
A parent might reach for this book when their child first starts asking, “What time is it?” and is ready for a gentle, story-based introduction to clocks. "Telling the Time" cleverly sidesteps dry instruction by following the familiar characters Poppy and Sam through a full day on Apple Tree Farm. Each activity, from morning chores to a bedtime story, corresponds to a specific time, making the abstract concept of hours and minutes feel concrete and relatable. This book fosters curiosity and the quiet joy of mastering a new skill. It is perfect for preschoolers and early elementary children who learn best through narrative and visual association, turning a potentially tricky lesson into a cozy, shared reading experience.
None. This is a straightforward educational concept book with a positive and reassuring tone.
A 4 to 6-year-old who is beginning to show curiosity about time and clocks. This child responds well to stories and characters, and would be overwhelmed by a more academic or workbook-style approach. They likely enjoy stories about animals, farms, and daily routines.
No preparation is necessary. The book can be read cold. For extended learning, a parent could have a toy clock nearby to mimic the times shown in the book. The final pages often include a summary and a practice clock with movable hands, which is helpful to review. The parent's child has started asking "When is soon?" or "What time is it?" The parent wants to introduce the concept of telling time in a way that feels like a story, not a lesson, to build a positive foundation for the skill.
Companion Guide · This is not part of the core Farmyard Tales reading order (17 books).
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewA 4-year-old will primarily follow the story of Poppy and Sam's day, connecting the pictures with the general time of day (morning, night) and the concept of 'o'clock'. A 6 or 7-year-old will be more capable of grasping the role of the minute hand and understanding 'half past' and 'quarter to', using the book to practice and solidify their knowledge.
Unlike many sterile time-telling books, this one embeds the lesson within the charming and beloved world of Usborne's Farmyard Tales. The narrative context gives meaning to each time shown, linking it to a tangible, relatable activity. This story-first approach makes the abstract concept of time much more accessible and less intimidating for young learners.
The book chronicles one full day on Apple Tree Farm with siblings Poppy and Sam. Each two-page spread highlights a specific time and a corresponding daily activity, such as eating breakfast at 8 o'clock, feeding animals, having lunch at 12 o'clock, and getting ready for bed at 7 o'clock. The narrative structure allows for the gradual introduction of time-telling concepts, starting with 'o'clock' and moving to 'half past' and 'quarter past/to'. Each page features a clear analog clock face showing the relevant time.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
