Tristan is the new kid in a new city with parents who always work, even on weekends. They are essentially portrayed as workaholic, clueless parents. Tristan is ignored by his older sister and targeted by a bully who threatens Tristan that he will “get it” if he doesn't steal for him. Tristan doesn't know what to do. He can't talk to his parents, or anyone and one day he feels the pressure of everything that's happening so he yells out that he hates time and wants it to end. That's when things change.

It's not that time stops but more like it doesn't really exist so things don't start or finish on time. Things seem to be at a standstill. Get it? No? Neither did we. It was quite confusing for the kids and me to understand. My son kept saying, “ But Mom, the time didn't really stop because they still have day and night.” Time stopping was more conceptual and abstract and it contrasted too much with the ideas of a Time Keeper and the Time Bandits that only showed up halfway through the book.

As we continued reading, the story became more a philosophical quest to understand time. As an adult I could see where the author was going, but for kids who absolutely do NOT have the same concept of time as adults, the story became boring and long-winded, just when it should have gotten more interesting. This book had so much potential, but unfortunately my kids and I did not think it funny, or adventurous.

  

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