About This Book
Reach for this book when your child begins asking existential questions about where they fit in the world or when they are struggling with the transition toward independence. It is a profound choice for a child who feels like a small cog in a giant machine or one who is processing feelings of being discarded or forgotten. While the protagonists are clockwork toys, their journey is a deeply human odyssey about the search for self-determination and a permanent home. The story follows a father and son wind-up mouse pair, joined at the hands, as they are broken and cast out into a harsh and often cruel world. They must navigate a dangerous landscape populated by a ruthless rat king and various philosophical animals. It is a sophisticated narrative that deals with complex emotional themes like perseverance, the nature of love, and the definition of family. While the vocabulary is rich and the atmosphere can be dark, the ultimate message is one of incredible resilience and the triumph of the spirit.
