Books About Clocks And Watches

The Best Clocks And Watches Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about clocks and watches? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret
#1 in Series
The 13 Clocks
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Clocks And Watches

Sale price
$2849
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2007

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

By Brian Selznick

A hidden life in a Paris station unravels with a cryptic message.

Caldecott Medal (2008)The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2007)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2007)
533 pages· 24,938 words· Est. 3 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 191,299 ratings
$29.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Hugo, an orphan and clock keeper, hides within the walls of a Paris train station. His secretive existence is threatened when he encounters a mysterious toyseller and a curious girl. As a cryptic drawing, a stolen key, and a mechanical man come into play, Hugo must unravel a hidden message from his deceased father. Can he protect his secret and uncover the truth before it's too late?
Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 1930

The Secret of the Old Clock

A young woman investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding a wealthy man's death and the disappearance of his will.

192 pages· 34,724 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 86,219 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Nancy Drew faces a race against time to locate a missing will that could change everything. With the Topham family poised to seize an inheritance, Nancy must unravel the mystery of the old clock to help Mr. Crowly's friends. Will she succeed before it's too late? Dive into this classic mystery and join Nancy on her thrilling quest.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1973

The House with a Clock in Its Walls

By John Bellairs, Edward Gorey (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Lewis Barnavelt series

A young boy discovers that his new home is haunted by a malevolent spirit and that he has the power to communicate with the dead.

179 pages· 38,975 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
3.7/5 Goodreads · 21,076 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Orphaned Lewis Barnavelt moves in with his mysterious Uncle Jonathan, only to discover a world of magic and danger. When Lewis accidentally resurrects a sinister sorceress, he unleashes a hidden clock capable of destroying humanity. With time ticking away, Lewis and his magical allies must unravel the secrets of the house to prevent catastrophe. Will they succeed before it's too late?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Fix That Clock

Can a crew fix a clock without displacing its animal residents?

40 pages· 448 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 314 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A construction crew faces a unique challenge: restoring a dilapidated clock tower without evicting its wild animal inhabitants. As they transform zigzags into squares, the team must balance progress with compassion. Will they find a way to keep the clock ticking and the animals safe? Discover a tale of cooperation and creativity where every creature finds a place.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

A Stopwatch from Grampa

By Loretta Garbutt, Carmen Mok (Illustrator)

A child navigates grief with a stopwatch, a symbol of lost time and cherished memories.

32 pages· 418 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 201 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A child inherits a stopwatch from their late grandfather, a tool once used to time joyful moments. As they grapple with loss, the stopwatch becomes a symbol of remembrance, helping them honor Grampa's traditions. Through the changing seasons, the child learns to embrace the past while moving forward, exploring the stages of grief with sensitivity and resilience. Will the stopwatch help them find peace and acceptance in a world without Grampa's presence?
Picture Book · Ages 5–11 · 1988

The Eleventh Hour

An elephant's birthday feast vanishes. Can you solve the mystery?

32 pages· 1,829 words· Est. 15 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 9,618 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: At Horace the elephant's grand costume party, a mystery unfolds when the birthday feast disappears. Among the exotic guests, from tutu-wearing giraffes to a punk zebra, lies the culprit. Dive into the rhyming verses and intricate illustrations to uncover clues and solve the whodunit. Will you be the clever sleuth who cracks the case?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–14 · 1887

The Wonder Clock

By Howard Pyle (Author/Illustrator), Katherine Pyle

Discover 24 enchanting tales where time unveils magical adventures and mythical creatures.

318 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 375 ratings
$12.95Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: When the Wonder Clock strikes, a new tale begins. From a youth raised by bears to a servant seeking the Water of Life, each hour reveals a magical story. Encounter giants, talking animals, and three-headed dragons in a world where anything is possible. With 24 tales, each marked by a whimsical verse, this collection promises a journey through timeless adventures. Will the strongest man defeat his foes? Can a faithful servant find the elixir of life? Dive into a realm of imagination and wonder, where every tick of the clock brings a new story to life.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2016

The Secret Keepers

A magical watch thrusts Reuben into a perilous quest against a cunning villain.

512 pages· 135,898 words· Est. 15 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 8,842 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Reuben stumbles upon a magical watch that changes everything. Torn between honesty and heroism, he embarks on a perilous journey with allies Penny, Jack, and Mrs. Genevieve. Together, they must outsmart the elusive villain, The Smoke, to save their city. As secrets unravel, Reuben faces treacherous traps and daring escapes. Can he solve the mystery in time, or will the city's fate be sealed? Dive into a world where every secret holds power, and every choice could be a curse or a gift.
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2012

A Home for Bird

A toad helps a silent bird find its home.

32 pages· 383 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,170 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Vernon the toad discovers a silent blue bird and wonders if it misses its home. Determined to help, Vernon embarks on a heartfelt journey with Bird, exploring rivers and forests, meeting friends, and seeking a place where Bird belongs. Will they find Bird's true home, or is there more to Bird's silence than meets the eye? Join Vernon and Bird on this tender adventure of friendship and discovery.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1950

The 13 Clocks

By James Thurber, Marc Simont (Illustrator)

A prince must outwit a wicked duke to win a princess's hand.

108 pages
4.0/5 Goodreads · 8,750 ratings
$16.00Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a castle where time stands still, a wicked Duke sets impossible tasks to keep suitors from his niece, Princess Saralinda. Enter Prince Zorn, disguised as a minstrel, with the mysterious Golux by his side. Can they outsmart the Duke and restore time's flow? Discover a whimsical tale of love and cunning.
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Clocks And Watches Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about clocks and watches for preschool and elementary-age readers.

What Time Is It, Mr. Crocodile?

Ages 4–7 · 2007

Can Mr. Crocodile catch the clever monkeys before time runs out?

Clocks and More Clocks

Ages 4–8 · 1970

Mr. Higgins' clocks all show different times, yet they're all correct. How?

The Completed Hickory Dickory Dock

Ages 3–7 · 1990

What adventures await the mouse after the clock strikes one?

What's the Time, Mr. Wolf?

Ages 4–8 · 2012

Mr. Wolf's day unfolds with surprises, ending in a party with familiar fairy tale guests.

Tick Tock Clock

Ages 4–8 · 2009

Twins visit Grandma, but is she prepared for their antics?

The Grouchy Ladybug

Ages 3–5 · 1977

A grouchy ladybug learns the value of friendship and good manners on her journey.

Telling Time with Puppies and Kittens

Ages 5–8 · 2007

Learn to tell time with adorable puppies and kittens.

It's About Time!

Ages 4–8 · 2005

Discover the magic of a day as kids learn to tell time through everyday adventures.

What Time Is It?

Ages 4–8 · 2000

Solve riddles to master time-telling skills.

Game Time!

Ages 7–9 · 2000

Can the Huskies beat the clock and the Falcons in their championship match?

Telling Time

Ages 5–8 · 2000

Discover the fun of telling time with playful clocks and humor.

Sale price
$999

Pete the Cat: Hickory Dickory Dock

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A cool cat climbs the clock, but what happens when time strikes one?

View all clocks and watches picture books
Browse by age

Clocks And Watches Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about clocks and watches for developing and independent readers.

The Clockwork Three

2010

A stolen violin, a hidden treasure, and a clockwork dream collide in a city where survival depends on secrets and courage.

The Haunted Clock Tower Mystery

Ages 7–10 · 2001

A hidden secret at Goldwin University leads to a mysterious clock tower.

The Glass Sentence

Ages 10–12 · 2014

In a world split by time, Sophia must rescue her kidnapped uncle before it's too late.

Watch Hollow

Ages 9–12 · 2019

A broken clock, lurking evil, and magical allies. Can two siblings save their world?

Sale price
$499

The Cuckoo Clock of Doom

Ages 8–12 · 1995

A clock's magic reverses time, making Michael younger each minute.

Sale price
$2467

Telling Time All the Time

Ages 6–9 · 2008

Discover a day in the life of Park Street's busy children.

Big Ben

Ages 7–10 · 2021

Discover the secrets of Big Ben's history and architecture.

The Rewindable Clock

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A magical locker offers time travel. Will Keisha fix her mistake or help her friends?

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