index

Summer Plein Air Workshop

Urban Sketching & Outdoor Painting · Orange County, CA

6 Mondays · June 8 – July 20, 2026 · 1:30–4:30 PM

A purple, playful, curious hippo who learns big lessons in small adventures.

Clyde the Hippo running with butterflies

Meet Clyde

Clyde is a sweet, bright purple hippo with big eyes, two tiny teeth, and an even bigger imagination. He lives in a sunny little world full of butterflies, best friends, and brand-new places to explore.

Like a lot of little kids, Clyde is still figuring things out. He gets excited. He gets nervous. Sometimes he makes a not-so-great choice — but he always learns from it. Whether he is heading to his very first day of school, zooming down a slide, racing his trike, or owning up to a little fib, Clyde shows young readers that growing up is an adventure worth being brave for.

His friends include a bouncy Boston terrier, a fluffy pink poodle, a blue puppy pal, and even a tall, patient giraffe. Together they laugh, play, and remind each other that being kind — and being honest — always wins the day.

  • Age: preschool-ish
  • Color: purple (obviously)
  • Loves: butterflies, trikes, slides
  • Learning: honesty, bravery, kindness

The Clyde the Hippo Books

Written by Keith Marantz · Illustrated by Larissa Marantz

Clyde Goes to School
Clyde Goes to School

It's the very first day of school and Clyde's tummy is full of butterflies — literally! A warm, reassuring story about being brave when everything feels new.

Clyde Lied
Clyde Lied

Uh oh — Clyde told a little fib, and it's turning into a really big problem. A gentle lesson on honesty and owning up to mistakes.

Clyde Likes to Ride
Clyde Likes to Ride

Helmet on, flag flying — Clyde is ready to roll! A zippy little story about trying new things and feeling the wind in your ears.

Clyde Likes to Slide
Clyde Likes to Slide

Goggles on! Clyde is ready for the biggest slide of his life. A story about taking the leap and believing in yourself.

Activity Pages

Free printable coloring sheets, puzzles, and a read-along excerpt for young readers.

Coloring Pages

Clyde coloring page

Color Clyde

Download
Amanda coloring page

Color Amanda

Download
Dot coloring page

Color Dot

Download
Toby coloring page

Color Toby

Download
Super Sloths coloring page

Super Sloths

Download

Puzzles & Worksheets

Maze activity

Clyde's Maze

Download
Unscramble the Names

Unscramble the Names

Download
Count with Clyde

Count with Clyde

Download

Read-Along — Sample from "Clyde Goes to School"

Clyde's tummy fluttered like a hundred tiny butterflies. Today was the day. His very first day of school.

"What if nobody sits with me?" Clyde whispered. "What if I forget where to hang my backpack?"

His mom smiled softly. "You are brave, Clyde. You are kind. And those butterflies? They just mean something wonderful is about to happen."

— from Clyde Goes to School, by Keith Marantz, illustrated by Larissa Marantz

Get the Full Activity Bundle

All of Clyde's printable puzzles and coloring sheets in one tidy PDF.

Download the PDF →