Children’s books are more than just good reading, they often give young readers a safe space to explore feelings that are often complex, confusing or even difficult to articulate. Stories that tackle loneliness, fear, friendship, bullying and resilience help children recognise their own emotions and understand those of others. They can also help readers find reassurance when life feels overwhelming. Which brings me to The Clocker by Liz Mackenzie, an emotionally rich story that weaves together themes of bullying, social and family issues, friendship, humour, hardship and hope in a way that feels authentic and deeply comforting for readers aged around nine and above.
The Clocker follows 9-year-old Nev, a boy whose life is far from easy. His mother has left, leaving him alone with his “bit weird” struggling father (and who uses, what Nev finds embarrassing, terms such as “Cool” and “Ace”), and school isn’t much better, it’s a daily battleground thanks to Kez, a relentless bully who seems determined to make Nev’s life miserable. To help him cope, his bond with one of his hens, The Clocker, offers him companionship, comfort and a sense of stability when everything else feels uncertain. The emotional pressures form the backbone of a wonderful, heartfelt story.
The story is narrated by Nev, which is lively, humorous and wonderfully observant. It follows his up and downs, his weekly egg round, conversations with The Clocker, writing a poem for Regional Schools’ Poetry Festival, his new friend at school, Samantha O’Tarrell and having to stand up to Kez while trying to deal with his emotions around his mum leaving.
Overall, I found The Clocker to be a beautifully crafted middle‑grade reader. Dealing with many themes, it is essentially a story of friendship, bravery and finding your voice that touches on bullying, depression and anxiety – although not in an overwhelming way.
The story is told by Nev with an emotional depth. Struggling with his mum leaving him and being bullied at school, his anxieties come to the surface. But with the help of being able to get his feelings out by talking to his hens it helps him cope and start to process his emotions (the subtle change from calling his mum to mother says a lot about how he feels).
While the story deals with some difficult themes, Nev’s narration keeps the feel of the story very real while handling them with a lightness that keeps the story engaging for young readers – I personally loved the way that Nev over-exaggerates (as lots of young children do) when it comes taking about time.
And it’s not all doom and gloom surrounding bullying and family dynamics. His relationship with his dad is wonderful. While he describes his Dad as “a bit weird,” he isn’t really – yes, he has his quirks but beneath it all is a loving father doing his best while grappling with his own challenges. Their interactions are tender, awkward and often funny, painting a realistic and relatable portrait of a family trying to find its footing.
Then there is the turning point in story when the school are tasked with writing a poem for Regional Schools’ Poetry Festival and Nev is chosen to represent the school with his poem about The Clocker. This allows him to be creative and express himself, allowing him to grow, albeit allowing for further bullying by Kez.
A big theme throughout the book is of bullying and I loved how this was handled. It is never sensationalised, but it is never minimised either. Kez’s behaviour is intimidating and cruel, not just for Nev but others in the school as well, but the story remains focused on Nev’s resilience rather than the bully’s power. The emotional impact of bullying: fear, shame, frustration and isolation, is woven throughout the story, making Nev’s journey towards confidence all the more meaningful. And it doesn’t just look at Nev being bullied, it also touches on why Kez may be the way he is (while still staying on track that bullying is never acceptable whatever the reason).
Plus Nev has emotional support from Samantha. With their warm and believable friendship, one rooted in mutual kindness, it shows how having positive connections can transform a child’s outlook on life and help them deal with any issues they may have.
And we can’t forget the hens, mainly The Clocker, who while being an eggspert egg-layer also has the role of an emotional support animal. One of the most uplifting aspects of The Clocker is its exploration of how animals can help children navigate difficult emotions. Nev’s hens are not just pets: they are part of the family, much-loved friends who are perfect listeners, a source of comfort and give him a sense of purpose. The Clocker, in particular, becomes a symbol of courage and self-acceptance. Through his daily care he provides for his hens, Nev also learns to care for himself, discovering an inner strength he didn’t realise he had.
While The Clocker looks at several real and relatable issues, tackling difficult subjects such as bullying, depression and family problems, the story remains warm, humorous and wonderfully hopeful. It is very well balanced with the more serious moments counteracted with Nev’s irreverent observations and worries, creating a narrative that feels emotionally honest without ever becoming overwhelming.
There is a charm and depth to The Clocker that readers will absorb and take a lot from. It is not a story about dealing with life’s problems by yourself, but utilising family, friends and neighbours to lighten the loud. It is a very relatable and inspiring tale. Using his bond with The Clocker offers a unique and memorable anchor for the story. It is a book that encourages empathy, celebrates resilience and shows children that even in difficult times, hope is not lost – sometimes it just takes the help of a hen and good people around you.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £9.99 (Paperback) / £3.99 (Kindle)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
PUBLISHER:
PUBLICATION DATE:
ISBN:
PRINT LENGTH:
COVER ART: