Elbert, the Curious Clock Tower Bear

December 15, 2018
A mechanical bear's curiosity doesn't run like clockwork.On a tower high above a town, Elbert is one of five bears that parade in and out of a clock on the stroke of every hour. His companions steadfastly carry out their marching duties; Elbert doesn't, constantly distracted by myriad wonders. When his unquenchable curiosity disrupts routines badly, his fellows give him 24 hours to dispose of it or risk permanent banishment. On the ground, new experiences engender many new questions, but what to do with curiosity? Elbert tries various disappearing methods, but, frustratingly, nothing works...until, finally, something does--to his and the other bears' benefit. This is an odd tale, with jarring elements. Curiosity isn't portrayed altogether positively, and punitive aspects--threat of exile, Elbert's self-reproach--may seem harsh or confusing. The story's conclusion, however, reassures that curiosity is acceptable and rewarded with treats and a walkabout for all, suggesting Elbert's clockwork partners will thereafter strut happily. The pencil and digitally colored illustrations serve the tale serviceably, with Elbert depicted as blue and inexpressive. (He is an automaton.) His smart, reflective questions appear in italics to differentiate them from the otherwise lackluster narrative. Frequent depictions of analog-clock faces throughout should pique the curiosity of readers/listeners who will ask what time the clocks show or proudly demonstrate their own prowess.Readers probably won't be curious enough to revisit this story after the first time. (Picture book. 4-7)

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May 24, 2019

K-Gr 2-Elbert is one of five mechanical bears who live in a clock tower, and parade around the clock, at the stroke of every hour. Yet, Elbert has many questions beyond his duties. The other bears become irritated with Elbert's wonder and give him an ultimatum: get rid of his curiosity in 24 hours or do not return to the clock tower. As Elbert journeys through a town and the forest to rid himself of his questions, he discovers he only has more wonder and awe for possibility. Beautifully written and illustrated, this book is a delight with a powerful message about remaining curious. Elbert's countdown appears on alternating pages, with the clock tower's face displaying the time, which could be useful in helping young readers learning to tell time. The text is full of lush vocabulary and deep thinking, pondering where curiosity lives in the body. The illustrations mimic the movement of Elbert's journey and his thought process, whether appearing as panels demonstrating the progression of time as he moves through the forest, or as full-page illustrations conveying Elbert's pausing to think as he takes in the view on a mountain top. VERDICT While the questions posed, vocabulary, and symbolism could be tricky for some readers, the overall story and emotion behind it is one that is worthwhile to any reader young or old.-Kaitlin Malixi, Kensington Health Sciences Academy, Philadelphia

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