About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their child is struggling to move forward after a significant loss or a major life transition, such as a move or a change in family structure. It is a gentle yet profound exploration of how grief can make us want to freeze time and avoid change, and how curiosity is often the key to healing. After losing their father, siblings Connor and Cordelia move to the rigid town of Woundabout, where routine is law and questions are forbidden. The story uses a whimsical, clockwork-inspired world to explore themes of grief, bravery, and the beauty of transformation. Perfect for middle-grade readers (ages 8-12), it offers a safe, metaphorical space to discuss the scary nature of 'new beginnings' and why it is okay to let the world change, even when it feels safer to stay still.
