I always love it when characters in old fiction behave like actual people nowadays (or at least reveal similar thought processes and feelings), it shows that the author actually observed people, rather than (as in much pulp fiction) simply writing characatures that sold.

After spending many hours with my nephew helping him with studies, this exchange rang particularly true, after Griselda had complained of her arithmetic homework:

"Hush!" said her aunt gravely. "That is not the way for a little girl to speak. Improve these golden hours of youth, Griselda; they will never return."

"I hope not," muttered Griselda, "if it means doing sums."

Miss Grizzel fortunately was a little deaf; she did not hear this remark.

I tend to judge children's books by whether or not they still manage to appeal to me as an adult which may seem unfair, but to me, a good story is a good story even if the intended audience is a few decades younger than me. By that metric, The Cuckoo Clock didn't particularly capture my attention. For one thing, I think it was too long and too wordy for the audience that might appreciate it most. The book succeeds best when it captures Griselda's flights of fancy. A good editor and great illustrations (the kindle edition had no illustrations but I think they existed in the original) could easily turn this book into a children's classic. Overall, I felt it underachieved as it pertains to its potential. ( )

I am certain Mrs Molesworth was the inspiration for Molesworth of Down with Skool fame. Written by Mary Louise Molesworth nee Stewart ( )

Sweet. Not my style. found the same way I found Family From One End Street. ( )

The best English children's authors always understand that children aren't angels and give them tempers and various other flaws. Grizelda, the heroine of The cuckoo clock, is a motherless girl who is sent to two of her father's elderly aunts to be raised. She is lonely despite the aunts' beautiful home and devoted attentions and begins to be cranky, bored and uncooperative. Her attention is taken by the family's cuckoo clock. The cuckoo is magic and he begins talking to Grizelda and takes her on several magical adventures. The adventures are charming and beautifully imaged, but the talking is more like nagging and the author outlines the behavior amendments required with a slightly heavy hand. Still, it's less preachy than most other children's book of the period and the fantasy is fun. ( )