DO CLOCKWORKS DREAM OF GEAR-TOOTHED SHEEP is not only a lovely work for
middle-school and YA readers, it is an excellent novel
for those who've wiled away hours in literature
classrooms, or English majors. It has so many wonderful
allusions to childhood tales, canonical literature, and
folktales, but they are neither smug nor twee. Instead,
DO CLOCKWORKS DREAM OF GEAR-TOOTHED SHEEP is fascinating, funny, and a
fast read.
I also read DO CLOCKWORKS DREAM OF GEAR-TOOTHED SHEEP in a single
sitting and plan to harass
most people I know to read it. Although this Volume One
primarily introduces characters, situations, and develops
context for more intricate future works, it is an
enjoyable ride. The references and allusions to other
works are lovingly crafted, but they never drift into
irony, satire, or self-indulgent "meta" narrative (there's
nothing wrong with the "meta," just the self-indulgent
kind). Nika is an excellent protagonist, and many lines
will tug at the heartstrings.
I'll admit to spending the first 70 pages enraptured in a state of bittersweet
immersion. Honestly, my room could have been ignited, the
world could have collapsed, and talking beetles could
have taken over, and I wouldn't have noticed. I'm ready
for E.P. Isaacs to hurry up on the next installment. This
is a MUST for those who enjoy steampunk, Victorian
Literature, youth/children's literature, whimsy, and
solid editing. I'm considering using this to introduce
allusion and literary analysis at the high school level.
DO CLOCKWORKS DREAM OF GEAR-TOOTHED SHEEP would be an excellent
addition to a late elementary
or middle school curriculum for many reasons, but
primarily because one could do a lot with analysis and
connection to modernity.
An epic fantasy that echoes some of the most beloved classic
children's tales of all time, E. P.
Isaacs's Do Clockworks Dream of Gear-Toothed Sheep? inspires
children to see themselves for
who they truly are—and never let go.
Nika Thought-werk may not be made from ordinary flesh and
bone, but this doesn't make her any
less loved by her friends—or any less needed by those who
find themselves in trouble. Although
she is made of porcelain, glass, and wax—a doll brought to
existence through the astonishing work
of a doctor in 1894 Ireland—Nika refuses to live a life that
is anything short of extraordinary.
As she makes her way through tornadoes, a lake filled with
stew, giant bubblegum bubbles, and a
sheep-napping, Nika must find the strength to go on—even
when faced with the gravest of
dangers.
Along the way, she meets friends of every size and shape—all
of whom help Nika learn to see
herself for who she truly is.
This enchanting kid's tale bravely tackles some of the
issues that transgender children face,
providing readers with hope and encouragement that they are
not alone in their quest to find their
true identity.
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