Stop the Clock
Joe is always in a hurry, until he stops time to paint everything he missed on the way to school, in a short audiobook about slowing down.
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What is Stop the Clock about?
Stop the Clock is an audiobook for children about Joe, a boy who is always rushed, and what he sees when he makes time stand still.
Every morning is a scramble. Mum hunts for her keys, Joe hunts for his sock, his little sister Poppy is strapped into her pushchair, and the family hurries, worries and scurries down the road to school. In class, Mr Khan asks everyone to paint what they saw on the way. Joe paints a blue sky, grey buildings, a red bus and yellow flowers, but before he can paint Poppy it is time to tidy up. Hurry up, Joe!
So Joe shouts, "Stop the clock!", and everything stands still except him. He takes a big, slow breath and paints Poppy. Then he goes out to look properly. The sky is not just blue; there are birds in it. Plants and tiny creatures make a miniature world, and each building gives clues about the people who live there. He even spots Poppy's teddy. Then he lets the clocks start again, and by home time he has made two people happy.
Written by Pippa Goodhart, illustrated by Maria Christania and published by Tiny Owl, the story invites children to slow down and notice the world around them, and the people in it.
What your child will learn
- When we slow down, we notice much more of the world around us.
- Small details show us how rich and varied the world is.
- Noticing other people can help us make them happy.
- Everyone, including us, is part of the picture.
Talk about it afterwards
- What did Joe see when he stopped the clock that he had missed before?
- What do you notice on your way to school?
- How do you think Joe made two people happy?
- What in the world around us shows how much Allah has created?
Frequently asked questions
What is Stop the Clock about?
A boy who is always in a hurry stops time so that he can look properly at everything he passed on the way to school, and finishes his picture.
How long is Stop the Clock?
About 3 minutes.
Does Stop the Clock have music?
No. It is music-free.
