy Clomper Makes a Friend
Minnie Tickledust: The Joyful Jester of Jollyville
Display Theme: "New Friendships & School Adventures"
Companion Titles: Include other picture books about first days of school, making friends, and overcoming shyness.
Dental Health Month (February)
Featured Clumsy & Friends Titles:
Timmy's Adventure in the Tooth Kingdom
Timmy and the Candy Castle Challenge
Display Theme: "Smile Power: Dental Health Adventures"
Companion Titles: Include non-fiction books about teeth, visiting the dentist, and oral hygiene alongside other fiction titles that address dental health.
Topical Displays
Weather Wonders
Featured Clumsy & Friends Titles:
The Skellies: High-Flying Adventure
Display Theme: "Explore the Science of Weather"
Companion Titles:
"The Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge" by Joanna Cole
"National Geographic Kids Everything Weather" by Kathy Furgang
"Weather Words and What They Mean" by Gail Gibbons
"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" by Judi Barrett
Bedtime & Sleep
Featured Clumsy & Friends Titles:
Yawnzarella and the Sneezing Clocks
Yawnzarella and the Day Time Almost Forgot
Display Theme: "Sweet Dreams: Bedtime Stories"
Companion Titles:
"Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown
"The Going to Bed Book" by Sandra Boynton
"How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?" by Jane Yolen
"Sleep Like a Tiger" by Mary Logue
Exploring History
Featured Clumsy & Friends Titles:
Terry the Time-Travelling Toilet Roll: Egyptian Adventure
Terry the Time-Travelling Toilet Roll: Dinosaur Disaster
Display Theme: "Time Travel Adventures"
Companion Titles:
"Magic Tree House" series by Mary Pope Osborne
"If You Lived in Ancient Egypt" by Meredith Costain
Create rotating displays that highlight a different Clumsy & Friends character each month. Include:
All books featuring the character
Character poster (available in the promotional materials)
Thematically related books by other authors
Related non-fiction materials
Activity sheets or craft ideas related to the character (included in Story Time Kits)
Interactive Display Ideas
Clumsy's Reading Challenge: Create a display with Clumsy Clomper featuring a "challenge tree" where children can add leaves with the titles of books they've read.
The Skellies' Weather Station: Combine The Skellies books with a simple interactive weather station where children can record daily weather observations.
Minnie's Emotion Corner: Create a display featuring Minnie Tickledust books and an interactive board where children can share how they're feeling that day using emotion cards.
7. Companion Book Recommendations
These carefully selected companion titles can be displayed or recommended alongside Clumsy & Friends books to create thematic collections and enhance readers' experiences. The recommendations include both fiction and non-fiction titles that complement the themes in each Clumsy & Friends series.
Companion Books for Clumsy Clomper Series
Theme: Self-acceptance, Friendship, and Resilience
"Elmer" by David McKee
"Giraffes Can't Dance" by Giles Andreae
"The Carrot Seed" by Ruth Krauss
"I Like Myself!" by Karen Beaumont
"Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon" by Patty Lovell
"The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds
Companion Books for The Skellies Series
Theme: Science, Weather, and Exploration
"Oh Say Can You Say What's the Weather Today?: All About Weather" by Tish Rabe (Cat in the Hat's Learning Library)
"The Magic School Bus Kicks Up A Storm: A Book About Weather" by Joanna Cole
"Weather: Whipping up a storm!" by Tom Jackson
"National Geographic Kids Everything Weather" by Kathy Furgang
"Down Comes the Rain" by Franklyn M. Branley
"Flash, Crash, Rumble, and Roll" by Franklyn M. Branley
Companion Books for Minnie Tickledust Series
Theme: Emotions, Joy, and Social Connections
"The Way I Feel" by Janan Cain
"Today I Feel Silly: And Other Moods That Make My Day" by Jamie Lee Curtis
"The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions" by Anna Llenas
"Ruby Finds a Worry" by Tom Percival
"The Invisible String" by Patrice Karst
"The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn
Companion Books for Timmy Series
Theme: Dental Health and Overcoming Fears
"The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist" by Stan and Jan Berenstain
"Just Going to the Dentist" by Mercer Mayer
"Curious George Visits the Dentist" by H. A. Rey
"The Tooth Book" by Dr. Seuss
"Brush Your Teeth, Please" by Leslie McGuire
"How Many Teeth?" by Paul Showers (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science)
Companion Books for Yawnzarella Series
Theme: Sleep, Bedtime, and Routines
"Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown
"The Going to Bed Book" by Sandra Boynton
"How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?" by Jane Yolen
"Llama Llama Red Pajama" by Anna Dewdney
"Time to Sleep" by Denise Fleming
"Sleep Like a Tiger" by Mary Logue
Companion Books for Terry the Time-Travelling Toilet Roll Series
Theme: History, Time Travel, and Different Cultures
"Magic Tree House" series by Mary Pope Osborne
"You Wouldn't Want to Be..." history series (various authors)
"If You Lived in Ancient Egypt" by Meredith Costain
"DK Eyewitness" series (various historical topics)
"Who Would Win? Tyrannosaurus Rex vs. Velociraptor" by Jerry Pallotta
"National Geographic Kids Everything Ancient Egypt" by Crispin Boyer
Creating Read-Alike Lists
Consider creating read-alike bookmarks or handouts featuring these companion titles, organized by Clumsy & Friends character. These can be displayed near your Clumsy & Friends collection or distributed during story times or library programs featuring these characters.
8. Collection Development Suggestions
Strategic integration of Clumsy & Friends titles into your library collection can enhance your children's offerings and support literacy initiatives. Here are recommendations for incorporating these titles effectively.
Collection Integration Strategies
Series Completion: Consider acquiring complete character sets to provide readers with the full narrative arc of each character.
Multiple Copies: For popular titles or those used in library programs, maintain multiple copies to meet demand.
Format Diversity: When budget allows, consider acquiring titles in multiple formats (hardcover for library use, paperback for circulation, eBook for digital collections).
Collection Balance: Use Clumsy & Friends titles to address gaps in your collection, particularly for topics like dental health, emotional intelligence, or science concepts for young readers.
Circulation Considerations
Popular Character Awareness: Track circulation statistics to identify which Clumsy & Friends characters resonate most with your community.
Program Support: Ensure sufficient copies are available when featuring Clumsy & Friends in story times or other library programs.
Display Rotation: Regularly feature different Clumsy & Friends titles in displays to maintain visibility and interest.
Collection Preservation: For heavily circulated titles, consider regular condition assessments and timely replacements.
Supporting Literacy Initiatives
Clumsy & Friends books can be valuable assets for various literacy initiatives:
Early Literacy: Use Clumsy Clomper and Yawnzarella titles for early literacy programs targeting preschoolers.
Reading Challenges: Include Clumsy & Friends titles in summer reading programs and other reading challenges.
STEM Integration: Feature The Skellies series in STEM programming and displays.
Health Education: Partner with local health providers to feature Timmy's dental health adventures during health awareness events.
Social-Emotional Learning: Incorporate Minnie Tickledust titles into programs focusing on emotional intelligence and social skills.
Collection Assessment
When evaluating the role of Clumsy & Friends in your collection, consider:
Circulation Data: Track which titles and character series are most popular with your patrons.
Condition Assessment: Regularly check the physical condition of heavily circulated titles.
Community Feedback: Collect patron feedback on Clumsy & Friends titles and programs.
Program Usage: Note which titles are most effective in story times and other library programs.
Diversity Balance: Ensure Clumsy & Friends titles complement a diverse collection representing various perspectives and experiences.
