Thirteen O'Clock

Edward Gorey meets e.e. cummings in this first book from illustrator and film animator (James and the Giant Peach) James Stimson. Thirteen O’Clock is the spooky tale of a “fairly normal girl” who turns the tables on the slippery-slithery nocturnal spooks being released with each gong of her not-so-normal clock. Rhythmic language drenched in assonance and alliteration makes for a tongue-tied challenge to read aloud—and pushes it to the older end of the publisher’s recommended age range. But the playfully creepy charcoal drawings thoroughly consume the eye—and imagination—luring all audiences into the eerie exploits. Wednesday Addams would definitely approve.—Jessie Keyt