The Cuckoo Clock

By Mrs. Molesworth and Mrs Molesworth

Book Overview

"The Cuckoo Clock" is a foundational work of Victorian children's fantasy that follows the story of Griselda, a young girl who is sent to live in a quiet, stately home with her two elderly aunts. Feeling lonely and out of place in the silent house, Griselda's life takes a magical turn when she discovers that the wooden bird within an ancient cuckoo clock is capable of coming to life. This grumpy yet wise Cuckoo becomes Griselda's guide, whisking her away on a series of nocturnal journeys to enchanted realms, including the Country of the Nodding Mandarins and the Butterfly Land.

Through these whimsical adventures, Mrs. Molesworth explores themes of patience, character, and the wonders of a child's imagination. The narrative masterfully blends the domestic reality of a nineteenth-century household with the surreal elements of a fairy tale, creating a comforting yet thought-provoking atmosphere. Celebrated for its psychological depth and its charming portrayal of childhood curiosity, "The Cuckoo Clock" remains a significant example of early English fantasy literature. This enduring classic continues to delight readers with its magical realism and its timeless lessons on the importance of kindness and self-reflection.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025581490
• ISBN13: 9781025581491
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.18 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

The Best of the Best

Alice, Peter, Dorothy, the Wardrobe, half-magic . . . all on quests in magical places. But this one is the best and the most meaningful. Alone, Griselda is be-friended by magical creatures--not unlike imaginary friends--until she finds strength within herself and her real world. This old book never gained the notariety of others, but is far more enchanting, well-written, and touching than those that became more fashionable. It is a book that many readers claim changed their lives. It entertains and touches the hearts of young and old.

The Cuckoo Clock by Mrs. Molesworth,et al

This is one of the most magical & imaginative children's books I have ever read, I first read it as a child and have never forgotten it! Buy it for your children....

I don't believe you could give a better gift. . .

than "The Cuckoo Clock" to an imaginative child of the proper age! While its tales-within-tales were lovely, what really caught me were the evocative details of the little heroine's surroundings. I realize my love for potpourri, nodding "Mandarin" porcelains, and yes, even cuckoo clocks were formed as I read this book.