Oakley
Lisa Lucas & Laurie Stein
Category: Children's Picture Book
Hardcover | 32 pages |979-8-90115-112-9
Trim Size: 10.0” H x 10.0” W
Publication Date: Feb 2nd, 2027
List Price: $18.99 USD
Publisher: Starfish Bay® Publishing
Genre: Realistic Fiction / Family Story
Reading Level: Grade 1-2
Interest Level: Grades PreK-3
Guided Reading Level: K
Lexile® Measure: 510L
Accelerated Reader® Level/Poin: 2.6/0.5

A polar bear who loves clocks but can’t tell time learns to solve his punctuality problem.

Oakley adores everything about clocks—their faces, numbers, and steady tick-tock sounds—but he has one big problem: he can’t tell time. This makes him chronically late for school, meals, and family activities, earning constant “Hurry up!” reminders from his frustrated family. When his mother threatens to leave him behind for a special fair trip, Oakley thinks creatively. With the help of his beloved clock collection and his sister, he discovers a clever way to finally be on time. A charming story with whimsical illustrations about problem-solving, perseverance, and the rewards of thinking differently.

 

Key Features:
  • Practical time management lesson — Introduces young readers to the importance of punctuality and creative problem-solving strategies in an engaging, non-preachy way that makes learning about time feel fun
  • Relatable family dynamics — Captures the realistic frustrations of both children who struggle with time concepts and parents dealing with chronic lateness, fostering empathy and understanding
  • STEM learning opportunity — Encourages interest in clocks, time, and mechanical devices, while subtly teaching number recognition and the basics of how timepieces work through Oakley’s fascination
  • Whimsical illustrations bring Oakley’s fascination with clocks to life, with each spread combining humor and detail to make a visually engaging read.
     
Themes:
Fascinations and personal interests
Challenges with time management
Pressure and expectations from family
Problem-solving and independence
Anxiety about being left behind
Learning and growth
Intergenerational family dynamics
Persistence and effort
Humorous everyday situations
The subjectivity of time
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