Clocks and More Clocks
By Pat Hutchins
The Story
An old man buys four clocks for his house, but each one shows a slightly different time, sending him into a puzzled hunt for the truth — until the Clockmaker sets him straight.
Why It's Special
For the kid who asks 'but why?' about everything mechanical, this turns a mix-up over telling time into a small, satisfying mystery.
- Big idea: Things aren't always wrong just because they don't match — sometimes the confusion is in how you're looking, not in what you're looking at.
- Vibes: Puzzling, quietly funny, and reassuring by the end.
Perfect For Kids Who
- are learning how to read a clock
- enjoy figuring out a puzzle before the answer is revealed
- like stories that repeat with small variations
- are working on patience when something doesn't make sense right away
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: Why did Mr. Higgins think something was wrong with his clocks?
- Imagination: If you checked four clocks in your house, do you think they'd all say the same time?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever noticed two clocks that showed different times? What did you think?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Mr. Higgins felt before the Clockmaker explained everything to him?
