Title: The Exasperated Clock
Author: Debbie Hickman
Publisher: Debbie Hickman; Large type / Large print edition
ASIN: 978-1963068481
Pages: 34
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Books
Reviewer: Alyssa Avina
Hollywood Book Reviews
When looking for the perfect read-along children’s book, there are plenty of things that come to mind. Fantastic storytelling which is both educational and fun for the young readers – and their parents or loved ones – would be the first. Another would be detailed and beautiful illustrations further engaging its readers in the story playing out before them. And I have to say, The Exasperated Clock by author Debbie Hickman with illustrations by Adam Taylor has all of that – and so much more.
The plot of this story is cleverly created with fun-filled adventures all surrounding a clock and the unruly chaos the numbers on its face are creating. Their misbehaving results in zany antics that will have your young ones excitedly turning the page to see what happens next. Prepare for their riotous laughter as the events unfold before them. This is a fresh and unique approach to a children’s book and frankly, is one of the best I’ve read in a good while. And if you’re having trouble wrapping your head around the numbers and their ensuing chaos, don’t fret. It will all become perfectly clear as you read along with each illustration showing the digits with big, expressive eyes and cartoonish expressions as they go on their many wild adventures, much to the clock’s dismay.
A good example of what’s to come would be when the “1” and the “12” begin arguing over who is the most important out of all of the digits. Of course, “12” argues they are the one at the top of the food chain, so to speak, because they have two words named after it: “noon and midnight”. But “1” has a good retort, rocked and ready to go: nothing beats it since it is in “first place”. From there, the rest of the numbers get in on the fun which makes it a far-too-enjoyable read for youngsters. This is such a perfect book to add your own silly voices and expressions to as you read along.
The educational piece of this read is incredibly well-thought-out and put together, as well, with numerology and mathematical language helping to bring a better understanding to children on how to read a clock properly as well as the basics of addition and subtraction. This is one I highly recommend any one with youngsters in their life add to their educational reading repertoire as it will create plenty of incredible memories between the reader and their kiddos. Pick up your copy today of The Exasperated Clock by Debbie Hickman for an imaginative read you aren’t soon to forget, while time is on your side!