Clink is an outdated robot whose only skills are playing music and making toast (usually burnt). He can’t compete with the other trendy robots in the shop, so no one has any interest in buying him. Watching his robot friends depart with their new owners, Clink “leaked rusty tears every time”—until the day when a new customer, Milton, browses unimpressed through the robot ranks. He’s headed out the door without making a purchase when an inspired Clink spontaneously belts out “a head-boppin’, toast-poppin’, showstoppin’ tune. The song was old-fashioned and crackled with static, but there was pure joy in every note.” Milton loves to dance, and so a perfect match is made. (He doesn’t even mind burnt toast.) Details in the colorful illustrations add humor to the tale of an endearing robot who deserves his happily-ever-after ending. (Ages 4–8)

While newer, fancier robots are quickly purchased, Clink, an old-fashioned robot who can only make toast and music, gathers dust and feels downhearted until a young boy enters the shop looking for something special.