A parent might reach for this book when their child is facing a new, intimidating situation, like a new school or home, and is struggling with feelings of loneliness. The Clockwork Crow follows Seren, a lonely orphan sent to a remote Welsh mansion. When she arrives, the house is mysteriously empty and frozen in an enchanted winter. Her only companion is a grumpy, talking clockwork crow she assembles from a box of parts. Together, they must unravel the mystery of the curse and find the courage to confront the magical beings who cast it. This atmospheric fairy tale beautifully explores themes of loneliness, bravery, and the life-changing power of an unlikely friendship. It is an excellent choice for a child who needs to see that courage is not the absence of fear, but the choice to act in spite of it.
The magical antagonists are eerie and mysterious. Some scenes in the frozen house are spooky.
Mild PerilMild
The protagonist faces magical threats and dangers from the fairy-like antagonists.
Sensitive Topics
The book's core deals with orphanhood and the profound loneliness that accompanies it. The approach is direct and empathetic, focusing on Seren's internal feelings of being unwanted. The resolution is very hopeful, as she finds a true family. The magical elements are drawn from secular Welsh folklore (the Tylwyth Teg), not religious sources.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for an imaginative, introspective child aged 9-11 who loves classic fantasy and fairy tales. It is especially suited for a child grappling with loneliness, perhaps due to a recent move or a shift in social circles, who would benefit from a story about a quiet hero finding her voice and strength.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold. No specific context is required as the story explains its own folklore. A parent might preview the scenes involving the Tylwyth Teg, the magical antagonists, which are more eerie and mysterious than outright terrifying. They are depicted as amoral nature spirits, not purely evil villains. A parent has noticed their child feeling isolated or invisible in a new environment. The child might have said, "I don't have any friends here," or "I wish I had someone to talk to." The parent is looking for a story that acknowledges these feelings while modeling resilience and the courage to form new bonds.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will primarily enjoy the adventure: the talking bird, the magical puzzles, and the fairy tale quest. An older reader (10-12) will more deeply appreciate the atmospheric, lyrical prose and connect with Seren's emotional journey from loneliness to self-acceptance and belonging. They will also pick up on the nuanced themes of courage and the complexities of friendship.
What Makes It Special
What sets this book apart is its enchanting, specific use of Welsh folklore and the unique dynamic between the earnest protagonist and her mechanical, sarcastic companion. Unlike epic fantasies, the conflict is intimate and personal. The blend of classic fairy tale atmosphere with a touch of steampunk (the clockwork crow) gives it a distinctive charm, focusing on quiet courage over grand battles.
Read plot summary
Orphaned and lonely, Seren is sent to be a companion to the young son of a family at a remote manor in Wales. Upon her arrival just before Christmas, she finds the house, Plas-y-Gors, deserted and frozen under a magical spell. Using a set of parts she was mysteriously given, she assembles a clockwork crow who comes to life. The crow, Tomos, is connected to the magic of the house and its captors, the fairy-like Tylwyth Teg. Seren and the crow must work together to break the enchantment and rescue the family trapped within, with Seren discovering her own bravery and place of belonging along the way.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
When Seren first assembles the crow, he is very grumpy and not very friendly. Why do you think she keeps trying to be his friend? When have you had to be patient with a new friend?
2
The crow tells Seren, 'Courage is a muscle. You use it, it gets stronger.' Can you think of a specific time in the story when Seren used her 'courage muscle' and what happened as a result?
3
The Tylwyth Teg want to keep the house and the family for themselves because they believe beautiful things are wasted on humans. Do you think they are simply evil, or do they just have a different way of seeing the world? Explain your thinking.
4
At the beginning of the book, Seren feels like a 'parcel' being sent from place to place. How does she feel by the end of the story, and what changed to make her feel that way?
