Little Dick and the Clock
The story revolves around a young boy who befriends an old clockmaker and learns about the intricacies of timekeeping. The clockmaker's obsession with precision and order is contrasted with the boy's carefree nature, leading to a series of events that challenge their perspectives on life.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Children's Poetry, Humor, Fantasy · 262 words
First lines
When Dicky was sick In the night, and the clock, As he listened, said "Tick- Atty -- tick-atty -- tock!"
He said that _it_ said, Every time it said "Tick,"
It said "Sick," instead, And he _heard_ it say "Sick!"
And when it said "Tick- Atty -- tick-atty -- tock,"
What this Textopian page supports
Little Dick and the Clock is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1883 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Poetry, Humor, Fantasy, Family
- Length: 262 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Little Dick and the Clock by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Little Dick and the Clock?
- How does this poem by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Children's Poetry — The work features rhythmic and playful language typical of children's poetry, with a focus on sound and repetition.
- Humor — The playful manipulation of words and sounds creates a humorous effect, appealing to a child's sense of fun.
- Fantasy — The personification of the clock and its interaction with the character introduces a fantastical element.
- Family — The narrative centers around a child's experience and the implied presence of family care.
Tags
Children's Literature · Poetry · Nursery Rhyme · Folk Tale · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Clockwork · Mechanical Devices · Childhood Innocence