What Can Children Learn from the Recent Release, 'About Time'? An Insightful Journey Uncovering the Evolution of Timekeeping

In the world of horology, a delightful newcomer ‘About Time: A Children’s Guide to the History and Science of Time,’ penned by British watchmaker Rebecca Struthers and science communicator Alom Shaha, holds the potential to inspire a new generation of time-keepers. This enticing children’s book breaks down complex scientific concepts into truly comprehensible parts, offering its young readership an enthralling journey through the history and science of timekeeping. The story unfolds from the unique perspective of Eleanor, the young, curious daughter of Hodinkee’s Head of Video, who narrates her first-hand experiences with the book. Packed with comprehensive explanations and enriching anecdotes, ‘About Time’ ensures a deeper understanding of the evolution of time-telling techniques. Eleanor amusingly shares her ’lazy’ method of timekeeping, purely dependent upon modern-day time devices. Juxtaposing this, the book steers its readers towards the age-old technique of using sundials for timekeeping, even providing instructions to craft their own. The charm of this hands-on directive instantly captured Eleanor’s attention. She learns about the ‘gnomon,’ a component whose shadow, influenced by the sun, aligns with a specific number on the dial, reflecting the current time. Eleanor concedes that while this ancient form of timekeeping may not foster utmost accuracy, it indeed traces back to ancient civilizations. Indeed, ‘About Time’ surpasses being just a reading experience. It fosters an interactive platform for children to vicariously adapt to and appreciate different eras of horology development while fostering the spirit of inquisitiveness in the readers. This exceptional blend of history, science, and fun activities positions ‘About Time’ as a promising tool in shaping future time enthusiasts.