Title: The Runaway Clock
Author: Laurence M. Haynes
Publisher: L.M.Haynes Publishing
ISBN: 978-1087927268
Pages: 28
Genre: Children’s Book
Reviewed by: Tony Epinoza
Pacific Book Review
Rarely do we find any child out there in the world who has not at one point or another in their young lives wished to be an adult. To escape the limitations of childhood and get to the stage of being “free” to make their own decisions. It is a child’s rite of passage, so to speak, to learn the appreciation for childhood that everyone loses as they step into adulthood. Yet no one can define that moment for a child. They must arrive at that conclusion themselves. As Elliot Page once said, “When we’re growing up there are all sorts of people telling us what to do when really what we need is space to work out who to be.”
In the latest Christian Children’s Book, The Runaway Clock, the question of growing up and faith comes into play heavily, but with a twist. When three siblings begin wishing that they could freeze time and be a kid forever to escape the “horrors” of adulthood, they instead find their wish only half working. Upon waking up, they discover ten years have come to pass, and the children move around as ghosts looking not at the living, but the future that awaits them. As time moves on without them, the children must learn not to escape adulthood, but bring the wonder and delight of childlike hopefulness and faith into their adult lives.
This is a unique and interesting take on the classic theme of growing up. The balance of magical storytelling, education, and critical thinking that defines the children’s book genre so well was perfectly executed in this book. The characters are well defined in such a short read, and the story unfolds perfectly for parents hoping to share some story time with their young children.
For fans of children’s books and faith-based storytelling, this is the perfect read for you. As someone who grew up on story time with my parents as a kid, I can say this book flows perfectly and captures the heart and passion that these stories need. For those hoping to bring some of their faith and religion into their children’s story time, this book incorporates that eloquently, showcasing a firm understanding of the narrative and theme.
Captivating, heartfelt, and entertaining, The Runaway Clock is a must-read children’s book. The author really captures the youthful spirit and attention to detail that the genre needs to keep it fresh and attention grabbing for fans of the genre, and this book really does a great job of bringing parents and children together for a really magical story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
