"Clockwork" by Phillip Pullman

"Clockwork", by Phillip Pullman, is a wonderful novella. Phillip Pullman is probably best well known for his series, "His Dark Materials", but "Clockwork" is just as good. The story begins in a tavern, where the people of Glockenheim have begun to gather on the eve of Karl's (a clockwork maker's apprentice) grand unveiling. The next day, Karl is supposed to unveil his clockwork piece that will signal his end as an apprentice. But Karl has a secret.

Meanwhile, master story-teller Fritz begins a story of a King and Queen who longed for a child, but were unable to have one for many years. When the baby dies in childbirth, the king devises a plan to save his wife and turns to a master clockwork maker for help, a man who may not have the best intentions.

This story is spooky and moves quickly, and is accompanied by great drawings by Leonid Gore. I had initially planned to read it to my 5-year-old, but after finishing it, decided it was a little to scary for him. Pullman does a great job creating tension throughout the story, as well as bringing all of the stories together at the end. I would definitely recommend this book to those who like fairy tales and stories that are a little different. It's a short read as well...an average reader can probably finish in just a few hours.
Books Book Teens Reading