Tick-Tock Around the Clock
Ruth Brown
Scallywag Press

The pendulum clock strikes seven bongs rousing Tick-Tock a marmalade moggy, from his slumbers. Having munched and crunched through breakfast, he exits the house through the cat flap, out into the garden with its abundance of wildlife. Squirrels bombard the cat with acorns, some of which are consumed by a little mouse but unfortunately, it’s too quick for the cat that pursues the rodent into the shed.

There, the cat pounces causing all manner of paint tins, flower pots and garden tools to come cascading down, while the mouse dashes away as fast as its tiny legs will carry it – wheeee! Eventually the cat, now covered in what looks like compost, comes out into the descending darkness of the garden and has a wash. An adult appears to call the moggy in for tea, which is followed by a cosy snuggle and then it’s time for bed, purr, purr, purr.

With its minimal onomatopoeic text that echoes the ticking of the clock and Ruth Brown’s realistic depictions of Tick-Tock and the surrounding environment, this is ideal for sharing with an individual or small group who will enjoy joining in with all the sounds and perusing the detailed scenes of Tick-Tock’s day.